Do I Need a Lawyer for a Class a Misdemeanor?

If you have been charged with a Class A Misdemeanor, you will need a lawyer to represent you to defend your charges. After all, a Class A Misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.00. You can be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor through a traffic citation such as Street Racing or Leaving the Scene of an Accident or you can be charged through a criminal complaint such as a complaint for Battery or Domestic Battery.

A Class A Misdemeanor is the most serious type of misdemeanor. There are three classes of misdemeanors in Illinois. Class A, Class B and Class C. A Class C Misdemeanor is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,500.00. Class B Misdemeanor is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,500.00. All three types of misdemeanors are punishable by jail, and therefore a lawyer will be needed to defend any of those class of charges. 

Misdemeanors are different than felonies. Felonies are more severe as far as penalty and consequences go. However, if you are facing a misdemeanor (as is the case for facing a felony), obtaining a criminal defense lawyer should be a top priority. You do not want to defend yourself against an experienced prosecution attorney when such stakes are at risk. Finding the right lawyer to fight against these charges and represent you in court is necessary. 

If you have been charged with a Class A Misdemeanor, an effective Criminal Defense Class A Misdemeanor lawyer will be able to litigate any appropriate defense pertaining to your case, get possible reductions of the charges to a lesser offense like a Class B or Class C offense, seek potential dismissals or even keep the charges off your public record. Even if the charges end up being a conviction, there are still routes to be pursued to avoid having to serve any jail time. One option could be receiving a sentence where you will be monitored either by a Court or a probation officer but avoiding avoid jail time. Such sentencing orders are called Conditional Discharge and Probation. If your charges are one that will call for you to go to trial to prove your innocence, then it is important to have an experienced trial attorney that is familiar with the rules of evidence and presenting your defense in an effective manner. Therefore, you will need an attorney for your Class A Misdemeanor offense. 

Our law firm represents individuals charged with traffic misdemeanors. Contact our firm for a consultation to discuss your Class A Misdemeanor charge. With experience, talent, and the necessary skills, we are able to assist individuals charged with these types of offenses.