Criminal Misdemeanors

In the United States, criminal misdemeanors are considered crimes punishable by no more than one year in jail. More severe crimes that result in one year or more in jail or prison are considered felonies. Depending on the crime committed, fines will also be attached to a misdemeanor offense.

While criminal misdemeanors are usually considered less serious, they still have the potential to have a negative or debilitating effect on an individual’s life. Misdemeanors do not usually alter a person’s civil rights, but can in fact cause problems if background checks are made in reference to jobs or other opportunities.

Misdemeanor Punishments

Depending on the state, criminal misdemeanors and the punishments they carry will be divided into different classes. A punishment for petty theft may have a much more lenient punishment than aggravated assault. However, the details of an individual’s particular case (prior convictions, probation etc.) will have an effect on the punishment given.

Crimes that are considered criminal misdemeanors may include:

DUI
Shoplifting
Vandalism
Prostitution
Reckless Driving
Drug Possession

A criminal law attorney should be consulted in order for the appropriate and necessary steps to be taken in the event of a criminal misdemeanor charge. In addition to any fines attached to the crime, an individual may also be faced with other penalties including jail time not exceeding one year, probation and community service.

A person sentenced to serve time as a result of a criminal misdemeanor will typically serve this time in a local jail, as opposed to prison sentences handed down in felony cases. Is some cases, an individual may have the opportunity to serve time only on the weekends until the imposed requirements are met.

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