In Florida, crimes are classified as felonies or misdemeanors. Misdemeanors are the less serious of the two, but an arrest for a misdemeanor crime can have serious and lasting effects on a person’s life and livelihood. A misdemeanor offense is one where a person, upon conviction, can be sentenced to up to 12 months in jail, for a first degree misdemeanor. For a second degree misdemeanor, the maximum jail sentence is sixty (60) days.

However, our goal in many of these cases is to achieve a resolution for our client that allows them to participate in some kind of pretrial diversion program which, once completed, will result in the charges being dropped without the client getting a conviction on his or her record. If those options are unavailable, there may be other ways to get the misdemeanor charges dropped or see that the sentence is as light as possible and adjudication of guilt is withheld to preserve the integrity of our client’s record.

There are many crimes that are classified as misdemeanors. Some of them include:

• Drunk Driving or DUI
• Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License (DWLS)
• Possession of Certain Drugs
• Petit Theft
• Shoplifting
• Assault
• Battery
• Some Domestic Violence Charges
• Violation of Restraining Orders
• Solicitation of Prostitution
• Resisting Arrest
• Trespass
• Disorderly Conduct
• Disorderly Intoxication
• Bad or Worthless Checks
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon
• Criminal Mischief

If you have been arrested for a misdemeanor crime, it is important to contact a law firm whose lawyers appreciate the serious nature of these charges and will work towards achieving a resolution for you that results in the most minimal impact on your life. If you have any questions regarding any misdemeanor crimes in Jacksonville, Northeast Florida or Southeast Georgia, please call us at 904-642-3332 or contact us online.