Protecting Your Future After A Misdemeanor Criminal Accusation
While a misdemeanor charge is less serious than a felony, no criminal charge should be taken lightly. A misdemeanor could result in hefty fines, license suspensions or even imprisonment. If a misdemeanor charge is threatening your record, contact The Maloof Law Firm of Dekalb County. Call us at 404-492-5104 for strong and effective criminal defense representation.
What Is A Misdemeanor?
A misdemeanor is any criminal charge in Georgia that carries one year or less of incarceration. The maximum fine for a misdemeanor is $1,000.00 plus court costs. Misdemeanors vary from minor traffic violations to prostitution and domestic violence. Any arrest generates a criminal record no matter how minor the offense. Many misdemeanors become a felony if a person has prior convictions for the same offense or if a certain dollar value is stolen or damaged.
For example, shoplifting becomes a felony if a person commits the offense four times, or if the value of the goods taken is $500.00 or greater. Some misdemeanors become high and aggravated. These misdemeanors can have higher fines than $1,000.00. Certain misdemeanors carry with them mandatory penalties such as license suspensions and jail time. All traffic violations are misdemeanors. Below is a list of common misdemeanors and any mandatory punishments they carry.
Drug And Alcohol Offenses
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
-The mandatory punishments are covered in the DUI section of our website
Possession of Marijuana less than one ounce
-A mandatory six-month suspicion of your driver’s license
Possession of Alcohol by a Minor
-If the alcohol was purchased with a fake ID or is found in your car, then a six-month suspension of your driver’s license
Distributing Alcohol to Any Person Under the Age of 21
-No minimums under Georgia law but can result in the loss of a business license
Public Intoxication
-No mandatory minimums
Open Container
-No mandatory minimums
Crimes Of Violence
Assault
-No minimums but usually results in a period of probation, anger management classes, and jail time if a history of violence exists.
Battery
-No minimums but usually results in a period of probation, anger management classes, and jail time if a history of violence exists.
Cruelty to Children in the third degree
-No minimums but usually results in a period of probation, anger management classes, and jail time if a history of violence exists.
Disorderly Conduct
-No minimums
Frey
-No minimums
Domestic Violence Battery
-Loss of the right to possess a firearm, domestic violence classes are common, a second conviction can be charged as a felony and the sentence can be five years.
Sex Crimes
Prostitution
-High and aggravated misdemeanor (fine of up to $5,000.00) only four days of good time per month served in jail(felony if the prostitute is 18 or younger)
Sexual Battery
-High and aggravated misdemeanor (fine up to $5,000.00) felony if committed on a minor (Second offense is a felony)
Solicitation For Prostitution
-No mandatory minimums
Public Indecency
-No mandatory minimums (third offense becomes a felony)
Vehicular Misdemeanors
Vehicular Manslaughter
-No mandatory minimums
Fleeing and Attempting to Elude
-Minimum 10 days in jail and a $500.00 fine
Any Moving Violation
-No mandatory minimums
Reckless Driving
-No mandatory minimums
Aggressive Driving
-Aggravated Misdemeanor minimum $1,000.00 fine
No Insurance
-$200.00 fine and a 60-day suspension of your license, second offense 90-day license suspension and government monitored insurance required
Suspended License
-$500.00 fine and two days in jail, second and third within five years aggravated misdemeanor and $1000.00 fine to a $5000.00 fine and minimum 10 days in jail, the fourth offense is a felony requiring one-five years in prison
Crimes Against Property
Criminal Trespass
-No mandatory minimums
Shoplifting
-No mandatory minimums (felony if the property value exceeds $500.00) (a fourth conviction is a felony)
Criminal Damage to Property
-No mandatory minimums (felony if $500.00 or more in property value)
Start Building A Strong Defense Today
Discuss your misdemeanor case with experienced criminal defense attorneys. The Maloof Law Firm has worked in the Dekalb County criminal justice system for generations, and we are ready to put our experience to work for you. Email us today or call our office at 404-492-5104 to start building a strong and effective legal defense.