Misdemeanors

Everybody makes mistakes, and that is a fact that is proven over and over again. In the legal world, there is a term used to pertain to a small misbehaving, which is a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor usually refers to small criminal acts lesser than felonies. Examples of these include first-time drunk driving and leaving the scene of an accident. If you are facing misdemeanor charges, get in touch with a Kennewick misdemeanor attorney who can guide you in understanding criminal defense law.

In the language of criminal defense law, misdemeanor charges are lesser compared to felonies, but still, there is a whole legal process involved in misdemeanor charges. In the three crime categories, with felonies being the most serious and infractions being the least serious, misdemeanor falls in the middle. The maximum sentencing for misdemeanors is a year in jail. 

Compassionate Kennewick Misdemeanor Attorney

If you are facing misdemeanor charges in Kennewick, WA, know that there is no better person to turn to than a dedicated misdemeanor attorney from McBurney Law. An attorney can review your case and aggressively defend you, helping you arrive at the best possible outcome. Our attorney, who has been practicing for nearly three decades in other fields, such as criminal defense and family law, is committed to advocating for you at your trial and ensuring you are treated fairly in court despite the charges stacked against you. 

Schedule an appointment immediately with a Kennwick misdemeanor attorney from McBurney Law. The law office’s attorney is committed to helping you understand your situation and how the criminal defense system works, allowing you to make better, informed decisions about your case. Nothing compares to the security of having a criminal defense lawyer by your side when facing misdemeanor charges. Get in touch with a misdemeanor attorney from Kennewick, WA, now. 

Why Do I Need a Misdemeanor Attorney in Kennewick, Washington?

If you are currently facing a misdemeanor charge for small illegal acts such as leaving the scene of an accident, you could stand to face a year in jail. Though you might want to accept your fate, know that there is always another option for your misdemeanor case. You can always reach out to a Kennewick misdemeanor attorney from McBurney Law to help advocate for you and perform negotiations on your behalf that could get you a lesser sentence. 

Criminal defense is one practice area needing legal assistance from a lawyer well-versed in criminal law. The criminal defense lawyer at McBurney Law has more than a decade’s worth of legal practice handling felonies and misdemeanor charges. They can help you with charges ranging from the serious to the mundane, from drug possession to traffic violations. The duties of the criminal defense lawyer include:

• Building legal defense
• Navigating jury selection
• Negotiating bargains
• Advocating for you during sentencing

Facing criminal charges can be intimidating. You feel scared and lost facing the court, but also all the repercussions a seemingly minor act can bring upon your life. Know that even if you are the defendant, you have the right to protect yourself against those charges, and this is possible with the help of a criminal defense attorney. Contact a Kennewick misdemeanor attorney from our law firm to help get your life back on track. 

What are Misdemeanors?

In criminal law, there are three types of crimes: felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. Felonies are the most serious ones and usually encompass actions such as burglary and arson. Infractions are the mildest, and some examples include traffic violations. The middle ground is misdemeanors. Crimes that fall under misdemeanors include simple assault and first-time driving offenses such as drunk driving. 

The typical sentencing for misdemeanor charges is a maximum of one year in prison, though some states can extend it to 18 months. Certain flexibilities can make an offense qualify as a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the criminal offense committed. The penalty depends on the sentencing. Crimes like these are called wobblers, and most involve domestic violence and fraud.

Even if you are facing misdemeanor charges, you still have a right to defend yourself. Enlist the help of a Kennewick misdemeanor attorney from McBurney Law now! 

What are Common Misdemeanor Examples?

Common misdemeanor examples include:

• Minor drug possession
• Drunk driving
• Minor assault/battery
• Petty theft
• Trespassing and vandalism
• Minor sex crimes

There are plenty of classifications for misdemeanors, and these vary from state to state, with differing punishment degrees and the amount of money lost along with the seriousness of the injury. Misdemeanors are categorized by class. If you are facing a misdemeanor criminal charge, know that you deserve to have your side heard. Schedule an appointment with a misdemeanor lawyer.  

What are Flexible and Federal Treatments of Misdemeanors?

Prosecutors and judges are provided flexibility through broad definitions of a misdemeanor for charging and sentencing, usually done for actions that call for punishments that combine misdemeanor fines and an incarceration period with the length given to felonies usually. This law varies from state to state. There is also the concept of wobblers meaning the judge can decide a single criminal matter as either a misdemeanor or a felony.

Federal treatments of misdemeanors align with strict federal guidelines that rigidly apply to the federal sentencing chart. This chart has fixed values for the severity of the offense, criminal history, and other factors. This also has fixed adjustments and departures.

What are the Consequences For a Misdemeanor?

Misdemeanors are considered crimes of moral turpitude as they can equal jail time and not just mere fines, giving it a bit of a distinction from infarctions. Misdemeanors can result in reduced chances of scholarships or employment. Even dismissed or uncharged misdemeanor arrests can impact a person’s future which is why a defendant must ask for a certified finding of factual innocence. 

While the typical misdemeanor sentencing is a year in prison, it can go up to 18 months in some states. However, there is a way to avoid jail time through alternatives. Individuals with misdemeanor convictions can avoid incarceration. Other options include probation, paying fines, community service, restitution, or paying compensation to a victim. 

Call our Misdemeanor Attorney in Kennewick, WA, Now!

While relatively not as serious as a felony, misdemeanors still carry plenty of weight. A misdemeanor charge on your criminal record could mean the loss of certain privileges such as scholarships and getting a good job. Fortunately, getting in touch with a misdemeanor lawyer can help you get your life back on track. An attorney can negotiate plea bargains to grant you a lesser sentence. All this would be possible through the help of a dedicated Kennewick misdemeanor attorney who can generously provide legal service.

Call a misdemeanor attorney in Kennewick, WA, from McBurney Law immediately! A criminal defense lawyer with significant knowledge in the practice area will be your staunchest advocate, providing you with legal advice and insight on criminal law to help you make better, more informed decisions. With over two decades of service in Washington state, there is no better ally you’d want to have in this battle. 

You deserve a fighting chance. Schedule an appointment with McBurney Law instantly!