Walton County Misdemeanor Crimes Attorney
In the State of Georgia, all crimes are divided up into two basic categories. Misdemeanors crimes — which can result in a maximum term of 12 months of jail or probation. And felonies crimes — which require a minimum one year of prison or confinement and can range all the way up to a life sentence.
While many crimes (depending on their severity) can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, common misdemeanor crimes include:
- Battery
- Assault
- Possession of Marijuana, Less than 1 ounce
- Theft (of 1500 dollars or less)
- Shoplifting (500 dollars or less)
- Criminal Trespass
- Harassing Communications
- Terroristic Threats (of bodily harm not death)
- DUI
- Reckless Driving
- Hit and Run
- Traffic Offenses
Possible Consequences of a Misdemeanor Conviction
While most misdemeanors do not result in jail time for first time offenders, for a general misdemeanor you can be made to pay up to a $1,000.00 dollar fine and to serve 12 months jail or probation. For misdemeanors designated as a “high an aggravated nature” you can be made to pay up to a $5,000 dollar fine.
Even worse than the fines and jail time can be the effect that a misdemeanor crime can have on your record and your future. For that reason, it’s important that you consult with a criminal defense attorney before taking a plea or taking a case to trial. While a plea to a misdemeanor will not make you a convicted felon, it can be reported on criminal history and sometimes made available to employers and the public. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you protect your record and your future through several different strategies including pre-trial diversion, conditional discharge, a nolo plea, first offender, and more.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a misdemeanor offense in Georgia, call us today for a free consultation.