New York, similar to other states, divides crimes into misdemeanors and felonies. Although misdemeanors are less serious offenses, they can still derail your life. Having a criminal history can impact your ability to maintain or obtain employment, secure housing, and more. Unfortunately, numerous penalties can be imposed following a misdemeanor conviciton, including jail time. As such, it’s in your best interest to contact our skilled Nassau County Criminal Defense Attorneys who can effectively represent your interests and protect your rights.
Can I Receive Jail Time for a Misdemeanor?
When you are arrested and charged with a criminal offense, you will face either a misdemeanor or a felony. These classifications of offenses serve to describe various types of crimes with distinct levels of severity. A misdemeanor is a criminal offense that is less serious than a felony but more serious than a violation. Those who are convicted of a misdemeanor crime will have a criminal record. Generally, any crime that carries a maximum punishment of one year or less in jail is considered a misdemeanor offense. Misdemeanors are typically divided into three groups:
- Class A: This is the most serious type of misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail. Some examples include resisting arrest, third-degree assault, petit larceny, and unauthorized use of a computer.
- Class B: This is slightly less serious than a Class A misdemeanor and is punishable by up to three months in jail. Some examples include fourth-degree stalking, repeated harassment, public lewdness, and first-degree loitering.
- Unclassified: The least severe offenses (often traffic offenses) are unclassified. This includes driving with a suspended license, reckless driving, and driving while intoxicated.
As you can see, jail is a potential penalty that can be imposed for a misdemeanor conviction in New York. However, many criminal defendants receive probation instead, especially if it’s their first offense. A criminal defendant is more likely to be sentenced to jail time for a Class A or B misdemeanor.
Should I Speak to an Attorney?
If you are facing a misdemeanor charge, it’s important to retain the legal services of an experienced attorney as soon as possible. At KCS Law, we are prepared to help you formulate a robust defense strategy. Unfortunately, misdemeanors can arise from various types of misconduct. As such, it’s essential to have an attorney on your side who is familiar with cases similar to yours. For instance, a DUI attorney should be consulted if you are accused of driving while under the influence, while an attorney who has more experience handling shoplifting cases would be a better advocate if you are accused of petty theft.
Connect with a dedicated Nassau County criminal defense attorney today to learn how we can help you navigate this complex legal process and fight for the best possible outcome.
