Waynesville Misdemeanor Lawyer

North Carolina misdemeanors are crimes that are less severe than felonies and usually carry lighter consequences. They are divided into four different categories depending on the severity of the offense, including:

• Class A1 Misdemeanors: These are the most severe misdemeanor crimes in Waynesville. They mainly involve assault and usually carry heavier penalties. Some of the common class A1 misdemeanor offenses include child abuse, sexual battery, assault with a deadly weapon, and assaults on disabled persons, women, and unborn children.
• Class 1 Misdemeanors: These charges are less serious than class A1 misdemeanors. They include larceny crimes, possession of stolen property, disorderly conduct, use of false information, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Class 2 Misdemeanors: They include simple assault, reckless driving, resisting an arrest, or unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon. You may also be charged with a class 2 misdemeanor when you are found in possession of a controlled substance classified as Schedule V.
• Class 3 Misdemeanors: These are the least severe types of misdemeanors in Waynesville. You may face class 3 misdemeanors if you’re charged with shoplifting, trespassing, or simple marijuana possession.

Whatever criminal charges you’re facing, our skilled criminal defense attorneys can help you achieve the best outcome for your case. We are committed to protecting our clients’ rights and are ready to guide you through the complicated, frightening, and often frustrating Waynesville criminal justice system.

While misdemeanors may be considered minor offenses, they still carry serious penalties and could leave you with life-altering consequences. You could face the following penalties if you’re convicted of a Waynesville misdemeanor:

Fines and Jail time

Misdemeanor charges can lead to heavy fines and several months in jail. Typically, the sentence an offender receives depends on the classification of the misdemeanor. If convicted:

• Class A1 misdemeanors attract a jail sentence of up to 5 months (150 days) and/or a fine that the court deems appropriate
• Class 1 misdemeanors are punishable by a maximum of 120 days behind bars and a fine determined by the court
• Class 2 misdemeanors attract a maximum jail term of 2 months (60 days) and a fine of up to $1,000
• Class 3 misdemeanors carry a jail term of up to 20 days and a fine of up to $200

Unfortunately, things may quickly escalate, and your misdemeanor charges may be elevated to felony offenses, which carry harsher sentences and fines. The judge may also impose a harsher penalty when you have prior convictions or your offenses involve hate, bias, or gang affiliation.

Other Penalties

The judge may also impose alternate penalties that don’t involve a jail sentence. They may place the offender on supervised probation, which may include the following:

• Community service
• House arrest with electronic monitoring
• Substance abuse treatment, monitoring, or assessment
• Participation in skills acquisition programs

Our attorneys can help you negotiate for the mildest punishment that does not involve time in jail. Please contact us with questions about misdemeanor sentencing in Waynesville.

A Criminal Record

Unfortunately, the consequences of a misdemeanor conviction go beyond legal penalties. You may have a criminal record that can drastically impact your life. Some of the long-term effects of a misdemeanor conviction include:

• Difficulty obtaining employment
• Loss of professional license
• Ineligibility for financial aid or loans
• Loss of your right to possess a firearm
• Limited housing options
• Loss of child custody

A misdemeanor can hinder you in the future, even after you complete your sentence. Our Waynesville misdemeanor lawyers will fight your charges for you.

Regardless of the offense, being arrested or facing criminal charges can be a terrifying experience. Our misdemeanor defense attorneys will do everything possible to alleviate your fears and resolve the charges to your advantage. Here is how we can help your case:

• Case preparation: We not only assess the details of your case but also conduct an independent and comprehensive investigation to establish the facts and create a strong defense strategy for you.
• Aggressive defense: We provide our clients with aggressive and high-quality legal representation. By working with us, you can be confident that your case is in the hands of a legal team committed to getting your misdemeanor charges dropped, reduced, or dismissed.
• Knowledgeable advice: With years of experience in criminal law, our Waynesville misdemeanor attorneys know what to expect from the prosecution. Therefore, we can help you fight the criminal charges or negotiate a favorable plea agreement.

At King Law, we have the legal knowledge and experience that can make a significant difference in your case. You’ll immediately feel the benefits of our personalized services, competence, and attention to detail.