Chandler Misdemeanor Attorney
Misdemeanors are the lowest-level criminal offense that could result in jail time. However, it is crucial to take these charges seriously, as a conviction could have an impact on the rest of your life. A criminal record could have a significant impact on your reputation and hinder personal, financial, and educational prospects.
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, a dedicated defense attorney at Grand Canyon Law Group is here to help. These charges cover a wide range of acts, and all of them are defensible under the right circumstances. Let a Chandler misdemeanor lawyer guide you step-by-step through the criminal justice system.
For a free legal consultation with a misdemeanor lawyer serving Chandler, call 480-400-5555
COMMON TYPES OF MISDEMEANORS IN CHANDLER
Misdemeanors include a wide range of criminal acts. They are a step above standard traffic tickets that do not result in the risk of incarceration, and a step below felonies that could result in years of time behind bars. Some of the most common examples of misdemeanors that our experienced local attorneys handle include:
- DUI
- Disorderly conduct
- Possession of prescription drug
- Criminal damage
- Shoplifting
Chandler Misdemeanor Lawyer Near Me 480-400-5555
UNDERSTANDING THE PENALTIES FOR A MISDEMEANOR CONVICTION
There are four different categories of misdemeanor recognized under state law, and a Chandler attorney could help defend against each of them. These offenses vary in severity, with the lowest tier not including jail time at all. Higher-level misdemeanors could result in months of incarceration. The tiers of misdemeanor offenses and their maximum penalties include:
- Class 1: six months in jail and a $2,500 fine
- Class 2: four months in jail and a $750 fine
- Class 3: 30 days in jail and a $500 fine
- Petty Offense: No jail and a $300 fine
It is important to remember that these are only the maximum penalties prescribed by law. A judge is not obligated to hand down the maximum sentence, and for misdemeanors, it is rare for the maximum to be ordered. Even when a misdemeanor conviction is unavoidable, an attorney at our Chandler office could help lessen the associated penalties.
INCREASING OR DECREASING MISDEMEANOR PENALTIES
There are factors that could increase the penalties a person faces following a misdemeanor conviction. Alternatively, a judge could replace some of the harsher penalties with community service.
Penalties can increase when a person is repeatedly convicted of the same misdemeanor offense. Under the law, any person that is convicted of the same misdemeanor offense twice within a two-year period could see the maximum penalties increased. The judge will upgrade the class of misdemeanor charges by one level. For example, a person convicted of their second class 2 misdemeanor offense will face the sentencing range of a class 1 charge. This could result in up to two additional months of time behind bars.
Judges can also show lenience. The court has the power to order public service to replace most of the other penalties that come with a criminal charge, such as jail time, fines, and fees. The only thing a court cannot replace is any surcharges required under the law. Our knowledgeable lawyers regularly handle misdemeanor cases in Chandler and can further explain the penalties a defendant might face.
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CALL A CHANDLER MISDEMEANOR ATTORNEY RIGHT AWAY
A misdemeanor conviction on your criminal record could have a lasting effect on your reputation or livelihood. These charges must be taken seriously, as you could face time behind bars in most cases.
Do not fight your charges alone. Reach out to a Chandler misdemeanor lawyer as soon as possible. The legal team at Grand Canyon Law Group is prepared to advocate on your behalf throughout the legal process, so give us a call today.
Call or text 480-400-5555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
