AGGRESSIVELY DEFENDING OUR CLIENTS IN THE AREA OF…

MISDEMEANORS

Misdemeanors refer to those crimes that are considered less serious offenses than felonies – and which are punishable in New York by a sentence of no more than one year of jail time or three years of probation.

However, although misdemeanors may have lesser penalties than felonies, being convicted of a misdemeanor is still a criminal offense. In fact, being convicted of a misdemeanor can subject you to a criminal record for the rest of your life – which can have a serious, and permanent, negative impact on your career when it comes to future employment and background checks.

If you have been charged with any type of misdemeanor, you shouldn’t take it lightly. Seek immediate legal counsel from criminal defense attorneys experienced in defending those accused of a wide variety of misdemeanor offenses.

Not only can proper legal counsel serve to protect your rights and help avoid a conviction that can lead to a criminal record, but criminal defense attorneys experienced in the defense of misdemeanors can also skillfully negotiate options other than jail time for many misdemeanors depending on the particular case and circumstances. This can result in sentences of fines, community service and/or treatment programs instead of incarceration in certain cases.

Further, experienced attorneys can often obtain a reduction of misdemeanor charges or even a dismissal.

At Collins, McDonald & Gann, our lawyers:

• Are experienced in defending individuals charged with a full range of misdemeanors, including:
  
  
  • Petty larceny/Shoplifting (theft of money or objects valued at under $1,000)
  • Assault and battery
  • Domestic violence
  • Drunk driving
  • Criminal mischief (resulting in damage under $250)
  • Trespassing
  • Driving with a suspended license
  • Possession of a controlled substance
    
    
• Have successfully defended thousands of individuals charged with a variety of misdemeanors – helping to reduce or drop charges in many cases, and providing the expert legal counsel that has resulted in sentences of monetary fines, community service and/or treatment programs as an alternative to jail time.
  
  
• Offer unparalleled legal counsel when it comes to ensuring that your rights are protected if charged with any type of misdemeanor, and are experienced in presenting a complete picture of the events resulting in the charged crime and your prior history in order to receive alternative punishments to jail time … protecting your freedom -- and your reputation.
  

Things You Should Know If You’ve Been Charged with a Misdemeanor:

• Although misdemeanors carry less serious penalties and punishments than felonies, being convicted of a misdemeanor offense will subject you to a paramount criminal record. This can negatively impact your future employment, housing, licensing and other areas of your life.
  
  
• If you are charged with a misdemeanor, many times you don’t have to be “held” at the police station or go through booking to be formally charged with a crime. Instead, you may be issued a Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT) – which will require you to come to court on a future date to be formally charged and arraigned. Being issued a DAT gives you time to secure proper legal counsel and report to court armed with the best legal defense to protect your rights.
  
  
• If you are issued a DAT, take it very seriously. Some people mistakenly think that a DAT is merely a warning or “slap on the wrist” and that they don’t need to appear in court. It is imperative that you report to court, as summoned, with an experienced criminal trial attorney to guide you through the system. Failure to report to court as scheduled can result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest.
  
  
• If convicted of a misdemeanor, there are a number of alternatives to jail time in terms of punishment and sentencing. Many times, the type of sentence received can depend on the job that a skilled criminal defense attorney does in terms of presenting the details and facts of the case.
  
  This is why it’s critical to seek the counsel of criminal defense attorneys with expertise in navigating the complex area of misdemeanor charges. Also, experienced counsel may be able to offset some of the negative impact of a criminal record by securing a certificate of relief from civil disabilities in appropriate circumstances.
  

If you’ve been charged with any type of misdemeanor offense, trust the experience – and results – of Collins, McDonald & Gann. Call us 24/7 at 516-294-0300 for immediate, confidential legal counsel at our New York offices.

Let us provide you the defense you need in order to protect your rights, clear your name … and not let a misdemeanor conviction negatively impact your future forever.

Contact Collins, McDonald & Gann today.
We offer a free consultation and case evaluation.