Most Common Misdemeanors You Could Be Accused Of

Published on: 23 June 2018 Last Updated on: 26 July 2023

If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor crime, you need to be proactive in your criminal defense. Your arrest is only the beginning of the criminal justice process. You should contact a criminal defense lawyer who has experience with your type of case. There are several things you need to know when facing misdemeanor charges.

Here are Most Common Misdemeanors You Could Be Accused Of:

1. Consequences of a Misdemeanor Conviction:

Misdemeanor charges range from improper smoking to attempting to escape from jail. Misdemeanor convictions are fairly common in Michigan. The state courts see thousands of cases going through courts annually. There are three types of misdemeanors to look out for:

93-day misdemeanors
1-year misdemeanors
High court misdemeanors

These time periods refer to the maximum jail sentence that you can serve. High court misdemeanors are more serious crimes and are punishable by a prison term of up to two years. While less serious than felony charges, all misdemeanors are considered crimes, and a conviction can result in jail, fines, and a criminal record. Michigan legal help like the Law Office of Rathi & Associates for legal needs when facing Michigan misdemeanor court. If you are facing misdemeanor charges then a misdemeanor lawyer will help you avoid the worst of any incoming punishments.

2. Misdemeanor Property Crimes:

Property crimes are offenses that involve the appropriation or destruction of physical items, but can also involve thefts of services or intellectual properties. Like most jurisdictions, state law determines whether a property crime will be classified as a misdemeanor or felony based on the dollar amount and extenuating circumstances around the crime. Some of the more common misdemeanor property crimes include:

Petty (or petit) theft under $200
Petty theft under $1,000
Vandalism with under $200 in damage
Vandalism with under $1,000 in damage
Public urination
Trespassing

3. Misdemeanor Crimes Against Persons:

Crimes against persons can involve touching or striking a person against their will, creating disturbances and other offenses that affect individuals and groups of individuals. As is the case with property crimes, a crime against a person can be either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances surrounding the crime and the severity of the offense. Some of the more common misdemeanor crimes against persons include the following:

Assault and battery
Domestic assault
Misdemeanor stalking
Disorderly conduct
Resisting arrest
Prostitution

These are the common crimes committed against a person. If you’ve been charged with any of these crimes, you may have to face punishment, including imprisonment, fines, probation, and loss of civil rights. In some cases, you may also be required to pay restitution to the victim.

However, the specific consequences may vary depending on the severity of the charges, the state in which the crime was committed, and the accused’s prior criminal record. For example, if you’ve been accused of domestic violence charges, regardless of your location, it’s important to work with an attorney who can guide you in protecting your rights and interests.

4. Misdemeanors Traffic Crimes and DUI:

Driving Under the Influence is usually a misdemeanor unless there are extenuating circumstances like multiple DUI prior offenses, drug possession, or an accident involving injuries. There are also some non-alcohol-related traffic violations that are classified as misdemeanors. Some of the more common misdemeanor traffic crimes include:

1st or 2nd DUI
Open container
Fleeing and eluding
Leaving the scene of an accident
Reckless driving
Driving on a suspended or revoked license
Drag racing

Indeed, there are several traffic crimes that you could be accused of, depending on your personal circumstances. Like other misdemeanors, a conviction for traffic crimes, including a DUI offense, can carry many consequences.

Moreover, it’s important to note that the consequences of traffic crimes can be serious, so it’s best to drive safely and obey the law. If you’re convicted of a traffic crime, consulting with an attorney to discuss your options would be beneficial. They can evaluate the facts of your case and develop the right defense strategy.

5. Misdemeanor Drug Crimes:

With the exception of marijuana possession, many drug crimes in most states are felonies. Possession of marijuana in any amount is a misdemeanor, but other activities related to the drug, such as selling it to others, can constitute a felony. In certain states, a person can legally carry up to 2.5 ounces of medical marijuana with a valid prescription.

Conclusion

Being accused of a misdemeanor can be frustrating and stressful. Therefore, to mitigate the impact of a potential misdemeanor charge on your life, keep the above information in mind and seek legal counsel if necessary.

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Bail Bonds: What You Should Know

Paying bail bonds are not as simple as it seems. Knowing and having the right understanding of how these work, how it is determined, what the payment methods are, and other important issues are very important for anybody who is facing an arrest or who has an arrested loved one. There are several questions asked online to shed light and find out what bail bonds are all about which you may also have, click here to find out the answers. What is Bail? It is a term to describe the release of a person arrested for a criminal offense before the end of the criminal case. It can involve - but not every time - the defendant paying money to a court; this is not a punishment. It ensures the court that the defendant returns to the court now and then while the case is ongoing. It ensures the court that the defendant does not fail to go to court without having to keep him in custody all the time. Bails are significant in both ends – the arrested and the authorities. It ensures that people, no matter if they have a case at court, are free and, also, it avoids having to jam-pack jails with offenders, while have not been convicted yet. With it, offenders can be released almost in any stage of the criminal justice process, either immediately after arrest or while the case is ongoing and the court has not issued a sentence yet. This means that if someone gets arrested, three possible scenarios can come to place: he is arrested and released without charge; he is arrested, charged, and released on bail; or he is arrested, charged and is held in custody until the verdict of the case comes out. Schedule of Bails This is a list of the amount of money applied to individual crimes and can be paid in terms of bails. State laws determine the amount appropriated for a crime, and they decide whether the arrested individual be released without posting any bond at all or if the individual is allowed to post any or not; or if allowed to post bail, should it be posted (and individual is released with it) after booking or should they wait for a hearing. If the state laws allow for immediate release after the appropriate amount is paid, the defendant can post this immediately and release will follow. But if the state law requires a hearing, the defendant will not be able to pay immediately after booking and be released, instead, he will have to wait for the hearing to ensure before anything else. Hearings During a hearing, the court would determine the amount applicably. However, courts do not always allow this; they can also deny it according to applicable state laws. If allowed, the amount will be determined using the following factors as a basis: Flight Risk Level: Sometimes defendants would escape the system especially when they are facing possible major sentences such as death or life imprisonment. These defendants are most likely to flee and escape the penalties. Degree of Connections to the Community: An individual who has a strong connection to the community where he belongs would be less likely to flee. For example, a defendant who has a business in his locality or whose entire family is in that locality, he will have a lesser likelihood of fleeing compared to individuals who have nothing to lose in that locality. Obligations in the Family: Sometimes the court will consider and require lesser bail to defendants who are responsible for the well-being of his family or who have other dependents. Assets and Incomes: When a defendant has a lot of money and/or assets, he may likely not be considered for a low amount. If the defendant is employed, the court may consider that the defendant may likely lose the employment. Court and Criminal Histories of Defendants: Especially individuals who have had histories involving failures to appear in court will most likely have to face higher bonds compared to those who are first-timers in court. Also, the court would look into the number of times a person may have been granted bail and have violated conditions related to the given considerations or who have failed to appear in court. The court will most likely impose higher bond amounts to these individuals as compared to someone without such history. The gravity of the Crime: More serious crimes require higher bonds and lesser serious crimes require lower bond amounts. Public Safety: If the release of an accused individual would pose a risk to the safety of others and/or the community, the courts would most likely refuse to allow bail. Examples for these are cases of treason, rebellion, terrorism, or conspiracy - a defendant charged with these crimes would most likely not be allowed to post bail. The Types of Bail Bonds Most of the time bail bonds are associated with money. The notion is that when one is arrested and he has the money, he can get out of jail immediately. However, it is more complicated than that. There are several questions asked online to shed light and know what bail bonds are all about which you may also have. Different states may have different types of bails, some may apply to another and in others, it may not. The different types may include cash bonds, signature bonds, property bonds, surety bonds, and others. Read Also: Under What Circumstances Can You Bring a Claim Against an Employer? Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident that wasn't My Fault?

The Most Important Questions To Ask Your Trial Consultant Before Going To The First Day Of Your Court Case

When you have to go to court, a million thoughts are running through your head. You are probably feeling insecure, panicked, and even terrified to go into the building because of what is about to happen. That fact can be authentic if you don't have the best communication skills or patience. This is where a trial consultant comes in to help. The professional trial consultant can discuss the case with you and help you understand how to speak in court so that there are no problems later on with the client or the lawyer. Let’s see first who a trial consultant is. Who Is Trial Consultant? Every new law practitioner is facing a mental dilemma on their first day at court. Presenting your case the first time in front of the judge and many audiences will never be an easy task. But when you are appointed a professional trial consultant prior to your case, you can try the mock trial session for you. The professional trial consultant is not only organizing the mock sessions. They are also boosting up your mental strength and improving your communication skills. The trial consultant appointing is always bringing more benefits on your professional front. They are helping you prepare your witness and the paper presentations along with the improved argumentation skill. How To Speak Properly On Your First Day At Court? One question that you might have for your trial consultant is how to speak in a way that helps the judge and jury understand your case. A great example would be to think about someone who has a heavy southern accent and be in a trial in California. Would they think less of him if they couldn't understand him? Or judge him based on where he is from? That is not supposed to happen, but there are times when it does. A trial consultant like Rick M. Goldberg & Associates can help you with language barriers and the most effective ways to communicate while ensuring that the lawyer is asking you the right questions credibly. A witness should be confident and persuasive though never altering the truth and should be able to understand their role while providing credible testimony. Your Trial Consultant Will Hold A Mock Trial For You Another question that you may have for the trial consultant is how the trial will take place. In many cases, witnesses only base a prosecution on what they have seen on television, and it goes pretty differently in real life. As such, a trial consultant will have you hold a mock trial so that you understand how effective you will be in a formal setting. It also allows you to fine-tune your posturing and how you present the information of the case. They are practical and highly beneficial to witnesses because it helps them become more confident and helps to ensure they don't walk into a trial blindsided. However, one note of caution that you will need to keep in mind is that you always need to remember to be fair. It can be harder to understand with the opponent because you are not usually allowed to replicate the mock trial or presentation or know everything they will be doing when they present the case. Be Calm And Present Your Case Carefully A trial consultant is more or less efficient to ensure that when you walk into the room, you understand what is expected and how to present yourself in the best manner so that you can have a judge and jury know where you are coming from. Presenting the facts in the best way possible ensures that you have the most substantial chance of success and winning your case. Using a trial consultant also ensures that your story is truthful, and you get to tell your side of what happened. Having that benefit ensures that you will maximize your chances of winning the case. Conclusion: When you are taking your first case and face court the first time, you will face many challenges. The most important factor is that most law practitioners are facing challenges preparing for juries, papers. The most important factor is an argument in the court is challenging, and when you are taking the help of a professional trial consultant, all your hardships are turning out to be an easy and smooth process. Read Also: Three Practical Tips And Techniques For New Trial Lawyers Under What Circumstances Can You Bring a Claim Against an Employer? Under What Circumstances Can You Bring a Claim Against an Employer?

Different Types of Lawsuits you should know about

The legal sector is jam-packed with countless lawsuits. Some lawsuits are common but the general public is not aware of them. Most of the time, people do not know about their legal rights, and they let go of a situation. Many of these lawsuits might require going to courts, while others can be handled by an experienced lawyer. Mentioned-below is lawsuits you should know about: Different types of lawsuits you should know about: 1. Medical Negligence Medical negligence occurs when a patient is harmed or becomes sick due to carelessness concerning clinical faculty. In this claim, your attorney will decide whether there was a breach in standard care, the danger of injury because of the actions of staff, and gather proof. These claims can be complicated, and it is important to have a clinical malpractice lawyer on your side. 2. Product Liability Lawsuits Damaged items, for example, toys, machines, vehicle seats, brakes, air sacks, etc., can cause injuries that may qualify as a case for product liability damages. Regardless of whether the imperfection happened in the design, assembling, maintenance, or during repair, you could recover money-related remuneration to help take care of your medical bills. Like different kinds of injuries, a product liability attorney can make the cycle a lot simpler. Paraquat Lawsuit is similar in the sense that paraquat is a harmful chemical that can cause Parkinson’s disease. You can file a lawsuit if you have ever been in contact with such products containing this chemical. 3. Accident lawsuits Car crash lawsuits are one of the most famous personal injury claims. Regardless of whether it is a minor accident, or include drivers, travelers, and pedestrians, a car accident lawsuit can be filed. Managing the insurance agency can add to the pressure so it might be ideal to hire an accomplished Atlanta Car Accident Attorney who can assist you with getting a proper settlement. 4. Workers' Compensation Laborers' compensation benefits are given when workers are hurt at work. Managers are lawfully answerable for keeping a safe workplace for their workers, and even though you can't record a claim against an employer, recruiting a lawyer can assist you with getting the benefits. This may incorporate pay, time off work, and guaranteeing your position doesn’t end because of your physical injury. 5. Discrimination Discrimination claims may not only be documented by workers of an organization, but also by clients, providers, patients, sellers, and others who have an association with the business on the off chance that they were dealt with unreasonably because of race, color, religion, age, handicap, and different factors. 6. Dog Bite Lawsuits Around 5 million dog bite accidents happen each year in the U.S., and around 800,000 of those occurrences require clinical care. While laws with respect to dog bite differ from state to state, most of the time the proprietor of the dog is liable for any wounds caused by the dog. As a rule, dog bite victims are reluctant to look for a lawyer in light of the fact that the dog was a pet of a friend, relative, or neighbor. In any case, an accomplished lawyer can help moderate the pressure and continue with a claim in a manner that fulfills all parties involved. More About Your Lawsuits Here are some of the common queries every law student will have before they can jump into getting a specialization. 1. What Kinds of Lawsuits Offer the Biggest Payouts? Personal injury suits, medical malpractice cases, and product liability claims get any client the highest rewards. Often, these involve catastrophic injuries or deaths that substantial settlements or verdicts match that. For law students looking for a practice area that offers the most opportunities while presenting challenges, any form of personal injury, which includes other big businesses or health sectors, is the way to go. 2. What Are the 2 Most Popular Types of Civil Cases? The two most popular types of civil cases are personal injury and contract disputes. Personal injury lawsuits involve one party being injured or suffering harm due to the actions of another party. Contract disputes occur when one party fails to fulfill the obligations outlined in a legally binding contract. Especially when there has been an official signing of contracts between the two parties. 3. What Are the Different Types of “Sue”? Some of the more typical types of lawsuits are civil lawsuits, criminal lawsuits, and small claims suits. Civil lawsuits are disputes between people or organizations. Criminal lawsuits are when the government prosecutes someone for committing a crime. Small claims courts are for cases with a small amount of money on the line and are often available for cases other than specific family law-related ones. 4. What Personal Injury Lawsuits Can Pay the Most? Personal injury lawsuits where a catastrophic injury or death occurs tend to be the personal injury lawsuits that pay the highest compensation. In fact, you can expect multi-million-dollar settlements. These verdicts are not uncommon in cases involving wrongful death due to negligent product design or manufacture, severe burns, or brain damage. It often causes defective products or other personal injuries that cause life-altering damages. 5. How Much Do Personal Injury Lawyers Take? Personal injury lawyers usually work on a “no win, no fee” contingency basis and take 25% to 40% of your settlement as their fee. This arrangement allows you to make a claim without having to pay upfront fees. Plus, it gives your lawyer an incentive to aim for the maximum compensation the law allows. 6. How Much of the Settlement Does the Attorney Take if They Win a Personal Injury Trauma Lawsuit? For personal injury trauma lawsuits, most lawyers charge a contingency fee ranging from 33% to 45% of your settlement (depending on where you are located and how much experience your lawyer has). These percentages increase if the case goes to trial and he or she wins. Read Also: What Do Criminal Defense Attorneys Do? Here’s What You Do After Being Involved in an Accident at Work How To Settle Claims In Case Of A Personal Injury Incident?

Most Common Misdemeanors You Could Be Accused Of

Here are Most Common Misdemeanors You Could Be Accused Of: