Contrary to public opinion, not all crimes are classified equally across all States in the U.S. In Florence, South Carolina, misdemeanors are conventionally described as criminal offenses more serious than infractions but less consequential than felonies. Misdemeanors are mainly punishable by incarceration in jail or fines determined by the court. Understanding misdemeanors and their resulting consequences should be basic instinct to every citizen. After all, you might end up convicted for one and getting acquitted might become a daunting task, to say the least. Misdemeanors are widely considered to fetch different penalties depending on the gravity of the crime.
Petty misdemeanors usually command a fine of $ 500 or even a six months stint behind bars. On the other hand, gross misdemeanors consist of a different outcome altogether based on the severity of the crime. In most situations, Judges don’t hesitate to consider shoplifting as a direct form of gross misdemeanor. On the other hand, traffic violations revolving around speeding or running red lights should warrant prosecution as petty misdemeanors. Make no mistake. A misdemeanor charge can ultimately land you in jail when adequate legal precautions are not implemented. Since most of us marvel at speeding or driving under the influence, you might want to think twice before getting behind the wheel of a car.
Unlike an infraction, being convicted of a misdemeanor charge can undesirably affect your life in several ways. It might appear as a minor traffic offense, but such a crime can, later on, affect your reputation while pursuing career growth in a prestigious company. That’s why each effort must be dedicated to expunging your misdemeanor charge from your record once an acquittal has been instigated. Such a move is solely intended on eliminating any obstacles that might affect career advancement irrespective of your criminal background. For this reason, it’s advisable to request for a “certified finding of accurate innocence” from the prosecutor to serve as undeniable proof.
Getting acquitted from a misdemeanor is much easier compared to a felony. Based on the magnitude of the crimes, felonies such as theft or robbery with violence can irrefutably cost you considerable time in prison.
Are you in need of representation against a misdemeanor charge? Don’t hesitate to call an experienced lawyer in South Carolina for guidance on the way forward.
