Misdemeanor cases are not as serious as felonies, but a conviction may change your life to the worse. The penalties include spending time in jail, paying thousands of dollars in fines, losing certain privileges depending on the case, and many other small but life-changing penalties. That’s why you shouldn’t take such charges lightly and you should talk to a Valparaiso misdemeanor attorney for help.
Misdemeanors are crimes punishable by up to one year in jail. Most of them are victimless crimes, such as marijuana possession or public intoxication, but sometimes they involve a minor personal injury to someone. Indiana laws divide misdemeanors into three classes:
● Class A misdemeanor - leading to up to one year in county jail and up to $5000 in fines
● Class B misdemeanor - leading to up to 180 days in county jail and up to $1000 in fines
● Class C misdemeanor - leading to up to 60 days in county jail and up to $500 in fines
In many cases, judges in Indiana would impose punishments on the lower end. Moreover, prosecutors may allow you to participate in a diversion program, a prosecution-run program which, if completed successfully, results in dismissal or vast reducing of charges.
However, to reach the point where your case is dismissed, you need to talk to an experienced Indiana misdemeanor attorney for advice. That’s why you should call us now at 219-929-7060 and schedule a consultation. Tell us about your case and we’ll let you know about your options.