after receiving a citation for a misdemeanor when should i hire an attorney

by Jayce Borer V 3 min read

You should treat the citation the same as you would any arrest. Immediately hire an attorney to protect yourself and avoid mistakes that could land you in jail. Misdemeanors can carry up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and can result in a permanent criminal record and incarceration.

Full Answer

Why should I hire an attorney for a misdemeanor charge?

Aug 10, 2017 · However, misdemeanors can have serious non-criminal consequences. If you are arrested and/or charged with a crime in California you should speak with an experienced California criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. This is true even if you believe that the penalties associated with a misdemeanor conviction are minor.

What happens after a citation is issued?

Oct 04, 2018 · You should treat the citation the same as you would any arrest. Immediately hire an attorney to protect yourself and avoid mistakes that could land you in jail. Misdemeanors can carry up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and can result in a permanent criminal record and incarceration. Steps can be taken immediately that can dramatically improve your chances of a …

What happens when I’m charged with a misdemeanor?

Let an experienced criminal defense attorney defend your legal rights by presenting a sound, evidence-backed case. In doing so, you may be able to lower the charges, negotiate a better resolution on your behalf, or potentially have the charges dropped altogether. For immediate assistance, please don’t hesitate to call our firm at (317) 210 ...

What happens if I get an attorney for my arraignment?

Mar 01, 2018 · The following are several reasons why it is a good idea to hiring a lawyer if you’re facing a misdemeanor charge: You still face criminal penalties – Depending on the charge, defendants can face a range of severe short- and long-term consequences. Misdemeanors can still threaten your future by exposing you to the risk of incarceration.

Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor?

Misdemeanors are serious charges. When you've been accused of a misdemeanor crime, it can impact your life heavily. If you've been charged with such a crime, you should seek the services of a skilled criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.Mar 24, 2021

Is a citation the same as a charge?

– A citation is a directive, issued by a law enforcement officer or other person authorized by statute, that a person appear in court and answer a misdemeanor or infraction charge or charges.

How long after being charged do you go to court?

The data can be further broken down by charging stage: Time between the offence being committed and being charged: 323 days. Time between being charged and the first hearing: 34 days.

What happens if I get a misdemeanor?

Misdemeanor sentences can include jail, driver's license suspension, fines, court costs, community service, probation, and restitution (money paid to the victim to cover the costs for treatment of an injury, or to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property).

Do citations go on your criminal record?

Does a citation go on your record? A traffic citation will go on your motor vehicle record (MVR) or even criminal record depending on the type of violation. For example, a speeding ticket usually stays on your driving record for three years.Mar 4, 2021

What does it mean to be issued a citation?

When a court issues a citation, it orders a person to appear at a certain time and place. Failure by the person to adhere to the requirements in a citation results in punishment by the court. On appeal, a court may issue a citation of appeal, giving parties notice of the appeal and ordering them to appear in court.

What evidence do the police need to charge you?

The evidence they gather includes documentary, physical, photographic and other forensic evidence and not just witness testimony. The police arrest and interview suspects. All of this produces a file which when complete the police send to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for review and a decision on prosecuting.Oct 12, 2020

What happens at a first hearing in court?

It is usually a short meeting for the Judge to decide how the case should be organised. The first hearing (First Hearing Dispute Resolution) is usually quite short, and everyone is asked to prepare information for another hearing a few weeks later.

Is there a backlog of court cases?

A large pre-pandemic backlog of criminal cases has ballooned due to coronavirus restrictions, with some trials put back to 2023 and concerns others won't be heard until 2024. Last year, we conducted ground-breaking research which highlighted the importance for victims, witnesses and defendants of reducing court delays.Dec 14, 2021

How long does a misdemeanor stay on your record?

lifeA misdemeanor stays on your record for life unless you successfully petition for expungement. There is no preset “expiration date” for misdemeanor crimes. Even though misdemeanor offenses are less serious than felonies, they are still serious breaches in the eyes of the law.

What do you call a person who has committed a misdemeanor?

In some jurisdictions, those who are convicted of a misdemeanor are known as misdemeanants (as contrasted with those convicted of a felony who are known as felons).

What happens if you plead not guilty at an arraignment?

If you plead "not guilty" at the arraignment, the judge will set a date for trial approximately four weeks from the day of arraignment. Pleading not guilty at the arraignment leaves all your options open until you have more time to decide what you want to do.

The Right to Self-Representation

The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution implicitly states that defendants have the right to legal counsel in criminal cases.

Hire an Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney

For these reasons, it would be in your best interest to hire a private criminal defense attorney as soon as you learn of the charges.

Hire an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

A criminal conviction is a criminal conviction, even if it is a misdemeanor one. It can still result in jail time, fines, and a criminal record.

Contact our Indiana Criminal Defense Lawyers

Our Indiana criminal defense lawyers at Eskew Law, LLC are equipped to handle a range of criminal cases.

What are the requirements for a magistrate?

N.R.S. 171.177 makes clear that if you are detained by a peace officer for an alleged violation of any state law and the violation is punishable as a misdemeanor, you must be taken before the proper magistrate without unnecessary delay. The specific circumstances under which you must be taken before a magistrate include: 1 When you demand that you be taken before a magistrate for an immediate appearance. 2 If you have been detailed by a peace officer after a warrant had been issued for your arrest 3 If you were arrested by a police officer

What happens if you are arrested by a police officer?

If you were arrested by a police officer. You also have the right to be taken before a magistrate with no unnecessary delay in any other situation when you are issued a misdemeanor citation by someone with authorization to cite you and you refuse to give a written promise to appear in court.

What are the rights of a misdemeanor in Nevada?

The Nevada code addresses the rights of defendants who have been accused of committing a misdemeanor offense. Some of the most important protections which apply to those accused of misdemeanor crimes are the protections that ensure you are taken before the magistrate quickly. You do not want to be forced to spend a lengthy period in custody because you are detained for a suspected misdemeanor- you want to go before the magistrate right away and argue for bail so you can be released and go back to your work and family responsibilities.

Can you be arrested for a misdemeanor?

You can be detained by a peace officer or arrested if a warrant is issued for your arrest because of your alleged commission of any misdemeanor offense. You can also be detained if an officer believes that they observed you committed a misdemeanor offense or believes there is credible evidence to form a reasonable belief you committed a misdemeanor. In all of these circumstances, the requirements set forth in N.R.S. 171.177 require you to be taken before a magistrate as soon as possible after you are taken into custody.

What is the Nevada Revised Statutes Section 171.177?

171.1779 provide comprehensive details about what peace officers must do to issue a valid citation, as well as about how citations must be filed with the court and how courts must keep records ...

What is LV Criminal Defense?

At LV Criminal Defense, our legal team has a comprehensive understanding of all procedural rules connected with the issue of misdemeanor citations. We know how to help you respond to misdemeanor charges and we will work hard to help you try to minimize your time behind bars and to resolve your misdemeanor charges as quickly and effectively as possible.

Can a misdemeanor be a felony?

However, a misdemeanor could still result in imprisonment, and the potential for incarceration, fines, and a criminal record. When you are accused of committing a misdemeanor, you have certain legal rights.

How to defend a misdemeanor?

The first step you should take in preparing a strong misdemeanor defense case is to hire a criminal attorney. A criminal attorney can help you navigate the criminal justice system, can perform legal research to find out whether there are any defenses available, and can provide the most effective form of representation in court.

What is a misdemeanor charge?

A misdemeanor offense typically refers to a charge that may result in a criminal fine and a prison sentence of up to one full year. However, the definition of specific misdemeanor crimes will often vary by state and every state may have their own classification system (e.g., Class 1 or A misdemeanor). Thus, if convicted, misdemeanor offenses can ...

What is affirmative defense?

An affirmative defense is basically a reason that the defendant provides which explains why the charges should be dropped. Unlike most portions of a criminal case, a defendant who raises an affirmative defense will have to prove the set of facts or elements for that specific affirmative defense. Some misdemeanor defenses ...

Is a wobbler a felony?

Briefly, a wobbler offense is a crime that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. Depending on the facts of your case, this may increase your chances of receiving a serious punishment if you are convicted. Thus, having an attorney to represent you can be useful in such a scenario.

How long is a Class A misdemeanor?

The classes and maximum penalties are as follow: Class A misdemeanor: 1 year and $6,250. Class B misdemeanor: 6 months and $2,500. Class C misdemeanor: 30 days and $1,250.

What are the penalties for misdemeanors in Oregon?

In Oregon, there are three classes of misdemeanor offenses and if convicted of the crime, these classes determine the sentence. The classes and maximum penalties are as follow: 1 Class A misdemeanor: 1 year and $6,250 2 Class B misdemeanor: 6 months and $2,500 3 Class C misdemeanor: 30 days and $1,250

Who is Adam Greenman?

Adam Greenman. Adam Greenman has been a trusted criminal defense and personal injury attorney in Portland for over 15 years.

Can a misdemeanor be a felony?

Additionally, a misdemeanor charge can be increased to a felony charge if the prosecutor feels it’s appropriate to increase the charge due to the particulars of the case. Prosecutorial discretion is particularly relevant to individuals with immigration issues, as a felony conviction is grounds for automatic deportation.

Can you go to jail for a misdemeanor?

When charged with a misdemeanor you may or may not be arrested and brought to jail at the time of the cita tion. Some charges, such as those for DUII, require individuals to be arrested and brought to jail no matter the circumstance.

Question

I got caught shoplifting, the police were called, and they gave me a citation for misdemeanor. They didn’t take my prints or photograph. This was a first-time offense (I’ve never even had a traffic infraction), so I don’t know anything about these things.

Answer

For misdemeanor shoplifting, the District Attorney’s Office has up to one year to decide whether or not to file criminal charges against you. Penal Code 802 (a), 459.5.