Charged With a Misdemeanor in Polk County, FL?
Get a Lakeland defense attorney who knows the system
“It’s just a misdemeanor” is not the right mindset when you’re dealing with the justice system.
Misdemeanor charges may not be as serious as felony charges, but they are still plenty serious. Depending on the type of offense, you may spend up to a year in jail and pay up to a thousand dollars in fines. Some misdemeanors can also result in a driver’s license suspension and other significant consequences that affect your career and your independence. Moreover, having a misdemeanor conviction on your record can lead to more significant consequences down the road if you later face more criminal charges. Domestic Violence is usually charged as a misdemeanor, but it can impact your life more than a felony.
The only way to react to any involvement with the criminal justice system is to fight back, and the only effective way to fight back is to get an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. That’s why you need to reach out to Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law in Lakeland, Florida as soon as possible if you’re facing any charge in Polk, Pasco, or Hillsborough County.
What counts as a misdemeanor in Florida?
Under Florida law, a misdemeanor is a crime that’s punishable by no more than a year in jail and no more than $1,000 in fines. Many offenses are misdemeanors. Some of the offenses I frequently defend include:
- Simple assault, battery, and fighting
- Domestic violence
- Possession of marijuana
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Violation of an injunction or restraining order
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Disorderly conduct
- Resisting arrest without violence (RAWOV)
- Theft or shoplifting
- Trespassing
- Violation of probation
- Most criminal traffic violations, including leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run)
- Stalking
Again, depending on the type of misdemeanor, you may face additional consequences besides jail time and fines. For instance, marijuana possession and many traffic violations can result in driver’s license suspension. Being charged with domestic violence can result in a restraining order being taken out against you. These consequences can quickly snowball, rippling across your career and your life.
In Florida, a misdemeanor conviction stays on your record, essentially, for life. If you are convicted you are not eligible for expungement – and even in situations where your record can be expunged, that is a lengthy process with no guarantee of success. Some charges cannot be sealed and must be dropped to be eligible to expunge an arrest. The best option is to get an experienced lawyer to fight your charges from the beginning.
Get an experienced Florida misdemeanor defense attorney
I take all my clients’ cases seriously no matter the charge. If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime, I will personally sit down with you, listen to your story, and review the police reports and evidence against you. I will explain to you the legal issues in your case, your potential defenses, strategy, and your legal options so that we can resolve the case according to your individual needs. I will aggressively litigate your case and file all the appropriate motions you are entitled to under the United States and Florida Constitution, potentially including a Motion to Suppress to get evidence thrown out or a Motion to Dismiss to get your charges dismissed entirely. If necessary, I am ready to litigate your case, stand up for you at trial, and defend you zealously in court.
Each case is different, and the only way to build a strong defense is to talk to an attorney about your specific situation and circumstances. Remember, the clock started ticking the moment you were arrested, and you can’t afford to wait. Call or use the online contact form for a free consultation with an experienced Lakeland misdemeanor defense attorney.