Misdemeanors

Kalamazoo Misdemeanor Attorneys

Get Immediate Help with Your Misdemeanor Charges

Misdemeanor charges should be taken seriously. Even though they don’t carry the same weight as felony cases, they can still seriously affect your life. Sure, misdemeanors are often punished to a lesser degree than felony offenses, but what happens if you get in trouble for the same thing in the future and it results in a felony charge?

Being charged with a misdemeanor can be a scary and confusing experience. If you have been arrested for a misdemeanor, you need a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. At Levine & Levine Attorneys at Law, we are ready to step in and aggressively fight for you. We have handled thousands of cases and know how to get results for our clients. With us on your side, you can feel confident that your best interests will be taken care of and your future will be protected.

Call 269-626-2296 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your initial consultation with our Kalamazoo misdemeanor crimes lawyer.

What is a Misdemeanor Crime?

A misdemeanor is a criminal offense that is less serious than a felony and may be punishable by a jail sentence of less than one year, a fine, probation, or both. Misdemeanors are also referred to as “lower-level offenses,” leading people to take them less seriously when facing criminal charges.

Misdemeanor crimes are typically considered less serious than felonies, but this is not always the case. For example, a misdemeanor domestic violence charge is considered a violent offense and is treated more seriously than other misdemeanor crimes.

Types of Misdemeanor Crimes in Michigan

Misdemeanor crimes can include:

What Happens After You Are Charged With a Misdemeanor in Michigan?

When you are charged with a misdemeanor, it sets in motion a legal process that can move quickly and unapologetically. After the charge is filed, you will typically receive either a citation or a notice to appear in district court for your arraignment. At your first hearing, the judge will formally read the charge, explain your rights, and set bond conditions if necessary.

Your case will then proceed to pretrial hearings, where your attorney can review the prosecution’s evidence, file legal motions, negotiate possible plea deals, or even request a dismissal if the evidence is weak.

If the matter cannot be resolved at pretrial, it will proceed to trial, either before a judge or jury. If convicted, sentencing can include jail time, fines, probation, community service, or mandatory classes and therapy.

Having an attorney from the very beginning will help ensure your rights are protected and give you the best chance of a favorable outcome. You should not wait until your arraignment to speak with a criminal defense attorney. Speaking with a professional as soon as possible gives them more time to build a solid defense.

What are the Penalties for a Misdemeanor Offense in Michigan?

Although the criminal penalties for misdemeanors are not as serious as those for felony offenses, a conviction can still result in harsh consequences. These include jail time, fines, community service, and other penalties.

Michigan law classifies misdemeanors into three main categories based on their seriousness. Each classification carries different penalties and potential consequences.

Here are the three main categories of misdemeanor classifications in Michigan:

  • Misdemeanors Punishable by up to 93 Days in Jail: These are the least serious misdemeanors in Michigan and are often referred to as “93-day misdemeanors.” As the name suggests, the maximum penalty for these offenses is up to 93 days in jail. Examples of 93-day misdemeanors include simple assault, petty theft, disorderly conduct, and first-offense DUI (Operating While Intoxicated, OWI).
  • Misdemeanors Punishable by up to One Year in Jail: The next level of misdemeanor offenses carries a potential jail sentence of up to one year. These offenses are more serious than 93-day misdemeanors but are still considered less severe than felony offenses. Examples of misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail include second-offense DUI, certain drug possession offenses, and some types of property crimes.
  • High Court Misdemeanors: High Court Misdemeanors are a specific category of misdemeanors in Michigan that are more serious and carry higher penalties. These offenses can result in both a maximum fine of $2,000 and a jail sentence of more than two years, although the incarceration would occur in a state prison rather than a county jail. High Court Misdemeanors are typically reserved for repeat offenders or offenses with aggravating factors. The specific crimes classified as High Court Misdemeanors can vary, but they often include more severe drug offenses, certain domestic violence cases, and certain types of assault.
  • Violent Misdemeanors: This category of misdemeanor includes offenses like domestic violence, assault and battery, misdemeanor stalking, and brandishing a firearm. While these offenses are not felonies, some of their punishments can mimic those of felony offenses. Violent misdemeanor convictions can temporarily restrict your ability to possess or purchase firearms. Being found guilty of domestic violence, even at the misdemeanor level, is enough to prohibit a person from legally owning or purchasing a firearm permanently. Violent offenses can also make it difficult to obtain or renew a professional license, have negative immigration consequences, prevent eligibility for certain public benefits programs, and make it more difficult to pass background checks for employment and housing.

All criminal charges are serious, regardless of their legal designations. What you see as a minor misdemeanor charge today can lead to enhanced penalties in the case of future offenses.

What Are Common Misdemeanor Defenses?

When working with a criminal defense lawyer, the primary goal is to get your charges reduced or dropped. Sometimes you will have felony charges dropped to misdemeanors, which may result in less harsh penalties. But when you are being charged with a misdemeanor, there isn’t much more room to drop a charge, so the goal is to have the charges dismissed.

Some common defenses attorneys use may include:

Lack of Intent

Many criminal charges, like theft, assault, or trespassing, require the prosecutor to prove that you acted intentionally. If a criminal defense lawyer can show that your actions were accidental or misunderstood, the charges may be reduced or dismissed.

Mistaken Identity

This defense is relevant when someone is wrongly accused due to poor eyewitness testimony, confusing circumstances, or poor physical evidence. A skilled criminal defense attorney will use surveillance footage, witness statements, and alibi evidence to clear your name.

Self-Defense or Defending Others

Most common in assault or battery cases, this defense argues that you only acted to protect yourself or someone else from potential harm. However, the force used must be within reason and proportional to the threat.

Insufficient Evidence

Prosecutors carry the burden of proof, and they must prove you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If their evidence is weak, circumstantial, or untrustworthy, your attorney may argue for dismissal based on lack of proof.

Building a strong defense requires hiring a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The prosecutor will immediately start building their case against you; shouldn’t you do the same to protect your name?

When Should You Contact a Kalamazoo Criminal Defense Attorney?

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, you need to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. At Levine & Levine Attorneys at Law, we have handled thousands of cases and know how to get results for our clients. With us on your side, you can feel confident that your best interests will be taken care of.

Criminal defense lawyers don’t just protect you from immediate punishments; our job is to protect your future ability to find gainful employment, safe housing, and professional licenses. It’s not just about how these charges will affect you now.

Contact our misdemeanor crimes lawyer in Kalamazoo at 269-626-2296 today to schedule a free consultation and let us defend your rights.