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What does it mean when you are charged with a misdemeanor?

In many legal systems, including California, a misdemeanor is considered a lesser offense.
Misdemeanors are generally punished less stringently than felonies, but usually more severely than administrative infractions like traffic tickets. Some misdemeanors are punished with financial fines of up to $1,000 in California.

Types of misdemeanors include:

• prostitution
• petty theft
• public intoxication
• disorderly conduct
• trespassing
• vandalism
• drug possession
• simple assault
• reckless driving
• and more

Misdemeanors are crimes with a maximum punishment of 12 months of imprisonment, generally in the local, or county, jail. What is more, those who are convicted of misdemeanor charges are sometimes punished simply with probation, community service, a short jail term, or part-time imprisonment.

In some cases, such as those in which a defendant cause a victim serious injuries or has prior criminal convictions, the charges may be elevated to felony charges, in which case the defendant will automatically face jail time.

Misdemeanors usually do not result in the loss of civil rights, like the right to vote, which many states commonly strip from convicted felons while they are in prison.

If you are charged with a misdemeanor, or another serious criminal offense in Ventura, we can help. Contact us today at 1-805-643-5555. Call now. At Bamieh & Erickson PLC we have years of experience defending clients charged with crimes in California. We can help you deal with the criminal justice system, a daunting prospect for most Californians. Call today.

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