In the legal system, not all crimes are treated equally. Misdemeanors are often less severe than felonies, but they still carry consequences that can impact a person’s life in various ways. Misdemeanors are divided into several categories, with each type determining the severity of the penalty. One important distinction of misdemeanors is that between normal misdemeanors, petty misdemeanors, and gross misdemeanors. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor and are in need of legal assistance, contact a misdemeanor lawyer today.
Normal Misdemeanors
A normal misdemeanor, sometimes referred to simply as a misdemeanor, is the most common type in the category. These offenses generally involve acts that are unlawful but not severe enough to be considered felonies. Common examples include simple assault, minor theft, or vandalism.
In most states, a person convicted of a normal misdemeanor can face penalties such as fines, community service, probation, or short jail sentences (typically less than a year). The exact punishment can vary depending on the jurisdiction, the nature of the offense, and whether the person has prior convictions
While not as serious as gross misdemeanors, normal misdemeanors can still result in a criminal record. This can have long-term consequences, including difficulties with employment or housing. If you’ve been charged with a normal misdemeanor, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand your charges, the potential penalties you are facing, and how best to move forward with your defense.
Petty Misdemeanors
Petty misdemeanors are the least serious category of misdemeanors. In some states, they may not even be considered crimes but rather civil offenses. These minor infractions typically result in fines and do not carry jail time.
Examples of petty misdemeanors can include minor traffic violations, littering, or disorderly conduct. Although the penalties are light, a petty misdemeanor can still be a hassle. Accumulating several petty misdemeanors can lead to larger legal issues, including potential increases in fines or penalties for future violations.
Because petty misdemeanors often don’t lead to criminal records, people might be tempted to handle them on their own. However, receiving professional, dedicated legal advice can help ensure that these minor offenses don’t escalate into bigger problems down the road.
Gross Misdemeanors
Gross misdemeanors are more serious than normal misdemeanors but less severe than felonies. These offenses can include more significant acts of theft, driving while intoxicated (DWI), or certain types of domestic violence charges. In many states, gross misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail and larger fines than those associated with normal misdemeanors.
Because gross misdemeanors sit between misdemeanors and felonies, they carry a greater potential to disrupt a person’s life. A conviction could mean facing long-term probation, a criminal record, and difficulty accessing employment or professional licenses. Attorneys like our colleagues at Archambault Criminal Defense can attest to the importance of having knowledgeable representation when facing a gross misdemeanor charge, as the penalties can be life-altering and legal knowledge and experience gives you the best chance of reaching a favorable outcome.
Contact A Misdemeanor Lawyer Today
Whether an offense is categorized as a normal misdemeanor, petty misdemeanor, or gross misdemeanor, the potential consequences can be significant. Each type of misdemeanor carries different penalties and legal outcomes, making it important to understand the distinctions. For those facing misdemeanor charges, having legal guidance can make a difference in how a case is handled and its potential impact on the future. Whether you’re dealing with a minor offense or something more serious, contact an experienced lawyer today to discuss your case and determine how they can assist you as you move forward.
Additionally, if you have been wrongfully charged with a misdemeanor and injured in the process, our personal injury lawyer at Brown Kiely, LLP may be able to help you recover compensation.