Misdemeanors

Under Illinois law, a misdemeanor is a less grave offense than a felony that is punishable by up to 364 days in county jail and a $2,500.00 fine. However, even though a misdemeanor charge does not carry the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence, it should not be taken lightly. Many people charged with misdemeanors do not take their situation seriously because they are under the impression that, even if they are convicted, the offense will be expunged from their record. While the expungement of a misdemeanor conviction is possible, there are many types of misdemeanor convictions that cannot be erased. Your best alternative is to seek the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney who can fight for you so you don’t have a conviction to expunge.  A misdemeanor conviction can plague you for the remainder of your life and can impose difficult obstacles for your future. If you’ve been charged with any type of a misdemeanor, it is important that you consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney from the Law Offices of Peter W Lewis to determine the best way to defend your case.

How Do I Know Whether I am Facing a Misdemeanor or Felony?

If you are not certain about the exact nature of your charge, you should consult a criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of Peter W Lewis to provide a complementary case evaluation, to answer your questions, and to then determine whether you charge is a felony or a misdemeanor.  After this consultation, the experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Peter W Lewis will ensure that you are knowledgeable about your case and all the options available to you.

Just because the charge you are facing is a misdemeanor, you still need to take the case very seriously and take all possible actions to avoid a conviction because, as noted above, a misdemeanor conviction carries the possibility of a county jail sentence. The negative effects of a conviction also do not stop when you complete your sentence and pay your fines. Like any type of criminal record, a misdemeanor conviction may cause you to encounter difficulties in getting a job, obtaining a loan, or receiving approval for housing.

Whether you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or felony, time is of the essence. Hiring a criminal defense attorney to help you with your charges as soon as possible is crucial for getting the best result.