Are you facing charges for a misdemeanor? Perhaps you caused an accident and fled the scene, or maybe you're being charged with minor theft, vandalism, or disorderly conduct. Domestic disputes can often result in a range of misdemeanor charges. There are many different types of crimes that are classified as misdemeanors. Many people assume that if a charge is a misdemeanor, it isn't serious. In fact, they may think they can save money by facing the charges without an experienced attorney.

While a misdemeanor isn't as serious as a felony, it can still have big consequences. It's always wise to have an experienced defense attorney by your side, no matter the charges. Below are three reasons why you still need a criminal defense attorney, even if you're only charged with a misdemeanor.

Misdemeanors can lead to jail time. There's a common misconception that only felonies result in jail time. That's not the case. Although penalties vary by state, it's common for some high-level misdemeanors to come with possible jail time. Some sentences may be as short as a few days while others may be as long as several months. Fortunately, there are usually alternatives to jail time, such as fines, community service, and probation. However, you may need a skilled attorney to get you those penalties instead of time in the county jail. If you go it alone, you may end up with the most severe sentence.

Misdemeanors can be costly. Many people don't hire an attorney for misdemeanors because they want to spend less money. However, it's possible that your attorney could actually save you money. Your attorney may be able to work out a plea deal with prosecutors that could bring the process to a quick conclusion. That could save you money on court costs, legal fees, and possibly potential fines. If your case goes to trial, you'll almost certainly face sizable fees. An attorney helps you avoid that problem.

Misdemeanors can turn into felonies. Police and prosecutors are always working to uncover new information. If additional information is disclosed during the investigation, they could elevate the charges from a misdemeanor to a felony. If that happens, you could face serious jail time, and you'll have a felony on your record for life. An attorney can help you navigate interviews with police and other law enforcement personnel. They can also make sure that your charges are appropriate for the alleged crime.

Contact misdemeanor defense lawyers in your area. They can help you navigate the charges and reach a quick outcome. To learn more, talk to companies like the Law Offices of Lynda Latta, LLC.