Name: What is a misdemeanor?
Uploaded: 2019-08-08
Duration: 1 min 32 s
Description: Generally speaking, crimes that are less serious than felonies but more serious than civil infractions are called “misdemeanors.”Misdemeanor convictions carry a range of penalties, including fines, probation, community service, restitution, and jail. If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor, a local criminal defense lawyer can explain how the law applies in your situation.

Criminal Defense

What is a misdemeanor?
- Firm Name: The Collierville Law Firm
  
  Duration: 01:32
  
  Date: 2019-08-08
  
  Generally speaking, crimes that are less serious than felonies but more serious than civil infractions are called “misdemeanors.”Misdemeanor convictions carry a range of penalties, including fines, probation, community service, restitution, and jail. If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor, a local criminal defense lawyer can explain how the law applies in your situation.

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Do I need a criminal defense attorney if I am not guilty?
- Even if you’ve been falsely accused of a crime, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer, who can protect your rights. Our criminal justice system is adversarial by nature, and unrepresented defendants are at a significant disadvantage against a professional prosecutor, even when they are completely innocent. Even if you aren’t ready to hire an attorney, you can consult one on a limited basis and still enjoy full attorney-client privilege.
Can arrest or conviction records be expunged?
- In some states, only misdemeanors and minor infractions can be expunged or sealed. In other states, you can expunge or seal an arrest, but not a conviction. And DUI convictions can be expunged or sealed in only a few states. A local criminal defense attorney can help you understand the process for expunging, sealing, or otherwise clearing a criminal record in your state.
What is the court process after you have been arrested for DUI?
- You can typically expect the police to fingerprint you, take your mugshot and administer a blood alcohol test at the station. If the prosecutor files charges, you will likely have to go to court several times and choose between plea negotiations with the prosecutor or going to trial. An attorney can help you weigh the pros and cons of each alternative.
What is a felony?
- Under state and federal law, serious crimes are generally called “felonies” and less serious crimes are “misdemeanors.” Each of these categories can also have classes or levels, depending on the relative seriousness of the offense and the stringency of the punishment. If you’ve been charged with a felony, a criminal defense attorney in your area can explain your rights and what to expect.
What is the difference between probation and parole?
- At the time of sentencing, a judge can order probation in lieu of jail time or to follow a jail sentence. But parole isn’t part of a judge's sentencing order. Parole is an early release of an inmate from prison. If you have specific questions related to the details of your probation or parole, a local criminal defense attorney can help.
What should I do if I have been charged with a crime?
- If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, start by remembering you have important rights, including the right to remain silent, the right to have an attorney present at questioning, and the right to be free from unreasonable searches. You should invoke all of those rights, and consult an experienced criminal law attorney to plan a strategy for dealing with the charges against you.
What happens once I’m convicted of DWI or DUI?
- If you’re convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you face consequences that can include losing your license; paying a fine and fees; performing community service; and serving time in jail. Typically, DUI penalties depend on the level of intoxication and whether anyone was injured in a related accident. If you’re concerned about the consequences of a DUI or DWI conviction, a criminal defense attorney in your state can help.
Should I talk to the police after an arrest?
- If you’ve been arrested, you have the right to remain silent. If you invoke your Miranda rights, law enforcement cannot question you until you consult an attorney. If you decide to talk, you can cut off questioning at any time and invoke your rights by announcing that you intend to remain silent and that you want to see an attorney.

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- Collierville office
  
  380 New Byhalia Road
  
  Collierville, Tennessee 38017
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