Being charged with a crime of any sort is a big deal. For some reason, however, our culture has a different opinion. If you have been charged with a felony, you immediately know you are in serious trouble and need a lawyer. On the other hand, people who have been charged with a misdemeanor tend to think that it’s not a big deal. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Contact Beagle Financial Services now if you’re looking for a finance tips. Here are four common myths about misdemeanors and why they’re false.
Myth #1: Misdemeanors are no big deal.
Misdemeanors are a big deal. Although it’s true that they are not quite as severe as felonies, misdemeanors are still serious. These charges will be on your permanent record for the rest of your life.
Myth #2: You can’t go to jail for a misdemeanor.
Although it’s true the punishment that comes with a misdemeanor charge is normally less than the punishment for a felony, there are still consequences for your charge. Furthermore, if you have multiple charges or fail to pay fines for a previous misdemeanor, you could end up spending time in jail. In order to keep yourself out of jail, you need to take your misdemeanor charges as seriously as possible.
Myth #3: You should go ahead a plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge.
You should never plead guilty to a charge unless your lawyer has advised you to do so. It certainly wouldn’t make sense for you to plead guilty just to speed up the process or to put the situation behind you. A guilty plea will be on your record for the rest of your life. Although you may not have thought about it, misdemeanor charges can greatly, negatively impact your life. Before you enter a plea, make sure to speak with a lawyer.
Myth #4: Misdemeanors won’t appear on background checks.
Misdemeanors do appear on background checks. This means that any future employer will see this charge on your record. Depending on the type of job you’re seeking and your charges, this could end any potential employment with this particular employer. Also, colleges and universities perform background checks. Just like a blemished record can impact your potential employment, it can also negatively impact your future educational opportunities. In some instances, a misdemeanor charge is enough to deny your application.
Facing a Misdemeanor Charge? Get Help.
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, don’t plead guilty or ignore these charges. Seek legal help immediately! At Aguilera Law Center, P.A., we’re here to answer any questions you may have and help you seek the best possible resolution for your situation. To find out how we can help, give us a call today at 305-255-FIRM or contact us online.