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If you have been charged with a misdemeanor in the Greensboro area, Schlosser & Pritchett should be your first phone call. All of our attorneys are former district attorneys and they are well aware of every prosecutor’s strategy. Having the right attorney representing you can mean the difference between serving jail time and being offered a less harsh sentence, such as enrolling in a rehabilitation program.

While misdemeanors are crimes that are less serious than felonies, they are serious charges and may carry jail sentences. In the common law that our country inherited from our roots in England, a misdemeanor was a crime for which the jail sentence was one year or less. A felony was a crime punishable by a year or more in jail.

These guidelines remain in place today, but in North Carolina the legislature can override common law and decide whether a particular crime is a felony or a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor can be punishable by a fine, probation, community service, stay at a rehabilitation facility or up to one year in prison. Having a knowledgeable attorney can make all of the difference.

Examples of Misdemeanors in Greensboro

  • Petty Theft
  • Public Intoxication
  • Domestic Violence
  • Shoplifting
  • Drug Crimes
  • DUI/DWI

Some of these crimes, if there is serious damage to other persons or property, will be considered felonies. Because of the ramifications of the punishment on the life of the accused, it is important to handle all misdemeanors by obtaining the best legal counsel available. Schlosser & Pritchett attorneys control their case load, so that every client receives the highest level of advice and support…you are not alone in facing these charges.

As a leading law firm in Greensboro with some of the best criminal defense lawyers in the area, we are prepared to serve your best interests. There can be a huge difference in punishment and future ramifications between a felony DUI and a misdemeanor DUI. Only an experienced defense attorney should represent you in these critical cases. You are innocent until proven guilty and you need a knowledgeable attorney to guide you through this process. We understand that your future earning potential and your freedom are at stake.

At Schlosser & Pritchett, we work hard to achieve a fair resolution for our clients, since a misdemeanor will stay on a person’s record and, when asked if one has ever been accused of a crime, a person must answer honestly and respond, “Yes” to that question.

Consequences of Greensboro Misdemeanors

Consequences of a Misdeemeanor

Jail time is the most severe punishment for a misdemeanor and the attorneys at Schlosser & Pritchett realize that there may be alternatives. We will be sure that you are aware of the options that you have, based on the circumstances of your case. An example is the serious crime of DUI…we will investigate the tests that were administered in the field to determine that the results are accurate. Faulty test results could make the difference between being charged with a crime and being absolved.

The state of North Carolina assigns classifications to misdemeanor charges, ranging from Class 1A, which holds the most severe level of punishment to Class 3, which has the least severe punishment level.

Many factors are taken into consideration when punishment is decided, including the class of misdemeanor, prior criminal record of the accused, etc.

Only a highly skilled attorney with local experience can advise you on the type of charge facing you, the possible punishment and whether you should plead guilty or not guilty. These are important decisions that have a long-term impact on your life and career. Schlosser & Pritchett attorneys are well-prepared to present your case and to achieve the best possible outcome.

Expunging Misdemeanors

You must remember that, while certain misdemeanor charges can be expunged (removed permanently from your record) some government agencies may still have access to see the record.

In North Carolina, only two classes of misdemeanor charges are eligible for expungement:

  • Those convicted of a misdemeanor while under the age of eighteen, excluding traffic violations
  • Those arrested and charged, but either the charges were dropped or the person was found not guilty

At Schlosser & Pritchett, our criminal defense attorneys provide you with the best information, strategy and advice at this critical point in your life.

We understand the long-term repercussions of any criminal charge and know that they are all serious and worthy of the best legal counsel.

The one positive aspect of a misdemeanor is that the convicted person is not considered a “convicted felon” and therefore, does not have the stigma of that classification when applying for a job or registering to vote. In most states, a convicted felon is further punished by not being allowed to vote and not qualifying for many types of jobs…not to mention the social implications.

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