Criminal Defense Lawyer John E. MacDonald, Inc. of Providence, Rhode Island
Schedule a ConsultationFacing misdemeanor charges in Rhode Island can present significant challenges. Even though misdemeanor offenses are considered lower-level crimes than felonies, the punishments and penalties can be harsh and disrupt many areas of your life. That’s why you need to work with a Rhode Island misdemeanor lawyer. A misdemeanor defense lawyer can help you understand the extent of your charges and develop a strategic plan forward.
Regardless if this was your first time being arrested or if you’ve faced misdemeanor charges in Rhode Island before, it’s important to understand what a misdemeanor is and how the criminal justice process works. John E. MacDonald is a Rhode Island misdemeanor lawyer that can help guide you through each step and produce an aggressive defense to fight your misdemeanor charges. Below you’ll find some frequently asked questions about misdemeanor charges in Rhode Island.
After being arrested and charged with a misdemeanor in Rhode Island, you’ll be asked to appear at an arraignment hearing at the District Court in the county of the arrest. At the arraignment hearing, a defendant will stand before a judge and enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. This is just the beginning stage of the criminal justice process and what happens next will heavily depend on the answers you provide to the judge and the guidance of your misdemeanor defense lawyer. It is always recommended to contact a Rhode Island misdemeanor defense attorney before you attend your arraignment hearing. Do NOT plead guilty because you don’t believe you have any other options. Having the support of a skilled defense attorney at this stage can create the best possible outcome for those facing misdemeanor charges in Rhode Island.
Examples of misdemeanor crimes in Rhode Island include:
An experienced misdemeanor defense lawyer can fight for you regardless of your misdemeanor crime. John E. MacDonald has been representing those accused of misdemeanors for decades and has a long history of successful results. There’s no misdemeanor charge that he can’t defend. To learn more about your misdemeanor charges and common defense strategies that can help, call The Law Office of John E. MacDonald today at 401.421.1440.
The specific penalties and punishments for a misdemeanor conviction will depend on the circumstances surrounding your case. In Rhode Island, misdemeanor sentences can result in up to one year in jail and fines not exceeding $1000. If you’d like to avoid the possibility of jail time, it’s critical to work with a criminal defense lawyer that specializes in misdemeanor crimes in Rhode Island. Misdemeanor defense attorney John E. MacDonald can help create a strong defense plan and negotiate on your behalf to minimize your penalties. In some cases, he may even be able to have your charges dropped.
While misdemeanors can result in up to one year in jail and fines up to $1000, a petty misdemeanor is a crime that’s punishable by $500 or less in fines and 6 months or less in jail. Examples of petty misdemeanor crimes are underage possession of alcohol, disorderly conduct or small amounts of marijuana possession. It’s important to keep in mind that petty misdemeanors can still lead to significant consequences and jail time, even though they’re considered lesser offenses. If you’ve been charged with a petty misdemeanor in Rhode Island, contact a skilled defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Yes, you can file a motion to expunge a misdemeanor at your District Court in Rhode Island. There are many benefits of having a misdemeanor conviction expunged, but remember that the expungement process can be strict and intricate, so it’s highly advised to work with an expungement lawyer to help you file a motion. To understand if you meet the requirements to have your misdemeanor charges expunged, contact The Law Office of John E. MacDonald to schedule an appointment.
A Rhode Island criminal defense attorney can provide solid legal advice, stand by you in court, develop a strong defense plan, discover any mistakes made by law enforcement, and help you avoid a jail sentence for a misdemeanor offense. Achieving a positive outcome from a misdemeanor charge is much more likely if you have a qualified and knowledgeable defense lawyer. Remember that you don’t have to face this difficult time on your own. Working closely with a defense attorney is your best chance at beating your misdemeanor charges in Rhode Island. Contact the Law Office of John E. MacDonald today to discuss your misdemeanor case and take the first step towards overcoming this challenge.
DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter. Also, the Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer as an expert or specialist in any field of practice.
© 2024. All rights reserved.