If you have been arrested for a misdemeanor offense in Massachusetts, you may be wondering if you should hire a private criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and future. However, since misdemeanors are not as serious as felonies, many people believe they don’t need one—which can be a serious mistake.
The following are a few reasons why you must hire a lawyer when facing a misdemeanor:
- Jail time – Although a conviction for a misdemeanor won’t result in prison time, it can lead to a time spent in the county house of correction. A maximum jail sentence for a misdemeanor offense is two and a half years. A skilled lawyer can either get your entire case dismissed or reduce the penalties you face and avoid serving any time behind bars.
- A criminal record – A misdemeanor conviction will appear on your criminal record, making it extremely difficult to gain employment, find a place, apply for college, or take advantage of other opportunities in life. An attorney can help you avoid conviction and even get your arrest or charge expunged, which means you can honestly say that you’ve never been charged or convicted of a crime.
- Attention – While you have the option of seeking legal help from a public defender, they often handle a massive caseload and may not have time to obtain the best possible outcome. Instead, they may attempt to resolve the case as quickly as possible through a plea deal without thoroughly investigating your case and determining all available legal options.
At Brad Bailey Law, Attorney Brad Bailey has more than 35 years of trial experience handling misdemeanor and felony offenses in Boston. As a former prosecutor, he understands the complexities of the legal system and both sides of the courtroom, giving our clients an immediate advantage in their case.
For more information about misdemeanors in Boston, contact us today at (617) 500-0252