While misdemeanors are typically less serious offenses than criminal charges, you could still be up against some severe penalties, not to mention a blemish on your permanent record. Hiring a criminal defense lawyer can help your case in a number of ways. Below, a few of these ways are explored in more detail.

3 Reasons to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer for a Misdemeanor Charge

1. To Avoid Jail

Any infraction that could result in jail time should not be taken lightly. If the possibility of imprisonment is a potential consequence for your misdemeanor charge, you want a criminal defense lawyer on your side. Your attorney will do everything possible to help you avoid jail, whether the sentence is for one week or one year (the maximum sentence for a misdemeanor in New York).

2. To Know Your Options

You may be under the impression that you don't have any options, that the case against you is so strong, there's nothing you can do. A criminal defense attorney will let you know all the options you have available, many of which you likely won’t be aware of unless you were a legal professional. Knowing your options gives you a game plan for developing a solid legal strategy.

3. To Expunge Your Record

A criminal record can impact your ability to get a job, secure credit, or buy or rent a home. A misdemeanor charge will permanently mar an otherwise clean record and jeopardize your future prospects. An attorney may be able to help you get your record expunged or erased after your misdemeanor issue is resolved.

Larry Koss of the Larry R. Koss Law Firm is a criminal defense and misdemeanor attorney in Brockport, New York, serving clients throughout Monroe, Orleans, Niagara, and Genesee counties. Call (585) 637-3961 or connect with his firm via Facebook or Google+ to schedule a consultation. Don't let a misdemeanor upend your life; get the quality legal support you need to tackle the charges head-on.