What Should You Do When You Face Criminal Charges?What Should You Do When You Face Criminal Charges?

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What Should You Do When You Face Criminal Charges?

I do my best to stay out trouble with the law. I avoid conflicts and try to help others do so as well. But a few years ago, trouble found me. My ex was quite angry with me after our breakup. Instead of moving on and finding someone else, my ex decided to frame me for something I didn't do. My ex called the authorities and filed abuse charges against me. I explained the situation to the police but they arrested me anyway. I later found out through my criminal attorney that this was illegal. It was my ex's word against mine at the time and I shouldn't have been arrested that day. After spending months clearing my name, I decided to help other victims of unfair crimes. If you need information on criminal law, read my blog. You don't have to fight injustice alone. Good luck.

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Everything You Need To Know About A Class C Misdemeanor

1 December 2015
 Categories: , Blog

Every state has a set of rules mandating crimes into two classifications; felonies and misdemeanors, with the least serious misdemeanors listed as Class C or Level Three. These crimes can result in jail time, fines, and may have a chance for probation.

Classifications

In most states, the crimes are classified into categories according to severity. The most severe cases begin as a Class A misdemeanor with 1 being the most severe and described as a gross misdemeanor. Some states do not classify misdemeanors and assign a sentence for each crime in the statute that defines the crime. It is best to check with the state where you reside for specific information on classifications.

Types of Crimes

Crimes that carry a Class C conviction include simple assault, disorderly conduct, DUIs, DWIs, domestic violence, indecent exposure, prostitution, property crimes or possession of small amounts of illegal drugs. These are more serious than littering or speeding and less serious than other types of misdemeanors. However, a Class C offense can receive a short-term imprisonment. Some cases may just receive fines, but repeat offenders may receive stricter penalties. A misdemeanor conviction does not usually result in the loss of civil rights, such as the right to have a passport.

It is important to keep in mind what qualifies as a Class C offense and what type of punishment you receive for the offense does vary from one state to the next. In Tennessee, for example, it is a Class C offense to be intoxicated in public; and Illinois, Arkansas, Alabama, and Tennessee have pre-set sentences for Class C offenses of a maximum of 30 days in jail.

Trials

Class C misdemeanors, in some countries including the United States, are deemed to be innocent until proven guilty. The burden of proof must be shown by the prosecutor who represents the public or the government. Cases involving a Class C offense may be heard and decided by a judge and/or a jury with the possibility of a trial.

Social Issues

Even though the guilty party may not lose the ability to possess a passport, other issues will be deemed as punishment. Many employers perform background checks; this Class C misdemeanor will be on the record for a specific amount of time after the conviction. In some areas, it is never removed. If the individual has a job, the company's policy may decide the employee will be restricted, penalized, or lose the job.