In the State of Georgia, crimes are classified as either felonies or misdemeanors. Misdemeanor crimes can negatively impact one’s life in a variety of ways. It can lead to incarceration, fines, and may affect one’s ability to find employment and admissions into college.

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor crime you need an experienced knowledgeable criminal defense attorney working on your behalf. Matthew S. Halley, Attorney at Law, will provides personal and aggressive representation for those who have been charged with a misdemeanor offense.

The penalties for a misdemeanor offense include a jail term not to exceed 1 year and up to a $1000 fine. However, an aggravated misdemeanor offense the fine can be up to $5000, yet the jail term may still not exceed one year. Georgia law has classified numerous offenses as misdemeanors. A list of misdemeanors includes, but is not limited to:

Assault: A person commits the offense of simple assault when he/she attempt to commit a violent injury to another person or commits an act which places another in reasonable apprehension of immediately receiving a violent injury. Simple assault is a misdemeanor. However, there are circumstances where upon conviction the individual will be punished for a misdemeanor of high and aggravated nature. Domestic Violence is an example of when a conviction of assault will be punished for a misdemeanor of high and aggravated nature.

Theft: GA Code 16-8-2 provides “A person commits the offense of theft by taking when he unlawfully takes or, being in lawful possession thereof, unlawfully appropriates any property of another with the intention of depriving him of the property, regardless of the manner in which the property is taken or appropriated.” Theft by taking is a misdemeanor. However, based on circumstances, including the value of the property, it may be considered a felony offense.

Underage Possession of Alcohol: No person under the 21 years of age shall purchase, attempt to purchase, or knowingly purchase any alcoholic beverage. Minor in Possession is a misdemeanor offense and penalties may include jail, automatic license suspension, fines, community service, or probation, plus higher insurance rates.

Traffic Citations: Mr. Halley represents clients in all traffic matters, from speeding to reckless driving. You have the option to challenge a traffic citation. Traffic violations do matter, as you may subject to high fines, suspension of license, addition of points to driving record and in certain circumstances incarceration. You will also be at risk of increased auto insurance costs.

Misdemeanor offenses are serious matters. If you are facing a misdemeanor charge, you are facing a potential loss of your freedom, hard earned money, and future opportunities. You need the experienced and aggressive representation of a criminal defense attorney to protect your rights. Please contact Matthew S. Halley Attorney at Law, for a free consultation.