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FACING A MISDEMEANOR: 3 REASONS YOU NEED STRONG LEGAL ASSISTANCE

Admin • April 26, 2018
Traumatic Sexual Assault — Eau Claire, WI — Cohen Law Offices
Misdemeanor convictions are often called the silent punishment - and for a good reason. Few people realize the significant, sometimes life-changing impact such convictions can have.

While misdemeanor convictions do not always result in a jail sentence, they can have the same social and legal repercussions as a felony. What's more, misdemeanor convictions can be difficult to expunge from your criminal records. If you are facing a misdemeanor charge, here's why you need a strong defense attorney before rushing to plead guilty or agreeing to a plea deal. 

1. YOU COULD LOSE OUT ON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Employers typically conduct background checks before hiring someone. In Wisconsin, state law prohibits workplace discrimination based on arrest or conviction unless it is substantially related to the job.

When an arrest or conviction is related to the employment, it means there is a clear relationship between the circumstances of the job and the offense. In this case, an employer has the right not to employ you, and this would not amount to workplace discrimination.

A criminal record does not mean that you will never work, but it will undoubtedly make it difficult to gain meaningful employment. Misdemeanor charges for crimes such as theft, which is a Class A misdemeanor in Wisconsin, can significantly affect your career prospects and financial well-being.

2. YOUR LICENSE MAY BE REVOKED OR SUSPENDED

Pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge such as a DUI or DWI, getting too many traffic violation tickets, accumulating too many driving record points, or failing to pay child support can cause the state DMV to revoke or suspend your driver's license.

Before the state can reinstate your driving privileges, you will need to apply for a new license, sit for the written exam and driving test, and pay a reinstatement fee. During this time, the law prohibits you from driving, which can affect your day-to-day life and operations.

If you are in a field that requires you to have a professional license to practice such as health, law, industry, or finance, then a misdemeanor charge could subject you to an emergency or summary suspension, which adversely affects your career, reputation, and earnings.

In Wisconsin, the law requires professionals to report a criminal conviction to the respective board within 30 days. Your licensing board could revoke your license and impose disciplinary sanctions on you if they think your conviction has the potential to affect your work.

If you believe you can still safely and diligently practice your profession, then a criminal defense attorney can represent you and help defend your case in the board and the court.

3. YOU RISK POTENTIAL DEPORTATION

Any misdemeanor charge can get you deported, even if you are in the country legally. Under immigration laws, misdemeanors are categorized as crimes of moral turpitude. According to the Board of Immigration Appeals, these include gross indecency, theft, mayhem, assault with malicious intent, and fraud, among others.

However, a deportable status does not mean the state will automatically deport you. A criminal defense lawyer can help you to avoid removal proceedings or stop your deportation. A misdemeanor conviction can also make it difficult for you to apply for college, access loans, and access housing, especially if you are a foreigner. Such a conviction can also limit your family rights.

Minor as they may seem, misdemeanor convictions can have serious implications and make it difficult for you to live a fully functional life. If you are facing misdemeanor charges, speak with an experienced criminal lawyer to discuss your legal options. However, if you end up with a guilty charge, a criminal defense lawyer will analyze your case and help you minimize the consequences of the conviction.

Contact Cohen Law Offices for an initial consultation, expert advice, and professional representation that ensures the justice system works for you. 
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