A Georgia misdemeanor offense may seem harmless to you. After all, what could really be so wrong with just a minor infraction? Maybe you were out having fun with friends in Sandy Springs one evening and you were caught with a small amount of marijuana. Or maybe you unintentionally violated a restraining order while in Roswell.
Even though it may not seem like a huge deal, you need to realize that a misdemeanor is not just an infraction—it is far more serious. Regardless of the circumstances that led to the charge, a Georgia misdemeanor conviction should not be taken lightly as it carries harsh penalties. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor in northern Georgia, call Alpharetta misdemeanor lawyer Scott Miller before these charges become a part of your permanent record.
What Are the Penalties Associated With a Georgia Misdemeanor?
Don’t think that you were only cited for an infraction just because you were not taken into custody. A misdemeanor does not always lead to immediate jail time; however, each misdemeanor conviction includes:
- Fine of not more than $1000
and/or
- Imprisonment in county jail or a correctional institution for not more than twelve months
Depending on the offense, you may also face the following penalties associated with a Georgia misdemeanor conviction:
- Probation
- Drug testing
- Community service
- Risk reduction program
- Suspension of your driver’s license
A conviction of a Georgia misdemeanor has serious repercussions that may impact your family, your employment and your life. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor in Georgia, Alpharetta misdemeanor attorney Scott Miller will vigorously defend against the charges.
The Law Office of Scott Miller Handles the Following Misdemeanor Cases
There are several different types of misdemeanor offenses that Georgia misdemeanor lawyer Scott Miller handles, including:
- Traffic violations, such as speeding, driving under the influence, reckless driving and traffic tickets
- Shoplifting in which the total combined value of the property allegedly stolen is less than $300
- Violation of a restraining order
- Probation violation
- Possession of a controlled substance, including less than one ounce of marijuana
While the consequences of a Georgia misdemeanor conviction will include a maximum of only one year in jail, this becomes a part of your permanent record and will haunt you if you try to apply for a new job when you are released. Call a Georgia misdemeanor attorney so you don’t lose everything you worked so hard for.
Can Attorney Scott Miller Have the Misdemeanor Expunged From My Record?
While an expungement of your Georgia misdemeanor charges may give you a chance at gainful employment again, an expungement is challenging and is done at the discretion of the prosecuting attorney.
Your record may be expunged in the following circumstances:
- You were arrested and then released without being charged
- You were arrested and charged, but the prosecutor dropped the charges
It is important that you do not plead “nolo contendre,” which means that you do not wish to contest the charges. While not technically a guilty plea, it has the same impact as a guilty plea, and a guilty plea will not be expunged from your record.
It is difficult to find a job if you have a criminal record. Contact Scott Miller, an experienced misdemeanor lawyer in Alpharetta, if you are charged with a misdemeanor. Scott will use his familiarity with the Georgia court system to have your charges dismissed and have you record expunged.
If You Have Been Charged With a Misdemeanor in Georgia, Call the Law Office of Scott Miller
Whether or not you are facing immediate jail time, if you have been charged with a misdemeanor contact Georgia misdemeanor lawyer Scott Miller right away. Attorney Miller has experience representing clients and winning misdemeanor cases in Georgia. Scott will work with you to have the charges dismissed and to keep your record clean. Attorney Miller provides a high level of service with quality results. Call the law office today at (770) 408-1001. It is important to have an experienced Georgia criminal defense lawyer on your side.
