Misdemeanors: Ramifications Larger Than You Think.

Some people believe that a misdemeanor offense is basic, simple and non-consequential. They think they can handle their case alone. But this thinking can be very costly in the long run because even a misdemeanor conviction can have huge ramifications on your future. Misdemeanor convictions will also show up on background checks and may result in denial of employment, education, or housing opportunities.

While most misdemeanor convictions result in very little jail time (two to 10 days in most cases) they do tend to carry rather lengthy probation terms, i.e., up to 60 months (five years). For example, presently in the Whatcom District and Bellingham Municipal Courts, probation costs $100 per month, so being on a 60-month probation would cost you $6,000.00.

There are other possible implications from a misdemeanor as well. For example, people wanting to enter Canada may not be able to do so if they have a misdemeanor conviction for negligent driving or theft on their record. Clearing a misdemeanor conviction so you can return into Canada can take up to five years. Also, persons convicted of any misdemeanor domestic violence charge cannot possess firearms for life, unless their gun rights are restored in a Superior Court; this includes hunting and sport rifles, and it even applies to members of the U.S. Military.

Washington State gross misdemeanor offenses carry a maximum of up to one year in jail. We have recently defended the following kinds of gross misdemeanor offenses in the area district and municipal courts:
• Assault Fourth Degree (Domestic Violence)
• Driving under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (DUI)
• Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP/MIPC)
• Drug Possession (marijuana, prescriptions, paraphernalia)
• Theft Third Degree or Shoplifting
• Trespassing First or Second Degree
• Malicious Mischief Third Degree
• Telephone Harassment
• Hit and Run (Occupied Vehicle)

Washington State simple misdemeanor offenses carry a maximum of up to 90 days in jail: We have recently defended the following kinds of simple misdemeanor offenses in the area district and municipal courts:
• Malicious Mischief Third Degree (Low damage value)
• Disorderly Conduct, Fighting or Mutual Affray
• Noise offenses, Loud Party, Disrupting a Public Meetings
• Trespassing Second Degree
• Public Urination
• Shoplifting

Misdemeanor Defense: Dismissal is the Focus.

As with felony offenses, the primary goal is not the successful outcome of a trial, but avoiding a trial altogether. By aiming for a dismissal, the former prosecutors of the Lustick Law Firm know that a far better outcome will be reached than by pressing the matter to a costly, lengthy or perhaps risky jury trial.

A dismissal of your case means that the prosecutor and the court agree to drop the criminal charge. Your case ends right there with the dismissal. When your case is dismissed, you have no conviction, no fines to pay, no probation or jail time to serve, and you don't have to go to court any more. You also get no criminal conviction on your record.

The former prosecutors and defense lawyers of the Lustick Law Firm have tremendous experience handling all misdemeanors in District and Municipal Court. We work hard to achieve a case dismissal rather than just focusing on reducing the charge.

Obviously, not every criminal charge can be dismissed. But by striving for a dismissal as our primary goal, we believe we better serve the needs and desires of our clients.

Don't delay... Call Us So We Can Start Defending You Now

Call the Lustick Law Firm today for a free consultation about your misdemeanor case. Our free one-hour consultation with our former prosecutors and experienced misdemeanor defense counsel is very comprehensive, helpful, and informative and will give you a better understanding of the misdemeanor defense process.

We defend criminal cases in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island and San Juan Counties. Also, special arrangements can be made for the Lustick Law firm defense team to represent you in any other county in Washington State.

In Bellingham, call (360) 685-4221 and in Mount Vernon, call (360) 873-8882 to schedule your free consultation today.