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When you commit a crime, it’s either a felony or a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors are much less severe than a felony… but don’t be fooled.

A misdemeanor on your record can negatively affect your life in many ways, including jail time and penalties. A criminal record can also make it harder to find a job or go to college.

Don’t worry—we’re here to help get you back on your feet.

At Okoye Law, we believe in second chances and bettering our clients’ lives. Our criminal defense law firm understands that sometimes people make mistakes, and those mistakes shouldn’t shape the rest of your life.

Don’t ignore your charge if you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor. Contact one of the Rock Hill misdemeanor defense attorneys at Okoye Law to get started on your case.

Consequences of Misdemeanors in Rock Hill, SC

Some people think that misdemeanors aren’t anything to worry about.

So what if you’re charged with a misdemeanor?

In Rock Hill, South Carolina, a misdemeanor conviction results in jail time. There are three classifications of misdemeanors in South Carolina: A, B, and C. The severity of your crime determines the classification of your charge. Class A misdemeanors are the most severe, while Class C is the least serious.

Here are the penalties for misdemeanors in South Carolina:

  • Class A misdemeanors — Up to 3 years in jail
  • Class B misdemeanors — Up to 2 years in jail
  • Class C misdemeanors — Up to 1 year in jail

Some other consequences include hefty fines and doing community service. If your crime is related to drugs or alcohol, your driver’s license could be suspended. Counseling sessions or educational classes are other possible punishments.

There are many misdemeanor crimes in South Carolina, such as:

Suppose you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor. In that case, your best option is to work with experienced Rock Hill criminal defense attorneys.

Aggravating and Mitigating Factors for Misdemeanors

When you work with a misdemeanor defense attorney, they will talk to you about aggravating and mitigating factors.

But what are they?

Aggravating factors are reasons regarding your case for a judge to consider increasing your sentence.

Examples of aggravating factors include:

  • Having a previous criminal record
  • Harming a minor or vulnerable person
  • Using a dangerous weapon to commit a crime
  • Committing a hate crime

Meanwhile, mitigating factors are reasons regarding your case or character for a judge to decrease your sentence.

Some mitigating factors include:

  • Having a clean criminal record
  • Showing remorse for your actions
  • Acting out of necessity
  • Lack of judgment due to your age

When building your defense strategy, your misdemeanor defense attorney will consider your aggravating and mitigating factors.

Contact a Rock Hill Misdemeanor Defense Attorney Today

You need legal representation if you made a mistake, were wrongfully accused, or committed a misdemeanor. At Okoye Law, we want to protect our clients’ rights and give them another chance at life. With a misdemeanor conviction, your record will be tarnished, and you’ll have to face the consequences.

We will do everything possible to get your case dropped or your criminal charges reduced. The criminal defense lawyers at Okoye Law are on your side.

Charged with a misdemeanor in Rock Hill, SC? Need a solid legal defense? Contact Okoye Law now to schedule a consultation.

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FAQ: Rock Hill Misdemeanor Defense

Q
What's the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
A

A felony is a significantly more severe crime than a misdemeanor. Some felonies in South Carolina include murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and aggravated assault. Felonies are devastating crimes that come with serious punishments, like five to 30 years in prison and several thousand dollars in fines.

Even though misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, you should still take them seriously. Being convicted of a misdemeanor will damage your reputation and put you in jail.

Q
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer if I'm pleading innocent?
A

Sometimes innocent people are wrongfully accused of a crime. Working with a good criminal defense attorney is crucial, even if you know you’re innocent. The prosecuting lawyer will try to get you convicted, and they won’t believe in your innocence based on your word alone.

You need a skilled criminal defense attorney to ensure you aren’t punished for a crime you didn’t commit.

Q
If I get arrested, should I speak to the police officer?
A

Whether or not you’re innocent, do not speak to the police officer when you get arrested—anything you say or do can be used against you in court. Avoid speaking to law enforcement officers until you’ve talked to an experienced criminal defense attorney.