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Penalties for Misdemeanors in Chicago
Misdemeanors may not be as severe as felonies, but they can still impact your life. While it may be tempting to accept the charges and move on, you may face penalties for misdemeanors in Chicago that can impact your life for decades.
You can speak to the lawyers at Chicago Trusted Attorneys™ instead of accepting those charges. They can talk about the potential penalties you can face, and they can help you fight those charges.
Jail Time
When you’re accused of a misdemeanor, you may face time in jail for your charges. If you’re convicted of a Class B misdemeanor, you may be sentenced to up to 30 days in jail. For a Class A misdemeanor, it could mean up to a year in jail.
That means you may lose your freedom for some time following a conviction. In that time, you may lose housing or access to your personal belongings. That can be emotionally difficult, not to mention the loss of freedoms you have in jail.
Financial Penalties
If you’re convicted of a misdemeanor, you may suffer financial penalties, not just jail time. Fines can total up to $2,500 for a Class A misdemeanor. That’s a significant amount of money for many Illinois residents.
That can put you in financial hardship when trying to pay these expenses. That’s especially difficult if you could have avoided those penalties with help from a misdemeanor lawyer in Chicago.
Long-Term Effects of a Criminal Record
The penalties for a misdemeanor in Illinois don’t stop when you’re released from jail, even if you’ve paid off all your debts in the meantime. You still have a criminal record, and that record can damage your future.
For example, your criminal record may make it difficult to get a job after your release. Your criminal record will appear on a background check, and many employers may choose not to hire you if you have a criminal record.
Your criminal record isn’t easy to get sealed or expunged, either. It may haunt you for years after a conviction. For many people, it’s easier to get your misdemeanor charges reduced or dismissed, rather than fighting a conviction.
Talk to a Misdemeanor Lawyer in Chicago
Worried about your future? The lawyers at Chicago Trusted Attorneys™ can help you work to avoid penalties for misdemeanors in Chicago, protecting yourself from harsh penalties that can impact your life. Work with a criminal defense lawyer on your case when you call 312-519-3171 or fill out the online contact form below.