So you have been charged in NJ with  a misdemeanor crime? You may be tempted to plead guilty or accept a plea agreement because you just want to put the whole ordeal behind you. You may be thinking, “It’s only a misdemeanor, right?” Wrong.

Misdemeanor convictions are far more severe than you might think. And accepting a misdemeanor conviction could change the course of your life. You must present a compelling defense.

Common Types of Misdemeanors in NJ

These are only a few of the different kinds of misdemeanor charges you could face. If you have been arrested and charged with another misdemeanor, you are still entitled to a legal defense.

You might be ready to put this experience behind you; however, accepting a conviction might not be the best way to move forward with your life. Here are the top three reasons why you should never accept a misdemeanor conviction.

1. You Will Still Face Criminal Penalties

Misdemeanor convictions do not mean that you won’t face criminal penalties. Although these are not felony charges, you can still spend a significant amount of time in jail.

You may be ordered to pay fines you can’t afford as well. This could land you in further trouble with the court. Other criminal penalties you could face if you are convicted include:

• Probation
• Community service
• Completion of a drug or alcohol treatment program
• License suspension or revocation
• Citizenship and immigration issues

As you can see, misdemeanor charges are still worth fighting if you are facing them. These penalties will undoubtedly impact your life.

2. Your Opportunities in Life Will Be Limited

The criminal penalties you will face are harsh. Therefore, your entire life will be changed by your conviction. Criminal penalties aren’t the only effects of a conviction.

If you are found guilty of a misdemeanor, you could also:

• Lose your job
• Have trouble finding a job
• Have trouble finding housing
• Experience relationship issues
• Ruin your professional reputation
• Ruin your reputation
• Have your professional license suspended or revoked

The stakes are high. And it may not be in your best interests to accept a misdemeanor without a fight. You must consider all your options before accepting your misdemeanor charges.

3. Your Conviction Will Remain on Your Criminal Record

Felony convictions are not the only crime that can show up on a background check. A misdemeanor conviction will remain on your record for the rest of your life. You may have the chance to expunge your record later; however, you’ll have to pay additional fees and get a qualified attorney to represent you.

You may also have to wait a certain amount of time after your conviction before being eligible for expungement. Is accepting a misdemeanor conviction worth these severe penalties?

Get Help From a NJ Misdemeanor Criminal Defense Lawyer

Misdemeanor criminal charges are serious. Maybe more so than you might have previously thought. You should never simply accept a misdemeanor conviction. It could follow you for the rest of your life. You have the right to defend yourself – exercise that right.

Get help from an experienced criminal defense lawyer at Scott V. Spina  Schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation when you call our office at 973-743-4801. Or fill out our quick contact form to get started on your defense strategy as soon as today.