Misdemeanors

Crimes in New Hampshire are broken down into two categories: Felonies and misdemeanors.

If you have been arrested on a misdemeanor charge, you will face serious penalties, but they won’t be as serious as if you had been charged with a felony.

The charges can be for any number of crimes, from robbery to theft to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In many cases, it comes down to the evidence and what the judge things.

The state statutes determine what the penalties are for various crimes.

Misdemeanors are broken down into Class A or Class B. Under state law, a Class B misdemeanor is considered the lightest of criminal offenses. This doesn’t, on its own, result in jail time, but a judge can fine you up to $1,200 in fines. Examples of a Class B misdemeanor include a first time offense of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Or, it could be a case of simple assault.

If your offense includes an act of violence, it could bump it up to a Class A misdemeanor.

The state’s statutes mandate that a Class A misdemeanor includes more serious crimes, but not crimes that are considered serious enough to become a felony. In this case, a Class A misdemeanor can result in jail time. You can get sentenced to up to a year in prison for a Class A misdemeanor.

In addition, a judge can fine you up to $2,000 in fines.

So, you can see, while it’s not the most serious of crimes, a misdemeanor charge can bring a lot of stress to your life. And you can end up in prison.

And probation can also be involved in a Class A misdemeanor.

There several examples of when a Class A misdemeanor become the charge against someone.

For example, if you are accused of a second driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, or any kind of criminal mischief. Or, even a stalking charge.

The bottom line is you never want to be charged with any kind of crime. But if you have been arrested and are facing a court hearing, you will fare better if the charges against you are misdemeanors.

A felony charge, for example, can bring you a prison sentence of anywhere between 3 ½ years to 15 years in prison. And there are multiple fines that a judge can pile on in a sentence.

The best advice for you _no matter what crime you are accused of committing _ is to hire a criminal defense attorney to be by your side when you talk to law enforcement. Michael Anzalone would advise you to never speak to detectives without your legal representation by your side.

All crimes, including misdemeanors, can have a very bad impact on your life. It will mar your record if you are convicted. Even if you don’t spend time in prison, you may lose your job and you will likely embarrass your family. Your reputation will take a huge hit.

So, contact Michael Anzalone at The Anzalone Law Firm to schedule a free consultation.