When people receive misdemeanor charges in Michigan, they may wonder what this charge means for their lives. It is important to understand what a misdemeanor is, as well as how it might impact a person’s life.
Many people may know that people receive misdemeanor charges after committing a criminal act. FindLaw says the type of criminal offense that results in a misdemeanor is usually less severe than one resulting in felony charges. There are three types of misdemeanors. The least serious is a petty misdemeanor, followed by an ordinary misdemeanor. The most serious kind is a gross misdemeanor.
Most of the time, people convicted of a misdemeanor might have to pay a fine; additionally, they may serve a jail sentence. However, it is important to note that the penalty may sometimes depend on whether someone faces federal or state charges. Federal law has guidelines that lay out the penalties for a misdemeanor, and this sentencing can sometimes be rather rigid. However, state sentencing of misdemeanors may be more flexible.
Many people may think that because a misdemeanor is not as serious as a felony, there will be few consequences. According to the American Bar Association, misdemeanors may sometimes carry collateral consequences. This means that people may sometimes face disadvantages. Someone convicted of a misdemeanor DUI, for example, might lose his or her driver’s license. Additionally, some people might become ineligible for certain public benefits. When employers perform background checks, a misdemeanor usually appears on a person’s record. This may make it more difficult for people to find employment. For these reasons, it is important for people to take misdemeanor charges seriously.
