A misdemeanor conviction is not as serious as a felony, but it is still a criminal conviction. It will show up on background checks for jobs. It can impact your ability to live in certain places, and it is a black mark on your criminal history.
You should take a misdemeanor conviction seriously because it will carry consequences in your personal and professional lives.
Potential jail time
Misdemeanors may not require years in prison, but you might still end up behind bars. They can carry jail or prison time. Usually, they will have sentences under a year, but that may vary depending on your case.
Seriousness
While a misdemeanor is a lower crime than a felony, it does not mean it is not serious. Some misdemeanors are just as bad as a felony. They can include violent crimes and other crimes that cause harm to others. They may include acts that destroy trust or cause damage to your reputation.
Impact
Beyond the punishment handed down by the court, you may have other issues as a result of a misdemeanor conviction. It will be something an employer might consider and could prevent you from working in certain professions or holding certain jobs. It also will continue to come up on your background checks because it stays on your record. Depending on the crime, it could also impact your personal relationships.
You should not take a misdemeanor charge lightly. While it is not as serious within the legal system as a felony, it still carries a lot of potential to cause trouble in your life.
