Elwood Misdemeanor Crimes Lawyer

Misdemeanor Crimes

Get Help From a Misdemeanor and Criminal Defense Lawyer in Elwood, New York

At Karpf Criminal Law, our Elwood misdemeanor defense attorney is standing by, ready to protect your rights. While less serious than a felony, misdemeanors can still carry jail time. If you or your family member was charged with any type of misdemeanor offense, we can help. Our firm defends the full range of misdemeanor criminal charges in Suffolk County and elsewhere in Long Island. Contact us today for a fully confidential case review with a top-tier Elwood misdemeanor lawyer. 

What is a Misdemeanor Criminal Offense?

A misdemeanor is a criminal offense that is less serious than a felony. Though, it is still a crime. It is a big mistake to treat a misdemeanor as “no big deal.” In New York, misdemeanors are punishable by fines, probation, community service, and, potentially, jail time. Indeed, some misdemeanor offenses carry jail time of up to one year. As explained by the New York State Unified Court System, there are two different categories of misdemeanors: 

• Class A Misdemeanor Offense: Class A misdemeanors are the more serious category and carry a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000 (or more in certain cases). Some crimes that are Class A misdemeanors in New York include petit larceny, third-degree assault, and criminal possession of a controlled substance. 
• Class B Misdemeanor Offense: Class B misdemeanors are the less serious category of misdemeanor offense. Class B misdemeanors are less severe than Class A but can still result in up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500. While the penalties are less severe, it is important to remember that a conviction for a Class B misdemeanor can lead to jail time and a permanent criminal record.

Our Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Defends the Full Range of Misdemeanor Offenses in Elwood, New York

Are you facing a misdemeanor criminal charge in Elwood or elsewhere in the surrounding region in Long Island? If so, it is imperative that you take a proactive approach to protect your rights, your freedom, your reputation, and your future. At Karpf Criminal Law, we defend all types of misdemeanor charges. Regardless of the specific issue that you are facing, our team is more than ready to help. Along with other misdemeanor offenses, our Elwood attorney has experience with: 

• DWI (First Offense): A first offense DWI in New York is typically classified as a misdemeanor offense. It applies when a driver operates a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher or while impaired by a controlled substance. A first-time DWI offense can result in one year in jail, a six-month license suspension, and other penalties. If you were arrested and charged with a DWI, our Elwood, NY misdemeanor defense lawyer is more than ready to help. 
• Reckless Driving: Reckless driving in New York is a misdemeanor traffic offense that occurs when a driver operates a vehicle in a manner that unreasonably interferes with the use of the highway or endangers others. Some examples include extreme speeding, weaving between lanes aggressively, and intentionally ignoring traffic signals. A misdemeanor reckless driving conviction can result in up to 30 days in jail in Elwood. 
• Petit Larceny: Petit larceny (petit theft) is the unlawful taking of property valued at $1,000 or less with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. The charge is a Class A misdemeanor in New York State and it can result in a maximum of one year in prison. If you or your loved one was arrested and charged with petit larceny—including for shoplifting—or Elwood misdemeanor lawyer is here to help. 
• Assault (Third Degree): Assault in the third degree occurs when a person intentionally or recklessly causes physical injury to another person. It is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. Notably, in New York State, even relatively minor injuries (bruises, cuts, etc) can qualify under this charge. Aggravating factors can lead to more serious criminal penalties. If you were arrested for assault, contact our Elwood misdemeanor defense lawyer for help. 
• Drug Possession (Seventh Degree): Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree occurs when a person knowingly possesses a small amount of an illegal drug—such as cocaine, heroin, or certain prescription drugs without a valid prescription). Seventh degree drug possession is a Class A misdemeanor offense in New York. If you or your loved one was arrested for a misdemeanor drug crime in Elwood, we can help. 
• Criminal Mischief (Fourth Degree): Criminal mischief in the fourth degree involves intentionally damaging another person’s property without permission. It is a Class A misdemeanor offense that most often applies to acts such as vandalism, keying a car, or breaking someone’s phone in a dispute. If you were arrested for criminal mischief, please do not hesitate to contact our Elwood, NY defense attorney. 
• Aggravated Harassment (Second Degree): Aggravated harassment in the second degree occurs when a person threatens, annoys, or harasses another person through physical contact, phone calls, or electronic communication. It is a Class A misdemeanor offense. 
• Menacing (Second Degree): In New York, menacing in the second degree is charged when a person intentionally places another person in fear of physical injury, serious injury, or death by displaying a weapon or engaging in threatening behavior. Were you or your loved one arrested for menacing? Contact our Elwood defense lawyer for immediate help. 
• Criminal Trespassing (Second Degree): Criminal trespass in the second degree occurs when a person knowingly enters or remains unlawfully in a dwelling—such as a home or apartment—without permission. However, if the trespasser unlawfully enters a building with the intent to commit a crime inside, the charges can be elevated to burglary. Burglary is a very serious felony criminal offense in New York. 
• Disorderly Conduct: Disorderly conduct is another relatively common offense. Technically, disorderly conduct is not a misdemeanor in New York State. Instead, it is classified as a violation. In other words, it is a lower-level offense than a misdemeanor and a conviction does not result in a criminal record. Still, a conviction for a disorderly conduct violation in Elwood can result in up to 15 days in jail, mandatory community service, and financial penalties. If you were arrested for disorderly conduct, our defense team can help in this unclassified misdemeanor.

Why Rely On Elwood Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Andrew Karpf

Arrested for a misdemeanor? It is normal to feel stressed out, frightened, and worried about the future. A misdemeanor criminal charge should not be taken lightly. A conviction for a misdemeanor can carry serious consequences—potentially including jail time. A New York criminal defense lawyer with nearly 40 years of experience, our founder Andrew Karpf is standing by, ready to help you find the best solution. Our client testimonials tell the story. We are proactive and committed to personalized advocacy. More specifically, our Elwood criminal defense attorney is prepared to: 

• Listen to what you have to say and answer your criminal justice questions;
• Investigate the misdemeanor criminal allegations, gathering relevant evidence; and
• Develop a comprehensive strategy focused on helping you get the best outcome.  

Misdemeanor Crimes in Elwood: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Our Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

Can I Go to Jail for a Misdemeanor?

Yes. All misdemeanor offenses in New York carry the potential for at least some jail time. Class A misdemeanors—such as third-degree assault—carry a maximum jail sentence of up to one year. On the other hand, Class B misdemeanors have a maximum jail term of up to 90 days. However, many first-time offenders may receive probation, fines, or alternative sentencing instead of incarceration from a misdemeanor conviction. Indeed, jail time can be avoided in many misdemeanor cases with the right defense strategy.

Will I Be Required to Post Bail If Arrested for a Class B Misdemeanor?

It depends. The specific charge and your criminal history (or lack thereof) will have a big impact on bail/bond obligations in Elwood. With that being said, under New York’s bail reform laws, most non-violent misdemeanor offenses do not require cash bail. Instead, people are often released on their own recognizance or given non-monetary conditions, such as supervised release. 

When Should I Speak to an Elwood Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer to Prevent Jail Time?

As soon as possible. Even though misdemeanors carry lighter penalties than felonies, a conviction can still result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. You do not have to go up against police and prosecutors alone. A top-rated Elwood, NY misdemeanor defense lawyer will review your case, explain your rights, and help you determine exactly what needs to happen next. 

Contact Our Elwood Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Today

At Karpf Criminal Law, our Elwood misdemeanor defense attorney is an aggressive, experienced advocate for clients. Justice matters. If you were arrested and charged with a misdemeanor, please do not hesitate to contact our firm for a fully private, no obligation case review and seek legal representation. Our New York criminal defense attorney handles misdemeanor charges in Elwood, Suffolk County, and throughout the wider region in Long Island.