If you are charged with a misdemeanor, you can plead guilty or not guilty at the arraignment. Or, if the court approves, you can plead nolo contendere, meaning that you will not contest the charges. Legally, this is the same as a guilty plea, but it cannot be used against you in a non-criminal case unless the charge can be punished as a felony.
If you are convicted of a misdemeanor, you may be sentenced to up to one year in the county jail. You can not be sent to prison, if you are only convicted of a misdemeanor. Depending on the crime and the county, weekend work release, an ankle monitoring device or community service may be available instead of county jail time. Contact an attorney for more information.
Types of Misdemeanors
- Assault causing bodily injury
- Burglary
- Resisting arrest
- Perjury
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Unlawful possession of a weapon
- Violation of a restraining order
- Criminal mischief
- Criminal trespass
- Certain types of terroristic threats
- Certain types of assault
- Indecent exposure
- Prostitution
- Graffiti
- Theft of property
- Criminal mischief
- Disorderly conduct
- Reckless damage or destruction
- Leaving a child unattended in a vehicle
- Issuing a bad check
- Falsely reporting a missing child or person
