Hartford Misdemeanor Lawyer

While misdemeanor allegations are not as severe as accusations of a felony offense, you still need to take the charges seriously. A conviction can have long-lasting consequences affecting your personal and professional life. If you have an existing criminal record, certain misdemeanor charges may even be upgraded to felonies.

Fortunately, help is available from the legal team at Ruane Attorneys. We understand the criminal justice system and can work toward a positive outcome in your case. With a Hartford misdemeanor lawyer on your side, you can improve your chances of successfully contesting your charges and preserving your future.

Categories of Misdemeanors Defined Under State Law

According to Connecticut General Statute §53a-26, a misdemeanor is any criminal offense punishable by less than one year of imprisonment (served in local or county jail rather than state prison). This same statute further establishes four “classes” of misdemeanors differentiated by the severity of the offense and carrying different maximum sanctions upon conviction.

As per C.G.S. §53a-36 and 53a-42, a Class D misdemeanor conviction is punishable by a maximum of 30 days in jail and a $250 fine. The same statutes establish a three-month jail term and a $500 fine as the maximum penalties for a Class C misdemeanor conviction. Class B misdemeanor convictions may result in a jail sentence of up to six months and a maximum fine of $1,000. Finally, being found guilty of a Class A misdemeanor can lead to maximum sanctions of one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

During a private consultation, a Hartford misdemeanor attorney could further explain how courts tend to approach different tiers of misdemeanors. Legal counsel could outline the potential penalties in a case and build a defense to minimize the consequences of a conviction.

Aggravating and Mitigating Circumstances for Misdemeanors

When someone receives multiple convictions for similar or identical misdemeanor offenses, they may face enhanced sentencing for subsequent charges. For example, someone convicted of theft more than twice may have any subsequent larceny charge raised to the next “class” of severity under C.G.S. §53a-40. If that offense is a Class A misdemeanor, they would instead be prosecuted for a Class D felony.

Conversely, courts are sometimes willing to be more lenient in sentencing for first-time misdemeanor offenders. Depending on the circumstances, a misdemeanor lawyer in Hartford could advocate for alternatives to jail time, like probation or participation in a diversion program. Ruane Attorneys will explore every possible avenue for minimizing the impact of a misdemeanor charge on a defendant’s life.

Discuss Legal Options with a Hartford Misdemeanor Attorney

The category of “misdemeanor” covers a broad range of criminal offenses in Connecticut, from petty theft offenses to certain forms of assault, stalking, and even sexual misconduct. Since no two cases are exactly alike, it is crucial to secure representation from a legal advocate who knows how to handle different types of misdemeanor cases.

A Hartford misdemeanor lawyer can explain your rights and review your legal options during a confidential consultation. Discuss your story with the legal team at Ruane Attorneys and work on a tailored defense strategy to achieve your goals for the case. Call today to get started.