Westchester County Misdemeanor Defense Attorneys

Compassionate Representation & Aggressive Advocacy

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A misdemeanor charge may not be as serious as a felony, but that does not mean that it should be taken lightly. Even misdemeanors can end up on your permanent criminal record if you are convicted, meaning that employers, financial institutions, and potential landlords will see your charge on background checks. If you are young, this can greatly affect your future and even make you ineligible for student financial aid.

Your future is important, and our Westchester County misdemeanor defense attorneys from Riebling & Payton, PLLC have over 50 years of combined experience defending hundreds of people throughout their criminal charges. We know that you may be scared or overwhelmed, and we will use our experience to make sure you have legal assistance every step of the way.

Call our office at (914) 712-6878 to seek representation from an experienced Westchester County misdemeanor lawyer. We offer free case evaluations and will even meet with you after-hours in our office in Mount Kisco or White Plains.

Should I Hire a Lawyer for Misdemeanor?

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor in NY, one question that may be on your mind is whether or not you should hire a lawyer. While it is possible to defend yourself in court, having an experienced misdemeanor defense attorney by your side can greatly increase your chances of a favorable outcome.

A lawyer can help you understand the charges against you, navigate the legal system, and negotiate with the prosecution. They can also provide valuable advice on how to present yourself in court and what to say when questioned by the judge. Overall, hiring a lawyer for a misdemeanor charge in Westchester County may seem expensive, but it can ultimately save you both time and money in the long run by helping you avoid a criminal record and other costly consequences.

Common Misdemeanor Charges in New York

Our founding attorney used to be a prosecutor for New York City in the narcotics division before she decided to become a criminal defense lawyer. This means that our attorneys can anticipate the prosecution's case against you, allowing us to help devise the strongest defense possible.

We can help you with a wide variety of misdemeanor charges in New York, including:

• Trespassing
• Stalking
• Domestic violence charges
• Driving while intoxicated, or DWI
• Drug Possession
• Assault
• Theft or burglary
• Traffic tickets

What are the Penalties for Misdemeanor Crimes in New York?

Misdemeanors are criminal offenses in New York that are less serious than felonies but still carry penalties such as fines and/or jail time. The specific penalties for misdemeanors can vary depending on the nature of the offense and the circumstances surrounding it. Misdemeanors are categorized as Class A, B, or C in New York State.

Class A Misdemeanors

Class A misdemeanors include crimes such as assault, theft, and drug possession.

The penalties for a Class A misdemeanor in New York include:

• Maximum jail sentence of up to 12 months
• Fines of up to $1,000

Alternative sentences include three years' probation or a conditional discharge. Fines and mandatory state surcharges, community service, driver's license suspension and orders of protection may also apply given the circumstances. Furthermore, a criminal record can have a lasting impact on one's life, affecting employment and housing opportunities. 

Class B Misdemeanors

Offenses such as petit larceny, prostitution, and assault in the third degree are all considered class B misdemeanors.

The penalties for a Class B misdemeanor in New York include:

• Maximum jail sentence of up to 90 days
• Fines of up to $500

Alternative sentences include one year probation or a conditional discharge. Fines and mandatory state surcharges, community service and orders of protection may also apply given the circumstances. Additionally, the collateral consequences of a misdemeanor conviction can include difficulties finding employment or housing.

Class C Misdemeanors

Common examples of Class C misdemeanors include stalking, third-degree assault, and criminal mischief. Not all Class C misdemeanors are created equal. Some are more serious than others, and the penalties can vary depending on the specific offense.

The penalties for a Class C misdemeanor in New York include:

• Up to 15 days in jail
• Fines of up to $500

"Unclassified" Misdemeanors

This category includes some offenses that don't fit into Class A or Class B and are often subject to discretion by the judge.

The penalties for an unclassified misdemeanor in New York includes:

• Maximum jail sentence of up to 12 months

Alternative sentences include three years' probation or a conditional discharge. Fines and mandatory state surcharges, driver's license revocation or suspension, ignition interlock device (for DWI convictions), community service and orders of protection may also apply given the circumstances.

Defending Misdemeanor Charges Throughout Mount Kisco & White Plains, NY

Misdemeanor charges are classified as crimes in New York State. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor crime contact our Westchester County criminal defense attorneys. We will work to successfully protect and defend your legal rights and interests. Speaking only to your attorney about your case is crucial as you do not want to make statements to anyone that may impact your defense. With 5 decades of experience, our attorneys have a thorough and complete understanding of how to successfully defend our clients against misdemeanor charges.

Our criminal defense attorneys include a former criminal prosecutor and they regularly practice in all of the Criminal Courts throughout Westchester County.

We are available 24/7 and offer free case evaluations. At Riebling & Payton, PLLC, our Westchester County criminal defense lawyers are dedicated to providing proven and aggressive legal defense that you can trust and rely upon. With law offices in Mount Kisco, NY and White Plains, New York we are uniquely capable of conveniently serving all of our clients in Northern Westchester and Southern Westchester.

Free Consultations For Misdemeanor Charges

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor crime, you should immediate consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer at Riebling & Payton, PLLC. During the free consultation we will answer your questions and explain how we will protect your rights.

No matter your charge, you will know that you have a dedicated team of professionals personally working on your case. Our Westchester County misdemeanor lawyers take pride in the personal attention they gives to each matter, and they will talk with you directly to help you navigate every aspect of your charge and trial.

Call us to discuss your legal options with Riebling & Payton, PLLC. We’ll help you decide the best course of action in your misdemeanor case. Contact us now at (914) 712-6878.