Misdemeanor Criminal Charges: Defense Lawyer Hurst & Hurst Danville

Criminal Charges Defense

Being charged with misdemeanor criminal charges is frightening. The attorneys at Hurst & Hurst can help manage your misdemeanor criminal charges and explain the process to you. If you would like to speak with a criminal defense attorney, you can schedule a consultation with Daniel Hurst. Call (859) 209-2101.

What is a Misdemeanor?

Misdemeanors are charges that carry a punishment of up to twelve (12) months in jail. In Kentucky, we have two (2) classes of misdemeanors.

Class A Misdemeanors: Punishable by up to twelve (12) months of incarceration.
Class B Misdemeanors: Punishable by up to ninety (90) days of incarceration.

Legal Process for Misdemeanor Criminal Charges in Kentucky

The exact order of what happens when you are being prosecuted for a misdemeanor will vary from case to case and jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

Arrest, Booking and Bond

In most cases, you will be arrested and booked at the local detention center. Once booked, you will generally be given a bond. If you are able to post bond, you will not have to remain incarcerated while your case proceeds through the courts. If you cannot post bond, you will remain in jail at least until your arraignment in the District Court.

Arraignment

The arraignment is when you are formally told by the judge what crimes you have been charged with and given an opportunity to plead "guilty" or "not guilty." This will happen regardless of whether you are in jail or out of jail on bond. If, however, you have not been able to post bond prior to your arraignment, this is an opportunity for your attorney to ask the court to consider reducing your bond.

Pretrial Conference

Assuming you plead not guilty at your arraignment, the court will set a pretrial conference date. Pretrial conferences are opportunities to discuss the case with the prosecutor and they often take place in front of a judge. If no plea bargain is reached during the pretrial conference you will start moving toward a trial.

How Can Hurst & Hurst Law Help?

Generally speaking, misdemeanor offenses in the State of Kentucky are considered less serious than those classified as felonies. However, facing twelve (12) months, or even ninety (90) days in jail is still a big deal in the real world.

Aside from the incarceration itself being unpleasant, it can cause you extreme financial hardship, since you can't work while incarcerated. You may lose your job as a result.

We strongly recommend that anyone with misdemeanor criminal charges take those charges very seriously and speak to an attorney, rather than trying to represent themselves. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor and you are interested in having Daniel represent you, please call Hurst & Hurst Law at (859) 209-2101.