A simple misdemeanor is the “lightest” misdemeanor in regard to punishment of all the misdemeanors. Even though a simple misdemeanor is not the worst crime a person can be convicted of, it still does not look good on your record. Potential employers, school officials, and relatives can view this information online. In addition to your punishment from the court, you can also face being suspended or expelled from school or even being fired from your job. The simple misdemeanors that will most likely affect your employment and/or schooling include possession of drug paraphernalia, theft, and domestic assault. Moreover, being convicted of too many simple misdemeanors can lead to a charge being enhanced in the future, should you ever be charged with another crime. Simply put, what seems like a "light" crime, can have a heavy impact on your future.
The Feld Law Firm offers representation as low as $500 in simple misdemeanor cases including,but not limited to, assault, domestic assault, possession of drug paraphernalia, minor in possession of alcohol, disorderly conduct, and theft. I will inform you of the simple misdemeanor process and advise you of your rights, including whether or not you should use a deferred judgment or whether you are even eligible to use a deferred judgment. A deferred judgment allows a person to have a charge expunged from their record if they stay out of trouble for a certain amount of time determined by the court and not to exceed a certain amount of years. The probationary period for simple misdemeanors is almost always one year, but can be reduced if you complete all of the conditions of probation and pay your fines off early. If you do not use a deferred judgment, I will inform you of whether you can have the simple misdemeanor charge expunged from your record after a certain period of time. There are other ways to have the charge(s) dismissed or amended to a different crime so that it looks better on your record. There is also the possibility of trial where you can receive a not guilty verdict and the crime can eventually be dismissed from your record.
If you are charged with any simple misdemeanor crime in Iowa, do not hesitate to call or email the Feld Law Firm to set up a free consultation. An attorney would be happy to point you in the right direction. A simple misdemeanor attorney would be happy to listen to your questions and point you in the right direction. The Feld Law Firm is located at 1200 Valley West Drive, Ste. 208 in West Des Moines, Iowa.