What should I expect on my court date if I’m a college student who was recently been arrested for misdemeanor possession and paraphernalia?
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What should I expect on my court date if I’m a college student who was recently been arrested for misdemeanor possession and paraphernalia?
Asked on December 12, 2013 under Criminal Law, Georgia
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
Definition of a Misdemeanor
A misdemeanor is any crime other than a felony.
Local ordinances in Georgia are, by definition, misdemeanors, and are tried in the municipal and/or magistrate courts.
Punishment for most misdemeanors is up to 12 months in jail. You can get good time credit while in jail. Many jails only require you to serve half your sentence.
Fines for most are up to $1000, but can be as low as $300 for certain offenses.
Definition of a Misdemeanor of a High and Aggravated Nature
Like a regular misdemeanor, a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature can only carry a sentence up to 12 months in jail. However, if you receive a jail sentence, the maximum good time credit you can get per month is only 4 days. In other words, in a month with 30 days, you will have to do 26.
Fines can be as high as $5000.
Misdemeanors - Other Punishment
In addition to jail, probation, fines, and restitution, some common punishment for a misdemeanor conviction are as follows:
Community Service
Loss of Right to Possess a Firearm (e.g. Family Violence Offenses)
Loss of Federal Financial Aid for Your Education (Drug Offenses)
Precluded From Certain Job Opportunities
Loss of Driving Privileges
Suspension Of License Plate
Publication of Your Photo in the Newspaper
I suggest that you immediately consult with a criminal defense attorney in your locality to assist you. In on attorneypages.com can be located.
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