How to Avoid Jail Time for a California Misdemeanor Hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer to advocate for you. Attempting to plea bargain for reduced charges or alternative offenses. Negotiating probation terms. Committing to rehabilitation. Filing pretrial motions to attack the strength of the evidence.
Jail time for a first time misdemeanor is highly unlikely, but not impossible. But aside from jail time, there are other adverse consequences that good repesentation can help to minimize or even avoid entirely.
Can First-Time Misdemeanor Charges Be Dismissed in Georgia? Georgia offers the possibility of dismissing misdemeanor charges for first-time offenders. Charges can, however, be dismissed depending on the specific facts and circumstances.
Under the First Offender Act in Georgia, if a first-time offender commits a felony, the court may decide that they still have to complete their sentence. Depending on the prosecuting attorney, you may get jail time or straight probation.
Most misdemeanor offenses in Georgia can be served on probation and a person typically does not face jail time on a first offense. Certain charges, such as DUI, require a mandatory minimum of 24 hours in jail, but courts usually say the time spent in jail following the arrest is sufficient to satisfy that requirement.
Can First-Time Misdemeanor Charges Be Dismissed in Georgia? Georgia offers the possibility of dismissing misdemeanor charges for first-time offenders. Charges can, however, be dismissed depending on the specific facts and circumstances.
Under Georgia statute O.C.G.A. §17-10-3, misdemeanors are punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000 or by jail time not to exceed 12 months or both. If convicted of a misdemeanor and required to serve time, it will be served in a county or city jail.