A Criminal Conviction Can Affect Your Future
Whether you are charged with a felony or misdemeanor, a criminal conviction can have a significant impact on your life, both now and in the future.
I am Geri Joneson, a criminal defense lawyer in Fort Collins, Colorado. I defend people charged with all types of misdemeanors and felonies. If you or a family member has been charged with a criminal offense, I offer a free initial consultation to assess your case and explain what you can expect. We will discuss the legal issues and the court procedures. You will feel comfortable just knowing what to do next.
There are four classes of traffic violations in Colorado, each of which has its own range of sentences and fines. There are two classes of petty offenses, each of which has it's own sentences and fines.
There are three classes of misdemeanors. A class 1 misdemeanor carries a fine of $500-$5,000 and 6-18 months jail. A class 2 misdemeanor carries a fine of $250-$1,000 and 3-12 months jail. A class 3 misdemeanor carries a $50-$750 fine and 0-6 months jail.
Some people think that any resolution that allows them to avoid jail is a good outcome. However, that is not true. There are long-term consequences of a criminal conviction that are more serious than jail time.
A criminal charge results in a permanent criminal record. You will be required to disclose this information anytime you apply for a job, on applications to colleges, loans, etc. If you have a case where a conviction can be avoided, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you; it can make a difference in your future.
Can My Case Be Resolved Without a Conviction?
If you are a first time offender, many misdemeanor offenses can be resolved with a deferred sentence. Once you complete the terms and conditions of the deferred sentence (such as community service, alcohol classes and treatment, and domestic violence classes) there won't be a conviction on your record. In many cases, records of your arrest can also be sealed or expunged. The Law Office of Geri R. Joneson, LLC can assist you with sealing your record if your case is eligible to be sealed.
Free Attorney Consultation
Don't face misdemeanor charges alone. To schedule a free initial consultation with me, defense lawyer Geri Joneson, call 970-482-6000 or fill out the contact form on this Web site.
