West Palm Beach Misdemeanor Offense Attorneys

If You Have Been Charged With a Misdemeanor Offense of Any Kind in South Florida, We Want to Talk to You Today

We’re determined to develop defenses that help our clients get their charges dropped or downgraded, attain not-guilty trial verdicts, or otherwise reduce the impact of criminal charges on their lives. The consequences of a misdemeanor charge are enough to interfere with your life in big ways and small ways, now and in the future—and we’re committed to minimizing this impact through a strong, smart legal strategy and professionally prepared defense arguments.

To start protecting your legal rights, contact BD Law today for a free consultation.

Why Do You Need a Defense Attorney When Charged With a Misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor is a violation that falls short of the severity of a felony offense, but it’s still a crime. Defending yourself as fully as possible is crucial when you’ve been charged with any crime, regardless of the type or severity of the offense.

The Sentences Imposed for Misdemeanor Offenses in Florida

A criminal conviction, even of a misdemeanor, can result in facing significant penalties, including:

• Fines: Generally, first-degree misdemeanors can carry fines of up to $1,000 in Florida, and less severe second-degree misdemeanors can carry a fine of $500. Exceptions exist, including multiple DUIs, which can lead to higher fines.
• Prison sentences: First-degree misdemeanors can result in up to 12 months of jail time, while second-degree misdemeanors are generally punishable by up to 60 days of jail time.
• Probation: A misdemeanor may also result in being placed on probation, either instead of or in addition to other penalties. Violating the conditions of your court-ordered probation could result in jail time.
• Other sentences: Depending on the circumstances of the violation, other penalties for misdemeanor offenses may include court-ordered community service, mandatory counseling or treatment programs, and restitution payments.

Long after you have served the sentences imposed on you, having a criminal record can continue to haunt you. Background checks are common when you pursue new career opportunities or educational programs. In addition to holding you back professionally and academically, your criminal record may become a significant personal problem when you apply to rent an apartment or secure a mortgage to purchase a home.

Having a prior conviction can affect you personally and professionally, potentially for the rest of your life. To minimize this impact, you need to put up a strong defense from the start.

Types of Misdemeanor Charges BD Law Can Assist You With

Misdemeanor charges can arise out of numerous types of offenses, including both violent and non-violent crimes. What makes an offense a misdemeanor is that it does not reach the severity of a felony offense, which carries steeper maximum penalties.

Our firm is committed to representing those accused of all types of misdemeanor violations, including:

• Misdemeanor assault charges
• Misdemeanor theft charges
• Misdemeanor drug charges, like possession of small amounts of certain drugs, such as marijuana, for personal use
• Misdemeanor criminal mischief charges
• Disorderly conduct charges
• Trespassing charges
• DUI charges

Many violations in Florida can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the specific circumstances of the offense. A criminal defense attorney may seek to get felony charges downgraded to misdemeanors. If the charge against you is already a misdemeanor, it’s still worth developing the strongest possible defense to avoid or minimize the consequences of being convicted.

Why Choose BD Law to Help You Fight Misdemeanor Charges?

Years of Experience as Both a Prosecutor and Defense Attorney

Brandon Dinetz has years of experience practicing law, not only on the defense side but also as a former prosecutor. Drawing on what he learned as an Assistant State Attorney at the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, he uses insider knowledge of how prosecutors think to build strong strategies and negotiate skillfully with opposing counsel.

A Trial Lawyer Prepared to Fight for You in the Courtroom

You need a defense attorney who will consider all options available to you, not someone who cares more about avoiding a trial than getting you the most favorable outcome possible. While BD Law is often able to work toward a beneficial situation through skilled negotiations, our firm is always willing to take a case to court if a trial offers the best opportunities based on a client’s individual circumstances. Attorney Brandon Dinetz is known for his impressive courtroom presence and the trial results he achieves.

Reputable, Results-Oriented Representation

In the legal community, reputation matters. Entrusting your defense to BD Law means choosing a reputable firm known for its results in criminal legal matters. Our successes in securing the most favorable resolutions possible have won us the respect of judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement personnel across the South Florida region.

Compassionate, Client-Focused Assistance Defending Against Misdemeanor Charges

Our experience defending clients against a full array of misdemeanor charges has shown us firsthand how stressful being accused of a crime can be for our clients. We recognize that the accused deserve to be treated with respect, professionalism, and compassion—otherwise, we wouldn’t have dedicated our practice to criminal defense law. At every stage of your case, we’re here to treat you with empathy and fight for your best interests.

Misdemeanor Defense Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)