Misdemeanor Attorney

Protecting Your Record from Misdemeanor Charges

It is a common misconception that misdemeanor charges are not a big deal. Many people believe that because they are not felonies, they can simply pay a fine and move on with their lives. However, at the Law Office of George Renneberg, we know that a misdemeanor conviction can have a ripple effect that disrupts your life for years to come. While the potential jail time is less than that of a felony, a misdemeanor still results in a criminal record. This record is visible to future employers, landlords, and educational institutions. It can result in the loss of a professional license, higher insurance rates, or complications with immigration status. We treat every misdemeanor case with the seriousness it deserves because we know that your reputation and your livelihood are on the line.

When you hire us to handle your misdemeanor case, you are sending a message that you value your clean record and your future. We approach misdemeanors with the same rigor and strategic planning as we do more serious crimes. The legal system is often designed to process misdemeanor cases quickly, treating defendants like numbers on a docket. We disrupt that assembly-line mentality. We force the court and the prosecution to slow down and look at you as an individual. We examine every piece of evidence, question the validity of the traffic stop or the arrest, and challenge any violations of your rights.

Misdemeanors cover a wide variety of offenses, including petty theft, simple assault, disorderly conduct, and trespassing. Because the range is so broad, the defenses must be tailored specifically to the unique circumstances of each charge. George Renneberg takes the time to sit down with you and hear your side of the story. Often, there are mitigating factors that the police report fails to capture. Perhaps there was a misunderstanding, a moment of high emotion, or a simple mistake. We use these details to paint a humanizing picture for the prosecutor. Our goal is often to get charges dismissed entirely or reduced to non-criminal infractions that do not leave a permanent stain on your record.

One of the biggest advantages of hiring a private attorney for a misdemeanor is the management of the process. We know that you have a job to go to and a family to take care of. In many misdemeanor cases, we can appear in court on your behalf, saving you from having to take time off work or find childcare. We handle the paperwork, the scheduling, and the negotiations, allowing you to maintain your normal routine as much as possible. We keep you updated at every turn, but we try to shield you from the stress and the time-drain of the daily legal grind.

We also explore every available avenue for diversion. Many jurisdictions offer diversion programs for first-time offenders or for specific types of misdemeanors. These programs often involve community service, educational classes, or restitution in exchange for the dismissal of charges. We are well-versed in these options and know how to advocate for your acceptance into them. Successfully completing a diversion program can mean walking away with no criminal conviction whatsoever, which is often the ultimate goal. We guide you through these programs, ensuring you meet all the requirements and deadlines so that you can put the incident behind you for good.

If a dismissal or diversion is not possible, we are skilled negotiators who fight for lenient sentencing. We understand that good people make mistakes, and one bad day shouldn’t ruin your life. We advocate for probation over jail time and for fines that are manageable. We present character references and evidence of your contributions to the community to show the judge that you deserve a second chance. We are persuasive and persistent, never settling for the first offer unless it is truly in your best interest.

However, if you are innocent of the charges, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. We do not shy away from the courtroom. We will vigorously cross-examine the state’s witnesses and present a solid defense that raises reasonable doubt. We believe that no one should be convicted of a crime they did not commit, regardless of how “minor” the charge may seem. We fight for your acquittal with passion and determination.

We also assist with the aftermath of a misdemeanor charge. If you have past convictions, we can review your eligibility for expungement or record sealing. We believe in redemption and in the ability to move forward without the anchor of a past mistake holding you back. Helping you clean up your record is just another way we serve our clients and help them build a better future.

At the Law Office of George Renneberg, we pride ourselves on being accessible and approachable. We know that dealing with lawyers can be intimidating, so we strive to create an environment where you feel comfortable asking questions. We explain the law in terms you can understand, avoiding complex legalese. We want you to feel confident in the strategy we are building together.

Do not make the mistake of facing a misdemeanor charge alone or assuming it will just go away. The consequences are real, but they are manageable with the right legal help. We are here to provide that help. We bring experience, empathy, and a fighter’s spirit to your defense. Let us handle the legal burden so you can focus on moving forward. Your future is important to us, and we will work tirelessly to protect it from the consequences of a misdemeanor conviction.