No criminal charge is truly minor—each one can have lasting effects on your life. Immediate consequences can include jail time, significant fines, mandatory counseling, and long-term probation.

Beyond these immediate impacts, a conviction may affect your ability to secure or maintain employment, lose your driving privileges, or jeopardize your immigration status or professional licenses. A prior conviction can also result in harsher penalties if you face additional charges in the future.

With the help of an experienced attorney, you can work to minimize these impacts. A skilled lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case, speak to witnesses, and may even get the charges dismissed before trial. If necessary, they can advocate for you in court or negotiate a plea deal with more favorable terms.