You do not need to go to jail for most misdemeanors.

A misdemeanor in Michigan can have a possible jail sentence as long as one year. In almost every case, jail is not mandatory. Your best hope of avoiding jail is with an experienced defense lawyer protecting and defending you.

Misdemeanors Can Carry Up to One Year in Jail

A misdemeanor is a criminal charge that carries up to 1 year in jail and up to 2 years on probation. Although some crimes with possible prison sentences can be called “high misdemeanors” in criminal statutes, they are considered felony offenses for almost every purpose under the law.

High misdemeanors, also called “High Court Misdemeanors,” carry possible prison sentences. There is no meaningful distinction between a “high misdemeanor” and a “felony.” High court misdemeanors are punishable by up to two years in prison and up to 5 years on probation. High court misdemeanors include indecent exposure and negligent homicide (by vehicle). In general, high court misdemeanors do not have mandatory minimum jail sentences. With a misdemeanor, there is a possibility of jail time, but with “high misdemeanors,” “high court misdemeanors,” and “felonies,” there is a possibility of prison time.

Is jail required for a misdemeanor offense?

In most cases, you do not have to go to jail if you are convicted of a misdemeanor. The vast majority of misdemeanor offenses do not require that the defendant serve a minimum jail term. This does not mean that there won’t be jail imposed by a judge, only that jail is not mandatory. Examples of some misdemeanor offenses with waivable mandatory jail time include:

DUI or OWI 2nd (Operating While Intoxicated/With Controlled Substance – 2nd Offense)
Operating While Intoxicated/Impaired/With Controlled Substance – Occupant Less Than 16 – 2nd or Subsequent Offense
Minor Operating with Any BAC – Occupant Less Than 16 – 2nd Offense
OWVI (Operating While Impaired – 2nd Offense)
Marine Safety – Operating While Intoxicated – 2nd Offense
Marine Safety – Operating While Intoxicated – Occupant Less Than 16
Marine Safety – Minor with Any BAC – Occupant Less Than 16 – 2nd Offense
ORV – Operating While Intoxicated – 2nd Offense
ORV – Operating While Intoxicated – Occupant Less Than 16
ORV – Minor with Any BAC – Occupant Less Than 16 – 2nd Offense
Snowmobiles – Operating While Intoxicated – 2nd Offense
Snowmobiles – Operating While Intoxicated – Occupant Less Than 16
Snowmobiles – Minor with Any BAC – Occupant Less Than 16 – 2nd Offense

Judges are free to determine the amount of jail they deem most appropriate under the circumstances. They can legally sentence a defendant to no jail time for any of these offenses, if the defendant completes a court-ordered program.

How do I stay out of jail?

Judges consider numerous factors when considering the possible length of a jail sentence to impose for a misdemeanor conviction. Practical considerations include prior record, age, employment, background, education, amount of damage, loss, or injury, substance abuse history, and the defendant’s compliance with bond conditions, to name a few. Other factors include whether the defendant appears to respect the judge and the judicial system, if the defendant appears sincerely remorseful, and if the defendant was respectful and cooperative with law enforcement. Outside factors can influence a sentence as well. For example, what type of sentence is the victim or complainant requesting, how much jail time is the prosecutor or probation officer recommending, the judge’s attitude towards the defendant and the type of offense committed, and whether there is media attention.

Finally, the “X” factor is the persuasiveness, intelligence, reputation, and skill of the defense lawyer. The defense attorney’s job is to counter any negative issues and highlight positive factors. Making a convincing and compelling sentencing argument on behalf of a client takes a highly-skilled, reputable, and passionate lawyer. Low budget, general practice, and appointed lawyers will frequently make weak arguments for a low sentence, taking the easiest course of action. There is no substitute for the work done by a seasoned, retained criminal defense lawyer that is committed to fighting for your rights and your future. A top defense attorney will take the time and devote the energy and resources necessary to formulate a stellar sentencing allocution that blows the socks off the judge and can potentially change the entire course of the sentencing hearing in your favor.

Will a lawyer take the time to work hard on a misdemeanor case?

Some lawyers will care enough to do everything humanly possible to achieve the best outcome on a misdemeanor case; conversely, many lawyers barely put up a fight and will just be satisfied with a mediocre outcome. At LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., we know that a misdemeanor offense can have a devastating impact on a person’s life. A misdemeanor conviction can result in jail, loss of custody or visitation rights, loss of a driver’s license, an inability to get a job or promotion, loss or suspension of a professional license, damage to a credit score, and more. The defense lawyers at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. give 110% effort in every case, every time. We will do everything that can be done to obtain the best possible outcome.

Lawyers Who Can Keep Clients Out of Jail on a Misdemeanor Case

Although no lawyer can ethically guarantee or promise any particular outcome, the attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have an unparalleled track record of successfully keeping clients out of jail in serious misdemeanor cases, even for clients with a prior record. Over the course of decades, we have developed strategies that have proven to be highly effective, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.