Clearwater Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
Protecting Your Rights & Fighting Misdemeanor Charges in Pinellas County
Facing a misdemeanor charge in Florida may seem less severe than a felony, but it still carries serious legal consequences. A misdemeanor conviction can impact your employment, driver’s license, gun rights, and overall future. Even a first-time offense can lead to jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record.
At McGuire Megna Attorneys, we provide aggressive legal defense for individuals charged with misdemeanors in Pinellas County and throughout Florida. Whether you’re facing charges for DUI, petit theft, domestic violence, or resisting arrest, we will work tirelessly to protect your rights and fight for reduced charges, case dismissal, or alternative sentencing.
CONTACT US NOW
REQUEST A RISK-FREE CONSULTATION TODAY.
Understanding Misdemeanor Charges in Florida
Florida classifies misdemeanors into two categories based on severity:
First-Degree Misdemeanors
✔ Punishable by: Up to 1 year in county jail and a $1,000 fine
✔ Examples:
DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
Domestic violence battery
Petit theft (2nd offense)
Resisting an officer without violence
Criminal mischief (over $200 in damage)
Second-Degree Misdemeanors
✔ Punishable by: Up to 60 days in county jail and a $500 fine
✔ Examples:
First-time petit theft
Loitering or prowling
Disorderly intoxication
Driving with a suspended license (without prior offenses)
Even though misdemeanors carry lighter sentences than felonies, a conviction can still result in a criminal record that affects your future.
How a Misdemeanor Conviction Can Affect Your Life
Many people underestimate the impact of a misdemeanor conviction. Even though penalties may not seem as harsh as a felony, the long-term consequences can be life-altering:
❌ Employment Challenges – Many employers conduct background checks and may reject applicants with a criminal record.
❌ Driver’s License Suspension – Certain misdemeanors, such as DUI or drug possession, can result in license revocation.
❌ Higher Insurance Rates – A conviction for DUI or reckless driving can increase auto insurance premiums.
❌ Gun Rights Restrictions – Some misdemeanor convictions, such as domestic violence, can prevent you from owning firearms.
❌ Limited Housing Opportunities – Landlords may deny rental applications based on criminal history.
❌ Difficulty in Professional Licensing – Certain careers, such as healthcare and finance, require clean records for licensing.
A misdemeanor charge doesn’t have to define your future—our legal team can fight to protect your record.
Defenses Against Misdemeanor Charges in Florida
At McGuire Megna Attorneys, we build strong defenses tailored to each case. Common defense strategies include:
✔ Unlawful Arrest – If law enforcement violated your rights during the arrest, evidence may be suppressed.
✔ Lack of Evidence – The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt—we challenge weak evidence.
✔ Self-Defense – In cases involving battery or assault, we may argue that you acted to protect yourself or another person.
✔ Mistaken Identity – If you were wrongly accused, we work to prove that you were not involved in the alleged crime.
✔ Illegal Search & Seizure – If police conducted an unlawful search, we may move to have evidence dismissed.
Every case is unique, and the best defense strategy depends on the circumstances of your arrest.
Can a Misdemeanor Be Dismissed or Reduced?
Yes! Depending on your case, we may be able to:
✔ Negotiate a Reduction – We fight to reduce charges from a first-degree misdemeanor to a second-degree misdemeanor, or even to a civil infraction.
✔ Seek Pre-Trial Diversion – Some first-time offenders qualify for Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), allowing them to complete probation instead of serving jail time.
✔ Obtain a Withhold of Adjudication – This prevents a formal conviction, allowing you to seal your record later.
✔ File for Expungement or Sealing – If eligible, we help clear your criminal record so it doesn’t appear in background checks.
Why Choose McGuire Megna Attorneys for Your Misdemeanor Defense?
✔ Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers – We’ve successfully defended hundreds of misdemeanor cases in Florida.
✔ Aggressive Legal Representation – We fight for dismissals, reduced charges, and alternative sentencing.
✔ Personalized Defense Strategies – Every case is different—we tailor custom legal strategies to your situation.
✔ Help with Expungement & Record Sealing – We guide eligible clients through clearing their criminal record.
✔ Dedicated to Protecting Your Future – We work to minimize the consequences of a misdemeanor conviction.
GET YOUR RISK FREE CONSULTATION NOW
DON'T WAIT. GET THE JUSTICE YOU DESERVE. CONTACT US TODAY.
Personal Service, Prompt Attention, Experience and Expertise.
John McGuire’s commitment is to provide you with the prompt, personal attention you deserve at every stage of representation. We take the time to listen to your concerns and provide you with the advice you need to proceed in the right direction, and we keep you informed as your case develops.
Want to sound smart with your friends?
If we don’t win, you don’t pay a penny. When tragedy strikes, our Personal Injury Law Firm is here to help you. Get a risk-free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
While misdemeanors are considered less severe than felonies, they still carry serious legal and personal consequences. From jail time and fines to a permanent criminal record, a misdemeanor conviction can impact your ability to find employment, maintain a driver’s license, or qualify for housing and professional licenses. Many people facing misdemeanor charges have questions about their rights, possible defenses, and the long-term effects of a conviction. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about misdemeanor offenses in Florida, including the differences between degrees, sentencing guidelines, and opportunities for case dismissal or diversion. If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor, contact McGuire Megna Attorneys today to protect your future and your freedom.
Felonies are more serious crimes than misdemeanors and carry more severe penalties, including longer prison sentences and larger fines.
A misdemeanor conviction stays on your record permanently, unless it is sealed or expunged.
Yes. A first-degree misdemeanor carries up to 1 year in county jail, while a second-degree misdemeanor carries up to 60 days.
Yes. Unless sealed or expunged, a misdemeanor will appear in criminal background checks.
Some misdemeanors qualify for record sealing or expungement, especially if you received a withhold of adjudication.
Absolutely! A misdemeanor conviction can affect your job, license, and future opportunities. A skilled attorney can fight to reduce or dismiss charges.