What Happens If I Plead Guilty to the Criminal Charge?

When you plead guilty to a criminal charge, then a conviction for that particular crime will be placed on your permanent record. And getting the conviction removed is an extraordinarily difficult process (and really only limited to a couple, specific examples). So in reality, once the conviction goes on your record, it is there for life.

So why do most people plead guilty to the criminal charges leveled against them? Because most individuals do not realize that they even have an alternative option. But then that is why it is so important to first speak with an experienced St. Louis criminal defense attorney. An attorney can explain your options, answer your questions, and help guide you through the process from start to finish.

Let’s look at a specific example: Say you are charged with trespassing. This is typically a Class B Misdemeanor, which comes with a potential jail sentence of up to six (6) months and a $500 fine. So if you are to plead guilty to it, then a criminal conviction (a Class B Misdemeanor) will become a part of your permanent record. Once the conviction is on your record, it is there forever. In addition, a conviction on your record will make things very difficult for you in the future. Every time you apply for a job, your potential employer will run a criminal background check (which will show the conviction, and you will likely be screened out as an applicant). Every time you try to rent an apartment, the landlord will do the same thing. And when you seek certain licenses (like a commercial driver’s license, or anything that requires a security-level clearance), then the red mark on your record will be an obstacle.

But there is a much better way of dealing with this type of thing!! At the very least, you should hire an attorney to get the current criminal charge reduced to a lesser offense (like “littering,” which is an infraction that does not even show up on your record at all). This is far more acceptable than the alternative described above!

The affordable St. Louis criminal defense attorneys at The Bankruptcy Company, have been helping people with their misdemeanor charges for over ten (10) years. Our goal is to make sure that the charges leveled against you do not stay on your permanent record, and do any lasting damage. And we want to do all of this at an affordable price. The fees for a typical misdemeanor case start at $450. But the initial consultation to discuss your legal issues is free of charge. So contact us today!!

We have two main locations: in the Central West End of St. Louis, at 1 North Taylor (on the corner of Taylor and Laclede), 63108; and in the Twin Cities of Festus / Crystal City, at 1000 Truman Blvd (Highway 61/67), 63019. The initial consultation is free of charge. So contact us today to learn more!!