Misdemeanor crimes can be either class 1, class 2, or class 3 misdemeanors. Misdemeanors are handled by county courts.

A class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious and is punishable by six to eighteen months in jail. However, should the class 1 misdemeanor be classified as an “extraordinary risk offense”, the maximum penalty goes up to two years in the county jail.

A class 2 misdemeanor is punishable by three to twelve months in the county jail.

A class 3 misdemeanor is punishable by zero to three months in the county jail.

While misdemeanors are certainly less serious than felonies, a misdemeanor conviction can have serious, far-reaching and longterm effects – including a negative impact on your ability to obtain housing or employment. Additionally, most misdemeanor convictions cannot be sealed or removed from your record and therefore remain on your criminal record for life. Accordingly, it is of the utmost importance that if you are facing misdemeanor charges you hire a criminal defense attorney to ensure the outcome of your case is the best possible outcome given the unique facts and circumstances of your case.