Don’t let the name fool you; a misdemeanor can amount to serious consequences.

You can face harsh penalties and have a charge on your record that will stick with you for a long time, possibly even preventing you from getting a job. In the case of a gross misdemeanor such as simple assault, third degree theft, or a DUI, you can face a maximum sentence including jail time and thousands of dollars in fines.

If you find yourself charged with a misdemeanor it is imperative that you consult with and retain capable counsel or you will find yourself either pleading to a sentence far greater than what you should, or fighting a battle at trial you will most likely lose.

Beau Coats has been fighting misdemeanors and winning the battle at the negotiation table for almost two decades.

For most of you this is your first introduction to the legal system. While each criminal case is different, there are some steps that are common to most, if not all, criminal cases. In this section you will find information on what to expect at each stage of a typical criminal case.
Arraignment - After the arrest, booking, and initial bail phases of the criminal process, the first stage of courtroom-based proceedings takes place -- arraignment. During a typical arraignment, a person charged with a crime is called before a criminal court judge, who:
• Reads the criminal charge(s) against the person (now called the "defendant");
• Asks the defendant if he or she has an attorney, or needs the assistance of a court-appointed attorney;
• Asks the defendant how he or she "pleads to", the criminal charges -- "guilty" or "not guilty."

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