Is It Worth Fighting a Misdemeanor Charge in Washington?
Many people assume that a misdemeanor Charge is “no big deal.” After all, it’s not a felony—so why not just plead guilty, pay a fine, and move on?
But in reality, even a misdemeanor conviction in Washington can carry serious and lasting consequences. From employment and housing restrictions to impacts on immigration and firearm rights, the fallout from a guilty plea can be far greater than most people realize.
Whether you’re facing a first-time theft charge, a domestic violence allegation, or a simple assault accusation, it’s critical to understand what’s at stake—and why working with a skilled defense attorney can make all the difference.
What Is a Misdemeanor Under Washington Law?
In Washington, criminal offenses are generally classified into three levels: felonies, gross misdemeanors, and misdemeanors. While misdemeanors are the least severe of the three, they are still criminal offenses, not civil infractions.
- Simple misdemeanors carry a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Gross misdemeanors are more serious and carry up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Common misdemeanor charges include shoplifting, trespassing, reckless driving, disorderly conduct, minor assaults, and some domestic violence-related offenses.
Why Misdemeanors Should Be Taken Seriously
Although the penalties may seem manageable at first glance, a misdemeanor conviction can create long-term consequences that go far beyond a fine or short jail sentence.
Employment Consequences
Many employers conduct criminal background checks. A conviction—even for something seemingly minor—can disqualify you from jobs in government, healthcare, education, and positions involving trust or responsibility. In some cases, people lose current employment due to a pending or resolved charge.
Housing Restrictions
Landlords routinely screen applicants for criminal records. A conviction for theft, assault, or drug possession may lead to a denied rental application, difficulty obtaining housing assistance, or even eviction from current housing in subsidized programs.
Immigration Impact
If you are not a U.S. citizen, a misdemeanor conviction could lead to deportation, denial of naturalization, or a bar to reentry. Certain crimes—especially those involving moral turpitude or domestic violence—carry severe immigration consequences even if they result in a deferred sentence or no jail time.
Firearm Rights
Some misdemeanor convictions—especially those involving domestic violence—can lead to a permanent loss of firearm rights under both state and federal law. Even if the court does not explicitly address gun ownership, the conviction alone may trigger an automatic prohibition.
Fighting a Misdemeanor Can Protect Your Record
One of the most important reasons to fight a misdemeanor charge is to preserve a clean criminal record. Once a conviction is entered, it becomes part of your public record and can be accessed by employers, schools, licensing boards, and others. While Washington law does allow some convictions to be vacated after a waiting period, that process is not guaranteed and doesn’t erase all consequences.
By hiring a criminal defense attorney early, you may be able to:
- Negotiate a reduction or dismissal of the charge
- Obtain a diversion agreement or deferred sentence
- Challenge illegal searches or unreliable evidence
- Present mitigating facts that the prosecution may overlook
- Avoid a conviction altogether
A skilled attorney will evaluate your case, protect your rights, and help you understand your options. Even if you believe the evidence is strong or the penalties are minor, there may be defenses or alternative resolutions available that you don’t yet know about.
The Cost of Not Fighting
Pleading guilty without understanding the full legal consequences can be a costly mistake. Misdemeanor convictions don’t simply “go away”—they follow you. Whether you’re applying for a job five years later or trying to renew a professional license, that guilty plea can come back to haunt you.
Fighting the charge may take time and effort, but for many clients, it’s the right decision to protect their future.
Talk to a Washington Criminal Defense Attorney Today
At the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer, we believe that no charge is too small to take seriously. We’ve helped hundreds of clients in Clark County and throughout Washington reduce or dismiss misdemeanor charges, protect their rights, and move forward without the weight of a criminal conviction.
If you’re facing a misdemeanor Charge in Washington, don’t navigate the process alone. Contact our office for a confidential consultation, and let’s talk about your defense.