Misdemeanor
These charges follow you on background checks, job applications, and housing.
Retail fraud, disorderly persons, assault and battery, malicious destruction of property — misdemeanor charges may sound minor, but they carry real consequences. A conviction appears on background checks, can cost you a job, and follows you for the rest of your life. Scott treats every misdemeanor with the seriousness it deserves.
Call Now — (586) 243-4140Understanding the Charge
Misdemeanors in Michigan are criminal offenses punishable by one year or less in county jail. They cover a broad range of charges including retail fraud (shoplifting), simple assault and battery, malicious destruction of property, disorderly conduct, and more.
Many people make the mistake of thinking a misdemeanor is "no big deal." The reality is that a misdemeanor conviction creates a permanent criminal record that shows up on employment background checks, housing applications, college applications, and professional licensing reviews.
Scott has defended thousands of misdemeanor cases throughout his career in courts across Macomb County, Oakland County, Wayne County, St. Clair County, and Lapeer County — including the 37th District Court (Warren), 40th District Court (St. Clair Shores), 41A District Court (Sterling Heights/Shelby Township), 41B District Court (Clinton Township), 42-1 District Court (New Baltimore) and 42-2 District Court (Romeo), 48th District Court (Birmingham/Bloomfield), and 52nd District Court (Troy/Rochester Hills). He understands the local prosecutors and the best strategies for keeping charges off your record.
Charges Scott Defends
Assault & Violence
- •Assault and battery
- •Domestic violence — first offense
- •Domestic violence — second offense
- •Aggravated assault
- •Aggravated domestic violence
Theft & Property
- •Retail fraud / shoplifting — under $1,000
- •Larceny — under $1,000
- •Malicious destruction of property — under $1,000
- •Embezzlement — under $1,000
- •Breaking and entering / illegal entry
Driving Related
- •First offense OWI / DUI
- •Driving without a license
- •Driving with a suspended license
- •Reckless driving
- •Drag racing
Public Order
- •Disorderly conduct
- •Indecent exposure
- •Trespassing
- •Disturbing the peace
- •Open intoxication
Obstruction
- •Obstructing a police officer
- •Resisting arrest — misdemeanor level
- •Failure to stop and identify after an accident
High Court Misdemeanors
- •Fourth degree criminal sexual conduct — CSC 4th
- •Joyriding — unauthorized use of a vehicle
- •Keeping or maintaining a drug house
Probation & Court Related
- •Probation violation
- •Failure to appear
Potential Penalties
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| 93-Day Misdemeanor (e.g., Retail Fraud 3rd) | Up to 93 days in jail, up to $500 fine, restitution |
| 1-Year Misdemeanor (e.g., Assault & Battery) | Up to 1 year in jail, up to $1,000 fine, probation |
| Minor in Possession (MIP) | Fine, community service, substance abuse assessment, possible license suspension |
| Disorderly Conduct | Up to 90 days in jail, up to $500 fine |
Why Hire Scott for This Case
- ✓Has defended thousands of misdemeanor cases across Southeast Michigan
- ✓Knows which courts and prosecutors offer the best deferral programs
- ✓Experienced with retail fraud, assault and battery, domestic violence, OWI, and driving with a suspended license
- ✓Regularly appears in the 37th, 40th, 41A, 41B, 42-1, 42-2, 48th, and 52nd District Courts
- ✓Works to keep convictions off your permanent record
- ✓Fast, responsive communication — you always know where your case stands
- ✓Flat fee pricing with no hidden costs
Frequently Asked Questions
The Right Move Is the One You Make Right Now.
Every day that passes without the right attorney in your corner is a day the other side uses to build their case.
Prefer to Call?
A live person answers every call — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
(586) 243-4140Law Offices of Scott E. Rabaut
38600 Van Dyke Ave., Suite 200
Sterling Heights, MI 48312
Callback within 24 hours — sooner when urgency requires it.