New York residents who are facing a misdemeanor charge have defense options that could help them avoid harsh penalties like imprisonment. Community service is a possible alternative to incarceration for misdemeanor charges. Moreover, this could help defendants reduce the negative impact a conviction could have on life in general.
According to recent reports, a man convicted of parachute jumping in New York was able to receive a sentence for community service after being convicted of this misdemeanor charge. Reports indicated that this man and two other jumped from the top of New York’s one World Trade Center while it was under construction in September of 2013.
Despite the efforts arguing that the jumps were well-planned and not reckless acts, the recently convicted man, along with two others, were convicted of reckless endangerment as well as other misdemeanor charges. The man was also ordered to pay a fine of $2,000 and has been sentenced to complete 300 hours of community service. The other two men were required to pay similar fines, however, they received lessor orders regarding community service.
Although the defendant was convicted of the charges, the penalties for such an offense could have been much more serious. Imprisonment could have been a potential consequence, but community service is often used in place of or as an alternative to imprisonment.
People facing misdemeanor charges should be aware of any and all legal defense options. These could range greatly and could help defendants reduce or dismiss the charges against them. Additionally, there are several defense options that could help defendants reduce the penalties upon convicted. When planning a criminal defense, it is important that defendants are well informed and take timely action.
Source: New Jersey Herald, “Community service, fine in World Trade Center parachute jump,” Aug. 31, 2015