$375 FOR MOST ST LOUIS MISDEMEANOR CHARGES
While there are many similarities between an SIS and an SES, there are a couple of big differences as well. “SIS” stands for Suspended Imposition of Sentence, and an “SES” stands for Suspended Execution of Sentence. Both involve periods of probation (usually one (1) to two (2) years). Both would eliminate any jail time or fine. But the SES comes with a few things that you should be aware of.
To begin with, let’s take a look at a typical SIS: suppose you are cited with stealing / theft in St. Louis. The value of the goods that were allegedly stolen was less than $500. This in turn will result in a Class A Misdemeanor. Class A Misdemeanors come with up to one (1) year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. But if a deal is struck with the court and an SIS is given to you, then instead of doing any jail time or paying any fines, you are placed on probation. This probation usually lasts for one or two years (and is described as “bench supervision,” which means you do not have to meet with a Parole Officer during the probationary period). Once the period of probation is over (and assuming that you have stayed out of trouble during that time), then the original charge of stealing is wiped away. The added bonus is that while you are on probation, the stealing charge will not ever show up on a background check (so if during your probation you apply for a job, this charge will not appear).
Now let’s look at an SES (using the same stealing scenario above): it is still a situation in which you would not actually serve any time. But the difference is that the court does in fact impose a specific period of jail time (for instance, six (6) months of the one year possible). Again, you would not serve that time in jail, but instead of the court saying “We can sentence you to up to one year in jail,” the court is saying “We are sentencing you to six months of the possible one year.” So with an SES, you complete the probation (no time served), but because the court did in fact sentence you to a definite period of jail time, the charge of stealing is not wiped out after you complete the probation.
PLEADING GUILTY IS NOT YOUR BEST OPTION!!
The affordable St. Louis criminal defense attorneys at The Bankruptcy Company, have been helping people with their misdemeanor charges for over ten (10) years. Our goal is to make sure that the charges leveled against you do not stay on your permanent record, and do any lasting damage. And we want to do all of this at an affordable price. The fees for a typical misdemeanor case start at $375. But the initial consultation to discuss your legal issues is free of charge. So contact us today!!
We have one location by appointment only: 4625 Lindell Blvd St. Louis, MO 63108. The initial consultation is free of charge. So contact us today to learn more!!