A Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You Defend Against a Misdemeanor ChargeA misdemeanor isn't as heavy as other crimes but you can be charged for it and this will become part of your permanent record. Fortunately, you can fight it with the help of a criminal defense lawyer. When you are charted with a misdemeanor, you are given a citation which states the date and time that you will appear in court. Do you have to see a lawyer? Some people do so immediately so they can be guided throughout the process. For that, you have to hire one. Surely you can get somebody because if you don't, a state appointed lawyer will be the one to help you but they don't do that well compared to private counsel. For you to quality a state appointed counsel, you will have to fill up a form. You will also be required to reimburse the state for the legal services of the public defender.