This is my son...

[Jennicut]

82. Very outrageous but it does happen.

This is a very good article on how misdemeanors are anything but minor.
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/jurisprudence/2012/04/misdemeanors_can_have_major_consequences_for_the_people_charged_.2.html

"The repercussions of a petty conviction can be anything but minor. These offenses are increasingly punished with hefty fines that low-income defendants cannot pay. A conviction of any kind can ruin a person’s job prospects. A petty conviction can affect eligibility for professional licenses, child custody, food stamps, student loans, and health care or lead to deportation. In many cities, a misdemeanor makes you ineligible for public housing."

It is pretty disgusting what they are charging this man with. A lot of times people arrested on misdemeanors are told to plead guilty and get away with a fine and probation but then they have that on their record.