Texas Misdemeanor Crimes by Classifications and Sentences
Whenever a person is charged with some crime in the state of Texas, there are specified consequences associated with each offense. These consequences are in accordance with the type of crime that is committed. Any criminal offense in Texas will either be filed as a felony or a misdemeanor offense. However, there is always confusion about these two and their consequences. No matter what kind of offense is charged, it is wise to consult an experience, knowledge, and trained criminal defense attorney.
Misdemeanor Offenses:
Misdemeanor cases are filed by the police agency with the District Attorney’s Office. If the District Attorney’s Office decides to prosecute the case, a document is created called an “information.” (The information is a written statement filed and presented on behalf of the State of Texas by the district attorney, charging the defendant with an offense.) It provides the defendant with notice as to the offense for which they stand charged. Once the information has been processed, a file is generated and the case is randomly assigned to one of the courts that handle and have jurisdiction over misdemeanor offenses. A document is created called “an information.” The information is a written statement filed and presented on behalf of the State of Texas by the district attorney, charging the defendant with an offense. It provides the defendant with notice as to the offense for which he stands charged. A misdemeanor crime is the one that is not considered as a serious crime compared to a felony offense.
Texas Misdemeanor Crimes:
A person who is accused of misdemeanor crime has to face some serious consequences that influence their future. There are three major classes of misdemeanor charges in Texas. Based on these classes, the punishment of a person will be decided according to the law. There are times when a person charged with misdemeanor crime has to face a lot of issues. As there are several classes for the misdemeanor crime, the act is somewhere converted into a felony. Due to this, a person has to face many serious outcomes than the act. This is the exact point where you will need the help of a professional lawyer. They will guide you in every possible way and will make things better for you after the arrest.
Different Levels of Misdemeanor Offenses – Article 12.22 of the Texas Penal Code
Regardless of where the criminal charge is filed, offenses are prosecuted at the lowest level of Class B misdemeanor up to highest level of First Degree Felony. Examples of the level of each type of offense and the possible ranges of punishment are as follows:
Class B Misdemeanor – confinement for a term not to exceed 180 days in the county jail; and/or a fine not to exceed $2,000. Example of this could include:
- DWI
- Possession of Marijuana (under 2 ounces)
- Criminal Trespass
- Theft by Check (Depending upon the amount)
- Terroristic Threat
- Indecent Exposure
- Evading arrest on foot
- Harassment
- Possession of marijuana (under 2 ounces)
- Reckless driving
Class A Misdemeanor – confinement for a term not to exceed one year in the county jail; and/or a fine not to exceed
$4,000. Examples of this include:
- Driving While Intoxicated (2nd Offense)
- DWI (BAC >.15)
- Assault causing bodily injury
- Assault causing bodily injury to a family member (family violence)
- Unlawfully carrying a weapon
- Possession of marijuana (more than 2 ounces, but less than 4 ounces)
- Resisting arrest
- Domestic Violence
- Burglary of a vehicle
- Unlawful restraint
- Violation of a protective order
Class C Misdemeanor Offenses – Class C Misdemeanors
Class C misdemeanors are punishable by fine only, up to $500 total. In most cases, the maximum fine you can receive upon citation for a Class C misdemeanor is $500. Class C misdemeanors are considered the least serious type of criminal offense in Texas. However, conviction of any Class C misdemeanor can result in a permanent criminal record.
Examples of Class C misdemeanors include:
- Routine Traffic Violation
- Simple Assault
- Theft or shoplifting (Under $50)
- DUI (Minors in Texas Driving Under the Influence)
- Public intoxication (PI)
- Minor in possession of alcohol (MIP)
- Minor in consumption of alcohol (MIC)
- Theft under $50
- Possession of alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle
Proving in the court and providing justification for your actions is not something you can do on your own. For that purpose, you need the help of a legal person who can handle every matter within the limits of the laws. This is why the lawyers in our firm attend the cases of misdemeanor crimes and reduce the odds of the convicted crime. It must be noted here that if a person is found with a group of misdemeanor acts, they need to bear serious charges, fines, and penalties.
Our Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys are Ready to Defend You
The penalties of these offenses are still harsh and can have life-changing effects even though they are considered less serious. Fight to maintain a clean record, free from misdemeanor charges, by seeking experienced representation from a criminal defense lawyer. Contact The Law Offices of Carl David Ceder, PLLC, to speak with a lawyer who has over a decade of experience solely dedicated to defending clients in Texas.
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No matter what the charge is or what is the circumstance is for your criminal case, our office can help you contest your charge. The Law Offices of Carl David Ceder, PLLC, has successfully defended criminal cases all over the State of Texas. Carl has personally conducted DWI jury trials in over ten different counties in the State of Texas and has over a decade of experience defending clients against all manner of criminal charges. Carl and his staff will help protect your criminal record and your license to drive. You can contact The Law Offices of Carl David Ceder at any time for assistance at 214.702.CARL(2275) or at 469.2000.DWI(394). You can also e-mail Carl directly, at [email protected]; or to the office for general inquiries at [email protected]. Phones should be answered 24 hours a day/7 days a week for immediate and prompt assistance.