In the State of Texas, a person arrested for a crime will be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony. A misdemeanor is a criminal charge under a felony, reserved for less serious crimes. If you are facing misdemeanor charges in Texas, you could be severely punished for the crime even though misdemeanor charges usually are for “lesser” crimes. Because they can have harsh consequences, learning about the classes of misdemeanors in Texas is as important as learning about the different types of felonies. Read on to learn more.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF MISDEMEANORS
There are three classes of misdemeanor charges in Texas: Class A, Class B, and Class C misdemeanors. While Class A charges are applied for the most serious of the three types of misdemeanors, all are offenses that can lead to convictions that go on one’s permanent record.
Misdemeanor offenses tend to be more common than felony charges. Texas misdemeanors are crimes that generally do not include violence or cause major property damage. A few common types of misdemeanors in Texas include:
- Petty theft,
- First offense DWI,
- Disorderly conduct,
- Shoplifting,
- Criminal trespass,
- and more.
PENALTIES FOR MISDEMEANORS
Though the penalties for misdemeanors are not usually as severe as those for felony convictions, they still will impact offenders’ lives significantly. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor in Texas, you should be aware that such crimes are punishable by fines, jail time, or a combination of both. The penalties for misdemeanors depend on the specific details of the case as well as the class.
Misdemeanor Penalties by Class
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Besides fines and jail time, there are Alternative Sentencing options for Texas Misdemeanors possible in some cases, including deferred adjudication and pretrial diversion programs.
The classes of misdemeanors in Texas depend on the crime itself; and the circumstances of the arrest play into the punishment for the crime. If you or a loved one are facing misdemeanor charges in the State of Texas, it is vital that you call a reputable and experienced criminal defense lawyer for legal consultation as quickly as possible. Scheduling a consultation is the best first step toward reaching the best possible outcome in your case.
Do you or a loved one need legal counsel regarding a misdemeanor charge in the Austin, Texas area? If so, you should secure the services of a knowledgeable and practiced criminal defense attorney like Brian Erskine of Erskine Law. Erskine Law is a respected law firm with counsel who is committed to helping every client, whether the individual is facing misdemeanor or felony charges. Contact board-certified criminal defense attorney Brian Erskine of Erskine Law at any time to ask questions and discuss how he can assist you with your case.