Texas misdemeanors are considered lesser crimes than felonies and are divided into three classes based on the degree of seriousness of the offense and the severity of the punishments. It is important to take Texas misdemeanor charges seriously, because having a misdemeanor conviction on your record can impact your life in many negative ways. You may have difficult time getting the job you want, getting a apartment/rental home, being admitted to an institution of higher education, or even obtaining an occupational license.
Class C Misdemeanors
Class C misdemeanors are considered the least serious type of criminal offense in Texas. A Class C misdemeanor conviction carries a punishment of a fine of up to $500. Community service in addition to or in place of the fine is at the judge’s discretion. A common example of a Class C misdemeanor is a traffic offense that results in a traffic ticket. Other types of
Class C misdemeanor offenses include:
- Disorderly conduct
- Public intoxication
- Bad checks
- Simple assault
- Criminal trespass
- Gambling
- Bail jumping
- Leaving a child in a vehicle
- Petty theft such as shoplifting
- Possession of alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle
- Driving under the influence of alcohol by a minor
- Minor in possession of alcohol (MIP)
- Minor in possession of tobacco
Class B Misdemeanors
Texas Class B misdemeanors are considered more serious than Class C misdemeanors and carry punishments of a fine of up to $2000, and/or a jail sentence of up to 180 days. The court may also impose a maximum of two years of community supervision (adult probation)* or three years of community supervision with an extension.
Examples of Texas Class B misdemeanors include:
- DWI (Driving while intoxicated) first offense
- Harassment
- Prostitution
- Terrorist threat
- Criminal trespass
- Evading arrest on foot (running from the police)
- False report to a police officer and false 911 calls
- Child enticement
- Failure to pay child support
- Indecent exposure
- Minor drug possession
- Vandalism
Class A Misdemeanors
Class A misdemeanors are the most serious type of misdemeanor offense in Texas. Conviction of a Class A misdemeanor carries punishments of a fine of up to $4000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year in a county jail. The court may also impose a maximum of two years of community supervision (adult probation)*, or three years of community supervision with an extension.
Example of Class A misdemeanors include:
- DWI (second offense)
- Assault with bodily injury
- Burglary of a vehicle or vending machine
- Possession of two to four ounces of marijuana
- Unlawful carrying of a weapon
- Gambling promotion
- Violation of protective orders
- Cruelty to animals
- Perjury
- Public lewdness
- Resisting arrest
- Unlawful restraint
Texas Misdemeanor Charges In – Andrew Peveto of Peveto Law
At Peveto Law, no stone goes unturned in providing you with the best possible criminal defense following your misdemeanor arrest. At Peveto Law, we pride ourselves on communication and excellent results – see our client reviews on Google Places, Avvo.com, and Yahoo Local. Contact Us to schedule a free consultation at (972) 339-8033 or submitting our online form.
Follow Us!