Comprehensive Legal Representation For Misdemeanor Offenses

Although misdemeanor crimes are considerably less serious than felony crimes, being charged with any kind of crime is something you must take seriously. Even misdemeanor crimes have stiff penalties, including incarceration, exorbitant fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you or a loved one have been charged with a misdemeanor offense, it is critical that you take action right away and secure representation from a seasoned North Texas criminal defense attorney.

Class C Misdemeanor

A class C misdemeanor is the least serious misdemeanor charge you can incur. Although there is no possibility of jail time for a class C misdemeanor, you could face a fine of up to $500. Additionally, you will have a permanent criminal record. Examples of class C misdemeanors in Texas include but are not limited to: disorderly conduct, some types of assault, criminal trespass, insurance fraud under $50, petty theft under $50, false missing persons report, writing a bad check, criminal mischief, reckless destruction, assisting suicide, and leaving a child unattended in a vehicle. Any misdemeanor crime that doesn’t automatically fall under a class A or B misdemeanor is charged as a class C misdemeanor.

Class B Misdemeanor

A class B misdemeanor is considered more serious than a class C misdemeanor, but less serious than a class A misdemeanor. If convicted, you could face between 30 to 180 days in a Texas county jail and/or up to a $2,000 fine. Examples of a class B misdemeanor in Texas include but are not limited to: possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana, graffiti, prostitution, indecent exposure, operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, enticing a child, theft of property valued between $50 and $500, and some types of terrorism threats.

In Texas, an attempted crime that is not successful is charged one level below the class of crime, i.e., if you attempted to entice a child but were not successful, you would be charged with a class C misdemeanor even though the crime itself is considered a class B misdemeanor.

Class A Misdemeanor

A class A misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor you can incur. If you are convicted of this type of crime, you will be sentenced to up to one year in a county jail, up to a $4,000 fine, or both. However, there are some extenuating circumstances that could potentially cause the sentencing to become even harsher.

For example, a prior felony or class A misdemeanor on your record could compel a judge to impose a minimum sentence of 90 days in jail and/or the maximum fine. Minimum incarceration terms are 180 days for crimes that involve a controlled substance or are classified as a hate crime. Examples of class A misdemeanors include but are not limited to: reckless driving, harboring a runaway child, the unlawful restraint of a person over the age of 17, and public lewdness.

Resolving Your Misdemeanor Case Right

How your case is resolved is of critical importance. Depending on the type of misdemeanor you are convicted of, you may be able to have the conviction expunged and removed from your permanent criminal record. Without the ability to expunge your case, the misdemeanor will stay on your criminal record permanently. This can affect future job prospects, whether or not you get a loan for a car or home, and whether a landlord will rent to you. An experienced Texas misdemeanor attorney can help you ensure that you are in the best position to have a particular crime expunged.

When to Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you or a family member have been charged with a misdemeanor, don’t wait to get adequate legal representation. You need to be aware of your rights under the law in order to make sound decisions regarding important matters in your case. Preston Park is an experienced North Texas misdemeanor attorney and can provide you with comprehensive legal representation during your time of need. Never assume that a misdemeanor crime isn’t serious or that legal representation is too expensive. Even a seemingly minor crime, like a class C misdemeanor, can have a permanent impact on your life and your future.

Contact Preston Park today to discuss your circumstances and to learn more about the legal options you have available to you.