Misdemeanor Charges
The various criminal charges prosecuted under Texas Law include both misdemeanor and felony offenses. Misdemeanor offenses generally are considered less serious than felony offenses, but both should be taken seriously. Misdemeanors and felonies can result in jail time or probation, fines, and a criminal record.
If you are charged with a criminal offense, seek out the services of an experienced San Antonio criminal defense attorney who can help you fight the charges.
Attorneys for Misdemeanors in San Antonio, TX
Criminal charges always should be taken seriously, whether they are misdemeanor charges or felony charges. The attorneys at Goldstein & Orr have represented clients charged with misdemeanor offenses including petit theft, shoplifting, domestic violence, DUI, reckless driving, hit and run, possession of marijuana, assault, and battery.
The attorneys at firm can help you fight the charges and make sure your rights are represented in each step of the criminal process. Our attorneys are experienced in fighting criminal charges throughout San Antonio and the surrounding areas throughout Texas.
Call us at (210) 226-1463 today to discuss your case. The initial consultation is free and completely confidential.
Information on Misdemeanor Charges
- What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony in Texas?
- Common Misdemeanor Offenses
- Types of Misdemeanor Classifications
What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony in Texas?
Texas law distinguishes between a felony and a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors are crimes that are considered less serious, and felonies are some of the harshest offenses. Within those broad categories, Texas law provides for several distinctions to determine the severity of the charge and the correlating consequences.
Both felony and misdemeanor offenses come with a host of collateral consequences that can impact your educational and professional opportunities. A misdemeanor is punishable by up to 12 months in jail. Any criminal offense with a statutory maximum punishment of incarceration that exceeds 12 months is a felony.
Common Misdemeanor Offenses in Texas
Offenses are classified as either felonies or misdemeanors based on the severity of the crime. Some common examples of misdemeanors include:
- Assault
- Criminal mischief
- Driving under the influence of alcohol by a minor
- Driving with a suspended license
- Harassment
- Indecent exposure
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Prostitution
- Theft
- Violation of a protective order
Types of Misdemeanor Classifications
In Texas, misdemeanor charges are broken into three classes: A, B, and C, classes according to the severity of the offense. The most serious misdemeanor is a Class A misdemeanor. The penalties for the offenses could include:
- Class A Misdemeanor: The most serious type of misdemeanor carries with it a statutory maximum penalty of a $4,000 fine and up to one year in jail or both, according to Texas Penal Code Annotated § 12.21. Class A misdemeanors are prosecuted in the constitutional county court or county court at law.
- Class B Misdemeanor: This type of offense is in between the highest and lowest level of misdemeanor offenses. The Class B Misdemeanor is punishable by up to a $2,000 fine and 180 days in the county jail or both under the Texas Penal Code Annotated § 12.22. Class B misdemeanors are prosecuted in the constitutional county court or county court at law.
- Class C Misdemeanor: This is the lowest level offense which is punishable by only a fine of up to $500. The court is not allowed to sentence a person to jail for a Class C Misdemeanor, according to Texas Penal Code Annotated § 12.23. Class C misdemeanors are prosecuted in the Justice of the Peace Court.
Most Class C misdemeanors under state laws and city ordinances are prosecuted by the City Attorney’s Office Prosecution Division. Those offenses include traffic, juvenile and family violence violations. The Prosecution Division, led by Deputy City Attorney Jose Niño, is located in the Frank D. Wing facility at 401 South Frio, San Antonio, Texas 78207.
Additional Resources
Criminal Justice Section of the Texas Bar – This section is devoted to educating the criminal defense bar and the judiciary on recent changes in procedural and substantive criminal laws in Texas. The Criminal Justice Section sponsors the Continuing Legal Education seminar at the Texas State Bar Annual meeting and co-sponsors the Texas Bar Advanced Criminal Law Course. Additionally, it publishes a monthly newsletter to members entitled “Interesting Cases.”
Warrants in Bexar County, Texas – Search the Bexar County Clerk’s Office website if you are looking for information on any outstanding warrants in Bexar County, Texas, including fugitive warrants and warrants for the failure to appear in court. Search here for misdemeanor warrants for DWI or family domestic violence.
Finding Attorneys for Misdemeanors in Bexar County, TX
If you are facing charges for a felony or misdemeanor offense, contact a Texas criminal defense lawyer at Goldstein & Orr. We are experienced in representing clients on a wide variety of criminal charges including both felony and misdemeanor offenses.
We know that any criminal accusation comes with serious consequences that can last a lifetime. Call us at (210) 226-1463 today to discuss your case during a free initial consultation.
This article was last updated on Tuesday, November 28, 2017.
