979-596-6843
Email Us
Call Us
What Are Misdemeanors?
Every jurisdiction in the United States classifies criminal charges by their degree of severity, breaking them up into different levels of misdemeanors and felonies. In most cases, violations of rules and ordinances typically result in infractions. However, if you violate state or federal law, you will be charged with either a felony or a misdemeanor. There are unique differences between felonies and misdemeanors in Texas and every other state, with each type of criminal offense carrying different punishments.
A misdemeanor is the least serious crime you could be charged with in Texas. In most cases, misdemeanors involve criminal offenses that are not associated with violence or sexual assault. If you committed a crime but there was no intention to cause harm to another person, your criminal charges will likely be a misdemeanor charge.
Those sentenced to jail or prison sentences after criminal convictions for misdemeanors typically see much less time behind bars than those convicted of felony charges. The maximum jail sentence for a misdemeanor charge in Texas is one calendar year. Additionally, those convicted of misdemeanors typically serve their jail sentences at a local jail instead of going to a state-run facility. You will likely be sentenced to probation and ordered to pay costly fines as penalties. Misdemeanor fines range between approximately $500 to $4,000.
While misdemeanor charges are not nearly as serious offenses as felony charges, they remain on your criminal record unless you remove them. A criminal record could impact your future employment, housing, and educational pursuits. Contact our Brazos County law firm for more information.
What Are the Different Classes and Types of Misdemeanors in Texas?
Misdemeanors are categorized into Class A, B, and C misdemeanors.
The least serious criminal offense in Texas is a Class C misdemeanor. Those convicted of Class C misdemeanors will not serve jail time but may be forced to pay fines up to $500.
Class B misdemeanors are for mid-range criminal offenses. If convicted of a Class B misdemeanor, the defendant could face up to six months in jail and $2,000 in fines.
A Class A misdemeanor is the most serious type of misdemeanor in Texas. It is just a step below a felony charge. Those convicted of Class A misdemeanors face up to a year in jail, $4,000 in fines, and potentially other penalties.
The most common types of misdemeanors in Texas include the following:
- Bail jumping
- Burglary of a vehicle
- Civil rights offenses, such as interfering with an individual’s ability to vote legally
- Criminal trespassing
- Disorderly conduct
- Evading arrest on foot
- Failure to pay child support obligations
- Indecent exposure
- Limited types of offenses against another individual, such as harassment, domestic violence, and threats of assault
- Low-level drug offenses, such as drug possession
- Property offenses, such as burglary, criminal mischief, and certain types of theft
- Prostitution charges
- Public intoxication
- Public lewdness
- Traffic offenses, such as speeding, reckless driving, or driving while intoxicated
- Unlawfully carrying a deadly weapon
- Violating a protective order
What Are Felonies in Texas?
Felonies are the most serious type of criminal offense that you commit in Texas, and they frequently involve instances of bodily injury intentionally visited upon another person.
Felonies come with serious consequences, including the possibility of life imprisonment or even the death penalty. Felony offenses are divided into five categories in Texas, separated by the severity of the supposed crimes.
If you are facing felony charges, it is imperative that you retain professional legal representation from experienced criminal lawyers. Our law firm has years of experience representing clients in complex criminal cases, and we would be proud to advocate for your legal rights in pursuit of the optimal outcome of your case. To learn more about the value of our legal services, please schedule your free initial consultation with our law firm today.
What Are Different Types of Felony Offenses?
A state jail felony is a felony charge typically involving low-level drug offenses or property crimes. The defendant usually faces probation and less than two years in jail if convicted.
Third-degree felonies have legal consequences that range from two years in jail to up to a decade, as well as fines of up to $10,000. In certain cases, probation may be an option.
Second-degree felony convictions are for serious crimes. If convicted of a second-degree felony, the defendant may receive a jail sentence or a prison sentence ranging between two years and 20 years. Additionally, the convicted individual may face fines of up to $10,000. Second-degree felonies can be elevated to first-degree charges in certain circumstances.
First-degree felonies are reserved for crimes including murder, aggravated sexual assault, and kidnapping. The legal consequences for a first-degree felony conviction include the possibility of up to 99 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
The most serious felony charge in Texas is capital felonies. There are only two types of punishments for a capital felony: either life in prison or the death penalty. This type of felony charge is usually reserved only for criminal homicide, murder for hire, murder of a court judge, and murder in conjunction with robbery, rape, arson, burglary, and kidnapping.
Examples of felonies include the following:
- Aggravated assault
- Arson
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Child abandonment
- Child pornography
- Credit card fraud
- Deadly conduct with a firearm
- Drug trafficking
- Firearm possession as a felon
- Forgery
- Grand theft
- Identity theft
- Interference with child custody
- Intoxication assault
- Killing a police officer
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Possession of five or more pounds of marijuana
- Rape
- Robbery
- Sexual assault of a child
- Stalking
What Are the Primary Differences Between Misdemeanors and Felonies?
The primary difference between felonies and misdemeanors in Texas is that misdemeanors are less serious charges with lighter penalties than felony charges. Felonies come with more lengthy prison sentences and the possibility of the death penalty, whereas misdemeanor offenses usually have shorter jail sentences and less costly fines. If possible, it is preferable to have your criminal charges reduced from felony charges to misdemeanor offenses. Working with an experienced attorney can help you with this objective.
However, any criminal record can nonetheless still cause issues with future employment, educational opportunities, professional licenses, and more. Whenever possible, it is always advisable to avoid any type of criminal record, even misdemeanor charges.
In most cases, defendants charged with misdemeanor offenses do not need to be concerned about losing their civil liberties. However, felony defendants may lose their right to bear arms, legally vote, or hold public office.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys Today
Our Texas criminal defense lawyers have extensive experience representing clients in various criminal defense matters. Whether you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, we can provide the dedicated legal counsel necessary to help you through the legal process and pursue the most satisfactory outcome for your case.
Several legal defense strategies exist, each unique to the type of crime committed and the charges that have been filed. As your attorneys, we will explore all legal options to help you get charges dismissed or reduced.
To learn more about our legal services and how we can assist you during this difficult time, please schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation with our legal team today. You can reach us at 979-596-6843.
