Misdemeanor Charges in Texas

The effects of an arrest and criminal charges can have long-lasting, expensive consequences on a
person’s life. Learn valuable information from a defense attorney in Austin.

Have you been charged with committing a crime in Austin, Texas? Most likely, you have no idea what awaits you. As part of the State of Texas’s sentencing system, there is a distinction between crimes that constitute a misdemeanor and crimes that constitute a felony. The crime the State says you allegedly committed must fit into one of these two categories. Once they determine the category, it provides the basis for potential penalties you could deal with if the State convicts you of the crime. Remember: you are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Fight the charge.

Next, you must consider hiring a lawyer if the State has charged you with a misdemeanor. Never plead guilty to a misdemeanor without the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Former prosecutor turned criminal defense attorney Jason English has the knowledge and experience necessary to review your case, determine your options, and develop a comprehensive defense strategy.

A misdemeanor charge places you at risk of a conviction that leads to potential confinement and fines, among other penalties — not to mention a criminal record that could make a long-lasting and negative impact on the rest of your life. Consequences range from the denial of housing to forfeiting your professional license or custody of your children.

Here’s an overview of what you should know about Texas misdemeanors.

Texas Misdemeanor Crimes And Penalties

Misdemeanor crimes in Texas are less serious than felony crimes. Misdemeanors are categorized into classes: Class A, B, and C. Potential penalties for any given crime correspond to the classification of that crime, outlined in Tex. Penal Code §§ 12.21-12.23.

	Jail	Fines	Crimes
Class C	No jail time	Up to $500	Public intoxication DUI as minor Assault Possession of drug paraphernalia
Class B	Up to 180 days in jail	Up to $2,000	DWI First Offense Possession Possession of marijuana (< 2 oz.) Criminal Trespassing
Class A	Up to 1 year in county jail	Up to $4,000	DWI Second Offense Assault with bodily injury Possession of marijuana (2-4 oz.)

In many instances, the sentencing will include additional penalties, such as community supervision and treatment programs, depending on the circumstances and the charges.

Depending on the circumstances, some first-time offenders may be eligible for deferred adjudication. In this process, you agree to plead guilty or no contest before a trial, and the court accepts your plea. In exchange, you must complete probation. If you do, the State will dismiss your case, leaving you with no criminal conviction.

Experienced Austin Texas Criminal Defense Attorney Has Worked on Both Sides of the Law

As someone who prosecuted cases for over 15 years, Jason S. English understands the strategies prosecutors employ in misdemeanor cases to coerce the accused into pleading guilty. Before you plead guilty to any crime, understand your rights and explore your options for fighting the criminal charges.

Have you been accused of a misdemeanor order in Texas? It’s imperative to speak to a criminal defense attorney right away. When you’re dealing with a misdemeanor charge, it’s not an exaggeration to say that your life depends on retaining an experienced, innovative criminal defense attorney. Attorney Jason English recognizes that your freedom depends on his legal prowess in and outside the courtroom. Contact Jason English today at (512) 454-7548 or online for an initial consultation and help with your protective order violation arrest.

Contact Us Today for
Your Consultation

Call Now: (512) 454-7548

* Required Fields

We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your questions or to schedule an appointment if requested.

Why Choose Jason S. English Law, PLLC?

Highly Rated and Reviewed – Jason S. English Law, PLLC, has a five-star rating on Google Reviews and the legal website Avvo.
A Former Prosecutor Who Understands the Law – Jason English learned the ins and outs of the law while working for his father’s law firm before becoming a prosecutor. Now, he’s on the other side of the courtroom as a criminal and DWI defense lawyer, using his trial experience to advocate and represent his clients.
Free Consultations With an Attorney – Potential clients consult directly with an attorney when choosing Jason S. English Law, PLLC. This is a departure from other firms that have other staff members handle consultations.
A Firm That Works With You – Our firm works with clients every step of the way, from gathering information and building a defense to developing affordable payment plans.