A misdemeanor is a term that comes up a lot when discussing different types of crimes that can land a person in jail or with a hefty fine and dark mark on their record.
However, a misdemeanor lies between the slap on the wrist of an infraction and the almost assured jail time of a felony.
In fact, in Texas, there are actually several branches of misdemeanors that can further muddle a person’s understanding of the type of legal trouble they are actually in when arrested and charged for a misdemeanor offense.
Let’s dig deeper into what a misdemeanor is and what each of the 3 types means for a person in trouble with the law.
What is a Misdemeanor?
Unlike infractions that are typically punishable by a fine, a misdemeanor is an offense that is punishable by criminal law and could lead to jail time depending on the circumstances of the crime. When jail time does occur with a misdemeanor offense, it’s typically a sentence of 12 months or less.
What Crimes Qualify as a Misdemeanor?
So, what crimes actually qualify a person for a misdemeanor charge? Here’s a look at some of the most common misdemeanors committed in Texas:
- First-offense DWI
- Petty theft
- Shoplifting
- Disorderly conduct
- Criminal trespass
- Public intoxication
- Leaving a child in a car alone
- Small quantity drug crimes
What Are the 3 Misdemeanors in Texas?
While some people think that the above crimes are just lumped into a single misdemeanor, every offense is unique, and that’s why the state of Texas has 3 classes of misdemeanors for different types of offenses.
Class A Misdemeanor
If you’ve been slapped with a Class A misdemeanor, then you’re facing the most serious form of a misdemeanor charge. When charged with a Class A misdemeanor you could face a fine of up to $4,000 and up to one year in county jail.
Class B Misdemeanor
Class B misdemeanors can result in jail time but are typically 180 days or less. However, even if they don’t end up in jail, a person convicted of a Class B misdemeanor may still have to pay a fine of up to $2,000.
Class C Misdemeanor
Finally, Class C misdemeanors don’t typically come with any jail time but can cost a person up to $500 in fines.
Can You Get a Misdemeanor Taken Off of Your Record?
If your case was acquitted or dismissed, you can have the opportunity to expunge a misdemeanor from your record. Class C misdemeanors can be expunged 180 days after an arrest, while Class A and B misdemeanors may be expunged one year from the date of the arrest.
Keep in mind that the process is complex and never guaranteed. So, if you want a misdemeanor expunged, make sure you have a criminal defense attorney on your side that understands the total process.
Been Arrested for a Misdemeanor in Dallas, 1st Call Bail Bonds can Help!
If you’ve been arrested in Dallas for a misdemeanor offense, make sure that 1st Call Bail Bonds is your first call. We can help you obtain a bail bond that gets you out of jail faster than waiting days for your preliminary hearing.
Our bail bond office is open 24/7 and can help you get out, no matter what your bail cost is.
Contact us today to start the application process or learn more about the bail bond process.
