Texas Misdemeanor Defense Attorney
Experienced Defense Attorney Serving All of Texas
A criminal offense is divided into one of two main categories: a felony or a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor offense is generally considered less serious than a felony offense, but both should be taken very seriously. Even a misdemeanor charge, such as drunk driving or shoplifting, can result in expensive fines, jail time and a criminal record that can make it difficult to get a job, be admitted to a university, or even rent a home.
At the Sloane Law Firm, Attorney Sloane has a proven track record of success and can provide the aggressive and tenacious representation to help reduce charges, or even have them dropped. As a former police lieutenant, he understands the intricacies of the laws surrounding criminal cases, and he’s ready to protect your rights.
Call (817) 349-7118 or contact him online for a free consultation.
Understanding Misdemeanor Classes in Texas
Under Texas law, all misdemeanor offenses are classified as class A, class B, and class C crimes. Class A crimes are the most serious, while class C crimes are the least severe.
The punishments for each misdemeanor are:
- Class A Misdemeanor: Up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000, or both jail time and a fine. Assault, burglary, resisting arrest and unlawful possession of a weapon are examples of class A misdemeanors.
- Class B Misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both. Prostitution and minor drug possession are examples of class B misdemeanors.
- Class C Misdemeanor: A fine of up to $2,000 (there is no jail time). Traffic tickets, public intoxication, simple assault, criminal trespassing, and possession of drug paraphernalia are all class C misdemeanors.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Misdemeanors in TX?
When a crime is committed, there is a statute of limitations that begins within which the state must pursue criminal prosecution. In Texas, prosecutors have 2 years to file charges for a misdemeanor, or else they risk extinguishing their right to pursue charges.
Are Tickets Considered Misdemeanors?
Tickets are usually considered infractions and will not show up on your background check. Unless your speeding offense was extremely heinous, or you are a serial offender, the odds are pretty high that your ticket is a simple infraction and will not affect your professional future — though it will probably go on your driving record for a few years and raise your insurance rates. Speeding tickets are rarely misdemeanor offenses. Street racing is usually a misdemeanor criminal offense in most states. Misdemeanors are generally punishable by up to a year in jail, plus a fine.
Can a Misdemeanor Be Dropped?
A misdemeanor has the potential to stay on your record for life, however you may be eligible to have your misdemeanor expunged from your record. Expungement is the legal process in which a misdemeanor becomes cleared from a person's criminal record.
Misdemeanors can continue to negatively affect someone's life in various ways, such as:
- Showing up on employment background checks.
- Showing up on background checks run by landlords.
- Visible to colleges and universities.
- Visible to banks when applying for loans.
Factors such as having only one arrest, evidence of you going through rehab since the conviction, and completing the terms of the sentence will increase your chances of having your misdemeanor expunged.
How Much Is Bail for a Misdemeanor?
Bail for misdemeanor can be as little as $25 and is usually below $5,000. Ultimately, the judge has discretion whether or not to set bail and if so, how much. Bail could also be set higher for those who have the income to afford it. A judge can also deny bail if the crime is much more serious.
Building Strong Defenses Against Misdemeanor Charges
Any criminal conviction, even a misdemeanor, can result in serious consequences including time in jail and expensive fines. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor in Texas, you need to contact the Fort Worth criminal defense lawyer at the Sloane Law Firm. Mr. Sloane can sit down with you and explain how your case may fare in court based on the facts, the assigned judge and prosecutor, and the law. With his help, you may be able to receive lesser charges, or have them dropped altogether.
Ready to get started on your defense? Call (817) 349-7118 or contact him online to discuss your case.
Our Settlements & Verdicts
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.
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Reduced to Misdemeanor Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Evading Arrest
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Charges Dismissed Deadly Conduct, Unlawful Carry of Weapon, and Possession of Marijuana <2oz
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Motion to Adjudicate Dismissed Motion to Adjudicate - Possession of 4 to 200 grams of Methamphetamine, Evading Arrest with a Vehicle, and Theft of $30,000 to $150,000
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Cases Dismissed Possession of a Controlled Substance Under One Gram and Unlawful Carry of a Weapon
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Reduced to Obstruction of a Highway Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
Testimonials From Real People
See What Clients Have Said About Us
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"David Sloane and Associates are hands down the best attorneys in the DFW area I can’t recommend them enough."David Sloane and Associates are hands down the best attorneys in the DFW area I can’t recommend them enough. I Was charged with a DWI and they got me the best deal you could ask for. Again, I can’t stress this enough if you’re in need of an attorney for pot or DWi charges, CALL THESE GUYS!!!!- Jason
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"A lifesaver!"A lifesaver! He knows his stuff- Sam
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"He will fight for what he believes is right. Really, he is all you could ask for as a legal representative and a general person."Mr. Sloane has lengthy experience in law enforcement. This only adds to his already plethora of knowledge about the law. He understands procedures field officers must adhere to. Very easy person to communicate with and makes you feel he is definitely on your side. He will work with you in every aspect of your case. Explains your options and tells you what he believes is best and always works with you on your decision. His office is easily reachable and they respond in a swift manner. What stuck with me most was his world view. He is a humble man who stands by his beliefs. He will fight for what he believes is right. Really, he is all you could ask for as a legal representative and a general person. Highly suggest for the DFW metroplex!- Pasquale
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"If he can’t help you he knows someone that can."Great guy! Always helping out when it matters most. I recommend him to all my friends and family when in need and if he can’t help you he knows someone that can.- Judunn
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"David was very diligent about my case, and the prosecution did NOT want to argue with him."If you get arrested in Texas for anything David is probably going to be your best bet, especially if it is marijuana or DUI related. I am from Florida, and I got popped in Texas with a little over 20 pounds of cannabis, 400 grams of Hash, and an AR-15 type assault rifle. My bail was set at 50,000 dollars, and if convicted, I could have done 20+. I am affiliated with NORML, and heard through a network of people that David would be the right guy for the job, and he was. David was very diligent about my case, and the prosecution did NOT want to argue with him. He subpoena'd all the records from every single arrest made by the arresting officer in the last year, and worked a whole bunch of other magic, I have no idea what he did, but it worked. David is also affiliated with NORML, and on top of being a badass lawyer, he is a pretty cool guy to chill with. As soon as I met David, I did not speak with any other lawyers, I knew I was in good hands. After being charged with one first degree felony, one-second degree felony, and 2 third-degree misdemeanors, with David handling my case, he ended up getting all charges dropped except the hash charge, which got reduced AND deferred. The end result was a 1500 dollar fine, some court and lab fees, and 120 hours of community service, and since it was deferred, I am on probation until I finish the hours, but after I finish, I can get off early. Basically, I was facing 20+ years, and David pretty much got me off with what could be loosely regarded as a slap on the wrist. David handles all kind of cases from money laundering to marijuana cases, to dui's...with this guy by your side you know you are in good hands. Thanks David- Parker
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"By far the best lawyer in the state of Texas."Amazing lawyer. Has worked diligently with me on my cases, and has even been able to work out nice deals when I myself have made multiple mistakes. In the courtroom, he is courteous but firm, and will make sure you get the best deal possible if he can't already get your case dropped. By far the best lawyer in the state of Texas, especially for drug related offences!- Chaise
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"If you’re looking for someone that’s gonna have your back and someone that’s going to get the best deal for you, this man right here is your guy."If you’re looking for someone that’s gonna have your back and someone that’s going to get the best deal for you, this man right here is your guy. I can be in jail right now but if it wasn’t for him and what he the amount of work he puts in the city I am not I am very thankful he will work you and your budget time isn’t a factor but the sooner the better 1000 stars- Quaran
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"David Sloane is the most professional, friendly, informed lawyer I have ever had the privilege of hiring as my legal council!"David Sloane is the most professional, friendly, informed lawyer I have ever had the privilege of hiring as my legal council! He knows the law inside and out, and will bend over backwards to help his clients. I cannot recommend him enough! He has worked miracles for me, and made it seem effortless! I will always come to David with my legal concerns, recommending him STRONGLY to all my friends and family!- Erich
