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 Law Offices of David Sloane, 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 Law Offices of David Sloane. 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 Obstruction of a Highway Driving While Intoxicated 2nd (DWI)
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Case Dismissed Indecent Exposure
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Charges Dismissed Deadly Conduct, Unlawful Carry of Weapon, and Possession of Marijuana <2oz
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Reduced to Class C Non-Reporting Probation Criminal Trespass
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Case Dismissed Indecent Exposure
Testimonials From Real People
See What Clients Have Said About Us
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"He made my tough situation a breeze to get through!!"I am from Phoenix AZ and hired David Sloan for a case I had in Sierra Blanca TX! He was very professional and also personable! He made my tough situation a breeze to get through!! I recommend him for anyone who needs help with a mistake they have made in life and need a smooth way of fixing the problem and moving on!!- Levi
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"Highly recommended! Worth every penny."Highly recommended! Worth every penny. I had possession of marijuana under 2 ounces and he got it reduced to drug paraphernalia and a fine. He definitely knows what he is doing and is very creative with it!- Michael
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"David Sloane is hands down the best in the area. I couldn't have asked for a more knowledgeable, confident, friendly and charming person even if I tried."David Sloane is hands down the best in the area. I couldn't have asked for a more knowledgeable, confident, friendly and charming person even if I tried. He is a 100% genuine person who truly cares about the outcome and well-being of his clients and I would recommend him for any kind of criminal law case.- Jackie
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"Best lawyer in the DFW metroplex hands down"David and his staff are excellent in helping you understand everything that is going on. If you want a lawyer to fight for you and not do the bare minimum then David Sloane is the one to contact. I went from having a state jail felony and a class b misdemeanor, to just a class c misdemeanor no felony. He also got it set up to where my record is sealed. I really have no idea where I would be or what the outcome would have been if I didn't choose David as my attorney. Olga is also very helpful as well and does an excellent job of letting you know when and where you need to be, and also helps you understand things going on with your case. I give David and his team 5 stars because of how they treated me and what an outstanding job David did. Thank you so much for your help.- JC
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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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"He moves mountains and he is straight forward with everything"He is a great attorney I would recommend him to anyone. He moves mountains and he is straight forward with everything and he gives you all the options and lets you choose and he will advise you for what he thinks and more than likely right or you can go with what you want and both of you will roll the dice together and go with that option if you want to he does not strong arm you into anything. And after meeting and seeing people talk about him what he does in work and outside of work he is an all around great man. and would highly recommend retaining him.- Garret
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"He is knowledgeable, fun, outgoing, and a pleasure to work with. Thank you so much David for your positive attitude, charisma, and wealth of experience."David Sloane is the only name you need to know if you find yourself in trouble. I was charged with possession of marijuana along with the other two people that were in the car with me. They were charged and given 12 months of probation, 80 hours of community service, a DOEP class, and a slew of other hoops to jump through. I had my case completely dismissed thanks to Mr. Sloane's hard work and dedication to his clients. Not to mention he drove 6 hours and made an overnight trip to represent me in Hale County. He is knowledgeable, fun, outgoing, and a pleasure to work with. Thank you so much David, your positive attitude, charisma, and wealth of experience have made this whole process so much more bearable.- Erich
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"David Sloane is the only person you want by your side in a courtroom!"David Sloan is the only person you want by your side in a courtroom! His knowledge, expertise, and efficiency are top of the line. He also communicates well with those surrounding the defendant. Highly recommend!- Laurie
