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 Under 12.44 Motion to Adjudicate - Possession of Methamphetamine Under 1 Gram and Possession of Methamphetamine 1-4 Grams
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Cases Dismissed Burglary of Habitation and Interfering with Emergency Call
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Reduced to Class C Non-Reporting Probation Criminal Trespass
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Unlawful Stop - Charge Dismissed Possession of Marijuana <2oz
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Reduced to Misdemeanor Tampering with Evidence
Testimonials From Real People
See What Clients Have Said About Us
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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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"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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"5 stars! If I could.. 10!"A great, outgoing and easy to talk to attorney. Mr. Sloane gets right to the point and knows to handle a case. Worth your money I promise you. 5 stars! If I could.. 10!- Mary
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"I consider this money well spent. He did a great job."I hired David Sloane to defend me against marijuana charge. He gave me the option of charging a flat fee. It was explained to me my cost would be fixed regardless of whether it took him one appearance in court or ten. I agreed to this as a means of limiting my legal cost. He was able to get the charges against me dismissed. I consider this money well spent. He did a great job for the price quoted.- Slade
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"There is no one better to have on your side!"Highly recommend David and his team to go to the mat for you if you find yourself in an impossible situation initiated by law enforcement. He and his paralegals understand the current issues that affect today. They are extremely proficient as well as really good w/ their clientele. They are the best I've ever seen!- Angela
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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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"David Sloane is hands down the most professional, trustworthy, and hard working attorney I've ever known."David Sloane is hands down the most professional, trustworthy, and hard working attorney I've ever known. He has helped my family time and time again. We only trust him with our legal issues and you should too. You will not be disappointed with the results. He will fight tooth and nail for you and will not stop. Choosing any other attorney is a mistake.- Matt
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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
