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Misdemeanors Put Unparalleled Defense In Your Corner

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.

  • Case Dismissed, Motion to Suppress Granted Possession of Marijuana <2oz
  • Reduced Under 12.44 Motion to Adjudicate - Possession of Methamphetamine Under 1 Gram and Possession of Methamphetamine 1-4 Grams
  • Case Dismissed Discharging a Firearm in a Municipality
  • Charges Dismissed Keeping a Gambling Place & Intentionally & Knowingly Operate a Game Room
  • Unlawful Stop - Charge Dismissed Possession of Marijuana <2oz

Testimonials From Real People

See What Clients Have Said About Us
    "He is very kind and cares about you as a person, and he is VERY knowledgeable in his field."
    I wish I would have gone to this man in the first place. He is very kind and cares about you as a person, and he is VERY knowledgeable in his field. I felt like he would have fought for me and produced a better outcome than what I had, had I only known about him almost 4 years now prior. If you are in a bind with marijuana charges, please go see him. He not only will know what he is speaking to but educates you on how he will win. And if you get him, I am sure you will win.
    - Emily
    "He's always been very efficient at what he does and I feel safest working with him. His work ethic is outstanding"
    David was able to save me a lot of hassle and money plus a case that if I handled myself. Would have been a nightmare brought to life turned into a cakewalk! He's always been very efficient at what he does and I feel safest working with him. His work ethic is outstanding and somewhat rare. David has supported me on 3 different cases.
    - Daniel
    "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
    "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
    "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
    "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
    "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
    "A lifesaver!"
    A lifesaver! He knows his stuff
    - Sam