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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Cases Dismissed Burglary of Habitation and Interfering with Emergency Call
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Reduced to Misdemeanor Assault on a Security Officer
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Case Dismissed Theft of Property $750 - $2,500
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Case Dismissed Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
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Reduced Under 12.44 Motion to Adjudicate - Violation of Bond 2+ Times within 12 months, Publication of Intimate Visual Material, and Driving While Intoxicated
Testimonials From Real People
See What Clients Have Said About Us
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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 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
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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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"A lifesaver!"A lifesaver! He knows his stuff- Sam
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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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"Mind blown."I couldn’t believe what he did for me when it was happening. I was not expecting that he would get my entire case DROPPED. I was expecting a felony on my name, but I left court a free man. He is well worth the cost. Thank you! Nobody else could have done what you have.- Ngeune P.
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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
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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
