Austin Misdemeanor Attorney
Defending Clients in Misdemeanor Charges in and Around Austin, Texas
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor in Austin or elsewhere in Travis County or Williamson County, it is vital that you have capable legal representation. I strongly recommend that you contact me as an Austin misdemeanor lawyer who will work vigorously to protect your legal rights, advance your best interests, and work to keep you out of jail.
Because misdemeanor crimes are classified as less serious than felonies, you can make the mistake of not taking the charge seriously. You may think you can save yourself the cost of a good defense attorney by representing yourself in court. This is not wise and rarely effective. The judge will expect you to understand the law as well as a trained legal professional and will not cut you any slack. A conviction for a misdemeanor offense can carry stiff penalties, including jail time, expensive fines and a conviction on your criminal record, all of which can prevent you from obtaining employment, admission into college or even from renting an apartment.
As an aggressive and skilled Austin criminal defense lawyer, I will help protect your rights and guide you through the misdemeanor process from the start to finish. I will work hard to help get a positive resolution to your case, including seeking an expunction if eligible.
What is a Misdemeanor?
All crimes in Texas are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. A misdemeanor is defined as any criminal offense generally deemed less serious than a felony and punishable by a fine and jail time not exceeding one year. In Texas, misdemeanor charges are broken into three classes, A, B, and C, classed according to the seriousness of the offense. The most serious misdemeanor is a Class A misdemeanor, which can carry up to a year in county jail and a $4,000 fine.
Common Examples of Texas Misdemeanors
Misdemeanor Penalties in Texas
Common penalties for misdemeanor convictions in Texas include probation, jail time, fines, community service, counseling and/or treatment, and a conviction on your permanent record.
Class A Misdemeanor: Conviction of a Class A misdemeanor carries a punishment range of up to one (1) year in the county jail, as well as a fine of up to $4,000.
Class B Misdemeanor: Conviction of a Class B misdemeanor carries a punishment range of up to 180 days in county jail, as well as a fine of up to $2,000.
Class C Misdemeanor: Conviction of a Class C misdemeanor carries penalties of up to a $500 fine.
Enhancements: Prosecutors can sometimes enhance your misdemeanor charge to a more serious misdemeanor or felony charge depending on the crime and your prior criminal record.
Talk to an Austin Misdemeanor Attorney
As you can see, being charged with a misdemeanor is a serious matter which requires the professional attention of a dedicated defense attorney. As a legal professional with the knowhow, skills, and abilities to help you avoid a conviction, I advise you to seek my professional advice as soon as possible.
Contact the Austin misdemeanor lawyer
at the firm if you have been charged with a misdemeanor in Austin or the surrounding central Texas counties today.