​Misdemeanor offenses typically include low-level offenses, such as a traffic violation to petty theft. Despite being the lower level crimes, they carry hefty consequences. In Texas, there are three levels of misdemeanors, which carry different levels of punishment:

Type of Misdemeanors	Penalty
Class A Misdemeanors	Up to 1 year in jail and an optional maximum fine of $4,000.00. Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 12.21.
Class B Misdemeanors	Up to 180 days in jail and an optional maximum fine of $2,000.00. Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 12.22.
Class C Misdemeanors	​Maximum fine of $500.00. Tex. Penal Code Ann. §§ 12.03, 12.23.

These punishments can be “enhanced” or increased by a previous conviction(s) for a misdemeanor or felony. For Class A and B misdemeanors, the minimum punishment you can receive increases, while for Class C misdemeanors, the maximum punishment increases, as follows:

Types of Misdemeanors	Penalty
​Class A Misdemeanors	​90 days–1 year in jail and an optional maximum fine of $4,000.00. Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 12.43(a).
​Class B Misdemeanors	​30–180 days in jail and an optional maximum fine of $2,000.00. Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 12.43(b).
​Class C Misdemeanors	​Up to 180 days in jail and an optional maximum fine of $2,000.00. Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 12.43(c).

However, no matter the charge or punishment, a misdemeanor can tarnish your record and reputation. Not only do convictions stay on your record, the charge itself will show even if you have not been convicted. These records are open to the public and can easily be discovered by a background check by employers, landlords, and schools.

Ultimately, misdemeanors can have a long­-lasting impact on you, your family, and your career. In some cases, a conviction can disqualify you from specific professions. For example, prospective attorneys can be denied a state bar license for previous crimes of moral turpitude, such as theft, forgery, and robbery. Similarly, those in the health profession may be disqualified from practicing if they have previous convictions for drug possession.

As demonstrated above, even a misdemeanor conviction carries serious consequences.  Therefore, obtaining an attorney who is willing to fight for you can mean the difference between a conviction and a “not guilty.”  If you are charged with any crime in Texas, contact me immediately. Our firm will help you by applying the law to the facts of your case to help you achieve the best possible outcome.