Criminal Defense

Misdemeanors

If you have been accused of a misdemeanor offense in Ellis County, contact us today for a consultation.

Types of Misdemeanors

The Texas Penal Code defines any alleged offense that is punishable by any term in jail of less than a year in jail as a misdemeanor. There are three types of Misdemeanor offenses in Texas.

Class A

– this class of misdemeanor offense has a max penalty of one year in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $4000.

Class B

– this class of misdemeanor offense has a max penalty of 6 months in jail (180 days) and/or a fine not to exceed $2000.

Class C

– this class of misdemeanor offense has the lowest possible punishment in Texas. The max punishment is a fine not exceed $500.

Common Misdemeanor Charges

Below is a list of common Misdemeanor offenses in Texas. This is not an exhaustive list of all possible misdemeanor offenses in Texas.

DWI

A first DWI driving is usually a class B misdemeanor unless there is an aggravating factor that can make it a class A or possibly a felony.

While a second DWI is a class A misdemeanor unless there is an aggravating factor that can make it a felony.

Other Misdemeanor Charges

  • Minor in Possession of Alcohol
  • Public Intoxication
  • Violation of a Protective Order
  • Criminal Mischief
  • Shoplifting
  • Possession of Marijuana (depending on amount)

Misdemeanor Enhancements

It is important to note that if you have prior convictions for misdemeanors that any future conviction can increase what the minimum punishment is.

Class A

– if someone has a prior Class A misdemeanor or any felony conviction and then gets convicted of another Class A misdemeanor, then there is a requirement that they receive at least 90 days in jail with a maximum sentence of 1 year and/or a fine up to $4000.

Class B

– if someone has a prior Class A or B misdemeanor conviction or any felony conviction and gets convicted of another Class B misdemeanor, than there is a requirement that they receive at least 30 days in jail up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $2000.

Class C

– if someone has any combination of three (3) prior Class C convictions under either §42.01 (disorderly conduct) or §49.02 (public intoxication) of the Texas Penal Code in the last two years and gets another Class C conviction for either disorderly conduct or public intoxication, then they can receive a fine up $2000 and/or a jail sentence up to 180 days.

If you have been accused of a misdemeanor offense please contact us today at (972) 330-2171 for a consultation.

Felonies

If you have been accused of a felony offense in Dallas County, Ellis County, Kaufman County, Tarrant County, Denton County, Collin County, Hill County, Navarro County, or the surrounding area contact us today at (972) 330-2171 for a consultation.

Types of Felonies

The Texas Penal Code defines any offense that is punishable by more that year incarceration as a Felony, and certain offenses classified as a State-Jail Felony. There are six types of Felony offenses in Texas.

Capital Felony

– this type of felony offense has a maximum penalty of life in prison or the death penalty

First Degree Felony

– this type of felony offense has a punishment range of 5-99 years in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000.00

Second Degree Felony

– this type of felony offense has a punishment range of 2-20 years in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000.00

Third Degree Felony

– this type of felony offense has a punishment range of 2-10 years in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000.00

State-Jail Felony

– this type of felony offense has a punishment range of 180 days-2years in state jail and a possible fine of up to $10,000.00

State-Jail Felony Committed While Using Or Exhibiting A Deadly Weapon (with certain prior convictions)

– this type of felony offense has a punishment range of 2-10 years in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000.00

It is also important to keep in mind that if there are any prior convictions for a misdemeanor or felony the punishment ranges can be increased depending on the prior convictions.

Common Felony Offenses

Below is a list of common Felony offenses in Texas. This is not an exhaustive list of all possible felony charges in Texas.

  • DWI 3rd or more
  • DWI with children in the car
  • Possession of a controlled substance
  • Possession of a dab pen
  • Murder
  • Manslaughter

If you have been accused of a felony offense please contact us today for a consultation today at (972) 330-2171.