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If you have been accused of a misdemeanor crime in San Antonio, you need a good criminal defense lawyer. While misdemeanor crimes are considered less serious than felonies, being found guilty of one can still throw your whole life off track. You might be charged a fine or even be sentenced to spend time in jail. That’s why it is essential to get a highly qualified lawyer to help you combat the charges.
The state of Texas divides misdemeanors into three classes, each of which carries different sentences. Classes determine the severity of the charge as well as the potential punishments. The final verdict received will depend on the specific crime you are found guilty of and the presiding judge on the case.
Class A misdemeanors include stealing a car or carrying a gun without a permit, among many others. These are the most serious kind of misdemeanor. If you are found guilty of a Class A misdemeanor, you could be fined up to $4,000. You may also be sentenced to up to one year in jail. If the crime is found to be motivated by prejudice, or if you were using drugs at the time, there is a mandatory 180-day sentence. If you have a previous Class A misdemeanor or felony on your record, there is a mandatory 90-day sentence.
The severity decreases for a Class B misdemeanor, which may include something such as possession of marijuana. A misdemeanor in this class is punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a $2,000 fine. Additionally, the charges can be enhanced depending on the offense. For example, an assault (Class B) becomes class A if committed in a disaster area.
A Class C misdemeanor cannot be punished with jail time, but you could still be fined up to $500. All misdemeanors that are not otherwise categorized are Class C. This includes crimes such as theft of property worth under $100.
While the charges associated with a misdemeanor crime are significantly less than those associated with felonies, they can still throw your life off track. No one wants to spend months of their life in jail or pay thousands of dollars to the courts.
Additionally, a misdemeanor will remain on your criminal record and is discoverable in future background checks. As a result, you may have a more difficult time obtaining housing or being hired if you have been found guilty of a misdemeanor in the past. You might also become ineligible for loans. Misdemeanors remain on your record forever, which is why you want an attorney who can help your record stay clean in the first place.
If you are facing misdemeanor charges, start by retaining a good lawyer. Because these charges are seen as less serious than felonies, you may be tempted to fight them yourself. However, it is not worth the risk. The legal system is complex, and it is easy to make a mistake that could result in jail time. When you have a professional on your team, you can be confident that you are getting the best defense possible.
At Zarka Law Firm, we focus on our clients. We strive to understand both the case and our clients. When we can understand your unique situation, we are better able to fight for you in court. Our attorneys can construct a defensive case that will give you the best chance at avoiding amisdemeanor conviction. Let us defend you in court so that you can continue living a life that doesn’t include the challenges of having a misdemeanor on your criminal record. Give us a call today to get started.
