Talk With a Lawyer Now
If you have been accused of a misdemeanor crime in San Antonio, you need a good criminal defense lawyer. Our criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience defending clients against a wide range of criminal charges, including both misdemeanors and felony charges. 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. The team of criminal lawyers at our firm is well-versed in criminal law and has a proven track record in handling complex cases. As a leading San Antonio criminal attorney and lawyer in San Antonio, we understand the importance of local expertise. That’s why it is essential to hire a criminal lawyer or criminal attorney in San Antonio who understands local criminal law 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. Misdemeanors are considered state charges and can carry significant penalties.
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. Conviction of a Class A misdemeanor can result in harsh penalties and serious consequences, especially for repeat offenders.
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. Drug charges, including drug possession and offenses involving controlled substances, are common Class B misdemeanors and can lead to driver’s license suspension under Texas law.
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. Violent crimes, sexual assault, and other sex crimes can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies in Bexar County, and a conviction for a sex crime may require registration as a sex offender.
Misdemeanor convictions in Bexar County can result in serious consequences and penalties that may impact your future.
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. The consequences of a criminal case can be serious, but a strong defense and an effective defense strategy can help you achieve a favorable outcome, such as having your case dismissed or securing not guilty verdicts.
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. An aggressive defense and a personalized defense strategy tailored to the prosecution’s case are essential to protect your rights and improve your chances in any criminal case.
At Zarka Law Firm, we focus on our clients. We strive to understand both the case and our clients. Our extensive experience and combined experience allow us to remain committed to our clients’ rights and best interests throughout the legal process. Our law office has handled a wide range of criminal cases and is well-versed in the criminal justice system, including investigation, trial, and every stage of the legal process. As recognized San Antonio criminal defense lawyers, our law office proudly serves the greater San Antonio area from our centrally located San Antonio office. We offer a free consultation, free initial consultation, free case review, and confidential consultation to every client at our San Antonio office. Our attorneys have extensive experience defending clients who have been arrested or face criminal charges, including federal cases. We are dedicated to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients, even when other lawyers may not be able to do so. Remember, in every criminal case, you are considered innocent until proven guilty, and we are here to provide a strong and effective defense on your behalf. 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.
