Hempstead Misdemeanor Lawyer

Hempstead Misdemeanor Attorney

While a misdemeanor charge may not be as serious as a felony charge in most cases, the resulting penalties and consequences could still be quite severe. A misdemeanor charge could result in a conviction, which would land you with a criminal record. A criminal record can impact your job opportunities, make it hard to apply for housing, and even affect your personal relationships. A Hempstead misdemeanor lawyer can help you figure out your next steps.

Understanding Misdemeanor Charges in Hempstead, Texas

You may believe that a misdemeanor charge is concerning but nowhere near as severe as a felony. That may not necessarily be the case. Generally, a misdemeanor is considered a lesser offense, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be concerned about the consequences. It’s vital that you recognize the gravity of a misdemeanor charge and consult a criminal defense lawyer.

Regardless of how misdemeanor charges might be perceived, the resounding penalties can still cause irreparable damage to your life and your future. You could end up serving jail time, get slapped with a hefty fine, be put on probation, and ultimately end up with a criminal record. Hiring the right misdemeanor lawyer to represent you may be the most important decision you make throughout your entire case.

Classification of Misdemeanors in Texas

In Texas, misdemeanors are classified by their level of severity. As each level increases, the potential penalties increase as well. Misdemeanor charges in Texas include disorderly conduct, possession of marijuana, first-offense DWIs, criminal mischief, public intoxication, harassment, trespassing, and reckless driving, among many other possible charges. Misdemeanor charges are broken down into three distinct levels:

• Class C Misdemeanors: These are considered the least serious classification of misdemeanors. If you are charged with a Class C misdemeanor, you may be fined up to $500, but you won’t serve any jail time. Examples of Class C misdemeanors include being a minor in possession of alcohol, engaging in disorderly conduct, and committing some minor traffic violations.
• Class B Misdemeanors: These misdemeanors are a bit more serious and could result in jail time if you are convicted. If you are charged with a Class B misdemeanor, you may be fined up to $2,000 and serve up to 180 days in the county jail. Examples of Class B misdemeanors include a first-offense DUI, criminal trespassing, and possession of up to two ounces of marijuana.
• Class A Misdemeanors: These misdemeanors are considered the most serious level you could face before facing a felony charge. If you are charged with a Class A misdemeanor, you could be fined up to $4,000 and serve an entire year in the county jail. Examples of Class A misdemeanors include a first-offense DWI, theft of property valued up to $2,500, and an assault that caused an injury.

Further Penalties for Misdemeanor Charges

If you are convicted of a misdemeanor, it can affect your future in many different ways—beyond just the legal penalties. Here are some other ways that the charges against you could permanently affect your daily life:

• Loss of Rights: If you are convicted of certain misdemeanors, you could lose certain rights. You may no longer be allowed to own a firearm. Under certain circumstances, you may not even be allowed to purchase a firearm.
• Probation: In some cases, you could end up serving your sentence through probation. On the surface, probation sounds like a better alternative than jail, but you will still be heavily restricted and unable to fully enjoy your freedom. You can’t associate with anyone who has a criminal record, and the court can limit where exactly you are allowed to go.

FAQs About Hempstead, TX Misdemeanor Laws

What Is the Cost of a Misdemeanor Attorney in Texas?

There is no telling what the cost of a misdemeanor attorney in Hempstead might be. Every misdemeanor case is different, as is every lawyer. Your lawyer’s fee will heavily depend on the complexity of your case, as well as the lawyer’s education and prior experience, among other factors. Some attorneys charge by the hour, while others charge a flat fee.

Can a Misdemeanor Be Dismissed in Texas?

Yes, it is possible for a misdemeanor to be dismissed in Texas. However, the potential for a dismissal will be heavily dependent on the circumstances of your case and the details of your offense. A dismissal can be gained through multiple avenues, such as through pretrial diversion programs or deferred adjudication. Sometimes, the prosecution may simply not have enough evidence to convict.

How Serious Is a Misdemeanor in Texas?

The alleged seriousness of a misdemeanor in Texas is entirely relative to the case at hand. What you may consider minor might be entirely serious for someone else. The severity of your case will be dependent on the details of your offense and the potential penalties you could be facing. While a misdemeanor may not be as serious as a felony, it can have severe consequences.

Do First-Time Misdemeanor Offenders Go to Jail in Texas?

Yes, it is entirely possible for first-time misdemeanor offenders to go to jail in Texas. The penalty you face is dependent on the circumstances of your offense. There’s no guarantee that you won’t end up serving jail time. Sometimes, the court may be lenient with first-time offenders and allow them to work off their sentence in other ways, such as through probation or a pretrial diversion program. However, there is always the possibility of jail time.

Contact a Misdemeanor Lawyer From the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, Today

Whenever you face legal trouble, it is highly recommended that you reach out to an experienced defense lawyer for help. Facing misdemeanor charges is no different. You’ll need someone in your corner who understands the stakes and knows how to craft a strong defense.

At the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, we know the most effective ways to help you succeed in your case. With years of experience in criminal defense, we’ve helped many former clients overcome both misdemeanor and felony charges. Contact us to speak to someone on our team.