Criminal offenses that are considered to be less serious are usually charged as misdemeanors and so may not come with particularly severe penalties. There are, however, a few exceptions to this rule, as Texas law requires courts to apply minimum sentences in certain misdemeanor cases. To learn more about these rules and how they could […]
Special Sentencing Considerations for Misdemeanor Offenses
February 16th, 2021 by Tad Nelson in Misdemeanor Crimes
Can My Misdemeanor Criminal Record be Expunged?
December 15th, 2020 by Tad Nelson in Misdemeanor Crimes
In addition to potentially resulting in jail time and fines, any type of conviction will go on a person’s criminal record. Having a criminal record can make it difficult to find housing, secure employment, and apply for educational or training programs. It can also have serious repercussions on someone’s personal life. Fortunately, it is possible […]
Understanding the Different Types of Misdemeanor Offenses in Texas
November 20th, 2020 by Tad Nelson in Misdemeanor Crimes
Texas law divides misdemeanor crimes into three categories, each of which comes with its own range of penalties. The specifics of a defense strategy depends largely on the type of crime that a person is being charged with, so if you were recently arrested for or charged with a criminal offense in Texas, it is […]
Is It a Crime to Look Like a Member of a “Criminal Street Gang”?
October 21st, 2020 by Tad Nelson in Misdemeanor Crimes
One of the ideals of our criminal justice system is the notion that someone is not guilty of a crime simply based on how they look or appear. Unfortunately, reality does not always meet this ideal. For example, in recent years there has been a movement against individuals who are perceived as belonging to a […]
Is It Still Considered Shoplifting If the Stolen Items Never Leave the Store?
September 23rd, 2020 by Tad Nelson in Misdemeanor Crimes
Shoplifting is one of the more common misdemeanor crimes that occur in Texas. Legally speaking, shoplifting is a form of theft, and the severity of the charge will depend on the retail value of the items involved. Regarding the actual definition of theft, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has said it is essentially the […]
The Use of Expert Testimony in Texas Misdemeanor Cases
August 21st, 2020 by Tad Nelson in Misdemeanor Crimes
Although misdemeanor crimes carry less severe punishments than felonies, Texas prosecutors still take these “lesser” cases seriously. Indeed, it is not uncommon for misdemeanor cases to involve the use of expert witnesses. Such witnesses are used to provide a jury with information and analysis that is outside the purview of a typical “lay” witness. But […]
What Is Considered a “Speedy Trial” When It Comes to a Misdemeanor Offense?
July 24th, 2020 by Tad Nelson in Misdemeanor Crimes
The Constitution guarantees every criminal defendant’s right to a “speedy” trial. This right applies to both felony and misdemeanor offenses. But what is considered “speedy” from a legal standpoint? If you are forced to wait more than a year for trial, is that a violation of your rights? And will a judge automatically dismiss the […]
Travis County Defendant Convicted of Theft After Allegedly Pawning Rented Music Equipment
June 23rd, 2020 by Tad Nelson in Misdemeanor Crimes
When you hear the word “theft,” your first thought might be of shoplifting or, say, snatching an individual’s purse. But the misdemeanor offense of theft is broadly defined in Texas to cover any unlawful “appropriation” of property without the owner’s consent. This includes situations where the owner initially gave the property to the alleged thief. […]
What Is the Line Separating “Honest Mistake” from Misdemeanor Theft?
May 26th, 2020 by Tad Nelson in Misdemeanor Crimes
In its simplest form, misdemeanor theft involves taking someone else’s property without their consent. If you took the property by mistake, you can argue that as a defense at trial. But you will still need to prove that mistake was based on a “reasonable belief” you had the right to take the property in the […]
Can I Be Charged with a Misdemeanor for Filing a False Police Report?
April 22nd, 2020 by Tad Nelson in Misdemeanor Crimes
Lying to the police is not just a bad idea. It can land you in serious legal trouble. Filing a “false report to [a] peace officer” is a Class B misdemeanor offense under the Texas Penal Code. This means that if you “knowingly” make a false statement to an officer–even if you are not technically […]