Misdemeanor Conviction Consequences in Texas

Misdemeanor charges need to be taken extremely seriously in Texas. Although misdemeanor charges are not as severe as felony charges, you can nonetheless face harsh penalties for a misdemeanor conviction under the Texas Penal Code. As such, you should always have a Texas misdemeanor criminal defense lawyer on your side to help you strategize about the best defense for your case and options for beating the charges. Beyond a criminal sentence, misdemeanor convictions can also have additional consequences. The following are just some of the most common consequences of a misdemeanor conviction in Texas.

Jail Time for a Texas Misdemeanor

Many misdemeanor convictions can include a jail sentence. While a Class C misdemeanor—the least serious of the categories of misdemeanors—does not come with jail time, you should know that both a Class B misdemeanor and a Class A misdemeanor can result in a jail sentence. A Class B misdemeanor conviction can result in a sentence of up to 180 days in jail, while a Class A misdemeanor conviction can lead to a jail sentence of up to 1 year.

Monetary Fines for Misdemeanors in Texas

Misdemeanors all carry the possibility of a hefty monetary fine. A Class C misdemeanor can include a $500 fine, while a Class B misdemeanor conviction can result in a fine of up to $2,000, and a Class A misdemeanor can result in a fine of up to $4,000.

Loss of a Driver’s License and Related Offenses for a Misdemeanor DWI Conviction

If you are convicted of a misdemeanor DWI in Texas, you should know that, in addition to the penalties cited above, you will likely face additional penalties. Those include the loss of your driver’s license for a specific period of time, and in some cases the required installation of an ignition interlock device, require completion of an alcohol education program, and/or probation.

Job Loss or Job Restrictions for Certain Misdemeanor Convictions

Depending upon the type of misdemeanor for which you are convicted, you could lose your job or lose the ability to be hired for certain types of positions.

Residency Restrictions for Misdemeanor Sex Crimes

While certain misdemeanor sex offenses will not require registration on the sex offender registry upon conviction, some offenses will require registration, and the prosecutor may require a person who is convicted to register. Once you have registered on the sex offender registry, you will not be able to live in or even visit a residence that is within 500 feet of certain areas with children, such as schools, playgrounds, parks, daycare centers, and other areas.

Contact a Misdemeanor Defense Attorney in Texas for Assistance

While a misdemeanor conviction does not result in penalties that are as serious as a felony conviction, it is important to know that a misdemeanor conviction can also result in serious and life-altering consequences. From the possibility of jail time and a significant monetary fine to additional repercussions, misdemeanors should be taken seriously. One of our experienced Texas misdemeanor defense lawyers can assist you with your case. Contact The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates for more information.