Austin Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers

Misdemeanor Charges

Misdemeanor charges, while less serious than felonies, are still crimes. They are generally relatively minor criminal offenses such as possession of small amounts of marijuana, assault without bodily injury, and theft of goods and services whose value does not exceed $1,500.

There are three classes of misdemeanors: A,B, and C. Like felonies, these classes are determined by the severity of a crime.

Class A misdemeanors are the most severe. They include assault with bodily injury and a first offense for stalking. These convictions carry with them a jail sentence of up to a year as well as a fine of up to $4,000.

Class B misdemeanors are less severe than Class A misdemeanors but more severe than Class C. They can have a punishment of up to 180 days in a county jail as well as the possibility of a fine of up to $2,000. Class B misdemeanor crimes include terroristic threats, indecent exposure, harassment, and disorderly conduct.

Class C misdemeanors are the least severe of all misdemeanor charges. They do not involve any jail sentence and the fine cannot exceed $500. These crimes include assault and theft/criminal mischief of less than $50.

Misdemeanors, despite being less serious than felonies, are still crimes and will still show up on your record. They can affect your ability to get a job as well as a number of other things. Also, repeat offenses of some of these crimes can make them felonies.

Because of the possibility of some crimes, like stalking, becoming a felony, it is important to fight the charges that are brought against you. Contact the Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers of Morales & Navarrete.