Misdemeanors Attorney in Temple Helping You Get a Leaner Sentence or Dropped Charges

Misdemeanor offenses are more common than felonies in Texas. There are three different types of misdemeanor offenses, from minor to severe, though most misdemeanors are fine-only offenses and, in some circumstances, result in jail time.

Considered minor criminal activity, some of the most common misdemeanor offenses include:

• Driving while under the influence (DWI) of drugs or alcohol
• Shoplifting
• Simple assault or battery
• Trespassing
• Vandalism
• Minor sex crimes, such as solicitation, prostitution, and indecent exposure
• Resisting arrest
• Stalking, bullying, and other cybercrimes

Most people don’t consider the impact of a misdemeanor conviction on your life once it’s on record, even with a minor incident. They are criminal charges and should be treated as such. A misdemeanor conviction can impact your ability to secure a job, buy or rent a home, and other aspects of life.

Before you plead guilty, consider your options, including an experienced criminal defense lawyer such as Barina Law Group. We can review your case and recommend potential legal solutions to lessen your sentence or get your charges dropped.

What is a Misdemeanor?

Misdemeanors are petty crimes in comparison to felony crimes. Criminal activity resulting in a misdemeanor charge ranges from property theft to mistreating animals to prostitution and solicitation. More crimes fall under misdemeanors than felonies.

In Texas, misdemeanors are criminal offenses defined as any crime punishable by one year or less in jail or fine-only offenses. There are three classes of misdemeanors: class A, class B, and class C.

• Penalties related to a class A misdemeanor include a fine of no more than $4,000 or up to one year in county jail. A class A misdemeanor includes burglary, a DUI, or property theft.
• Penalties related to a class B misdemeanor include a fine of no more than $2,000 or up to 180 days in county jail. Class B misdemeanor offenses include property theft of property up to $750, terrorist threats, and drug possession.
• Penalties related to a class C misdemeanor, the least serious misdemeanor offense, include property theft of less than $100, disorderly conduct, and paraphernalia possession.

When you need a misdemeanor defense, Barina Law Group and our attorneys can review the evidence and find possible angles in your favor. Schedule an initial consultation to share more about your case: (254) 523-4446.

What is a Felony?

When you think of the most severe crimes—rape, burglary, murder, assault—these are felonies. A felony is a crime that typically involves violence, and the penalties include incarceration, life in prison, or the death penalty. Non-violent felonies usually involve significant property damage or theft.

There are five categories of felonies: capital felonies, first-degree felonies, second-degree felonies, third-degree felonies, and “state jail” felonies. Each carries its own set of penalties:

• Capital felonies result in life imprisonment or death and involve heinous crimes such as murder.
• Aggravated robbery, arson causing death, and attempted murder are examples of first-degree felonies. The consequences include five to 99 years or life in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
• Convictions for second-degree felonies—manslaughter, aggravated assault, robbery, or arson—carry between two and 20 years in jail and fines up to $10,000.
• Stalking or cyber-bullying, tampering with evidence, and deadly conduct with a firearm are considered third-degree felonies. If convicted, a person can face up to 10 years in jail and fines of up to $10,000.
• Check forgery, theft, and driving under the influence with a minor child (DWI) are considered state jail felonies. A person can be sentenced to up to 180 days in county jail, and fines can still be upwards of $10,000.

If you are facing a looming felony conviction, talk to our criminal defense team regarding representation. Call Barina Law Group: (254) 523-4446.

What Are Common Misdemeanors in Texas?

Misdemeanor charges are typically appropriate for crimes that don’t include violence or a significant degree of property loss or damage. In most cases, this is a clear way to differentiate misdemeanors from felony charges.

There are many different types of criminal offenses that result in misdemeanor charges, though the most common types in Texas include:

• First offense driving under the influence (DW) charge
• Second DWI charge
• Family assault violence
• Possession of drugs
• Theft

After a certain period, certain misdemeanor offenses can be expunged or removed from your record with the help of an attorney after an acquittal or dismissal of charges. Class C misdemeanors, for instance, can be deleted from your record 180 days after your arrest, while class A and B misdemeanors can be considered for removal one year from the date of the arrest.

Call Barina Law Group to discuss your options to review your eligibility for expungement or if you need legal assistance regarding your misdemeanor charges. Contact us: (254) 523-4446.

Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Get My Charges Reduced?

The role of a criminal defense lawyer is to use different theories and tactics to expose flaws, errors, or doubts regarding your crime and conviction. From burglary to aggravated assault to murder allegations, our criminal defense lawyers can represent you in tough cases and circumstances that feel hopeless.

Every criminal case is different, and we will leverage all possible criminal defense strategies, from police misconduct to mistaken identity to duress to entrapment, to improve the outcome of your case, whether a reduced sentence or no charges at all.

At Barina Law Group, we want our clients to feel confident they are making the right investment in a criminal defense lawyer. During our initial consultation, we will highlight critical factors such as trial experience and client results, local connections, resources, positive relationships with prosecutors, and keen defense strategies.

Where you invest your money is undoubtedly important, but the attorney you choose to defend you in a criminal case is an investment in your rights and freedom. Our experienced criminal defense team is ready to speak with you regarding your criminal case.

Contact Barina Law Group and utilize our initial consultation to see how we can help you succeed in your case. Call: (254) 523-4446.