Common Misdemeanor Charges
There is a long list of misdemeanor charges in the State of Texas, but there are several common misdemeanor charges that criminal attorneys see most often, including:
Drug crimes that involve small amounts of controlled substances (including marijuana)
Petty theft (Are Shoplifting and Petty Theft the Same Thing?)
Simple assault
DWI (first offense)
Disorderly conduct offenses
Lower-level weapons possession offenses
Shoplifting (What to Do If You Are Accused of Shoplifting)
Bad check writing
Driving on a revoked or suspended license
While being charged with a misdemeanor may not strike you as being especially serious, it is important to note that a conviction can lead to serious fines and penalties and that the social consequences (because your conviction is a matter of public record) can be even more difficult, including the following:
You may have difficulty renting a home or apartment
You may have difficulty finding a new job
You may have difficulty obtaining a federal student loan and/or gaining admission at the school of your choice (you may also be denied the privilege of living on campus)
You may be denied professional licensure (depending upon your profession and the nature of the conviction)
Texas Misdemeanor Charges
In Texas, a misdemeanor charge refers to an offense for which you can do a maximum of 12 months in a county jail and for which you can face a maximum fine of $4,000. Misdemeanor charges are generally brought through either an arrest warrant or via a summons, and the following applies:
If you receive a summons, it will include the date and time that you should appear at the county courthouse for your initial appearance – your arraignment.
If you are arrested on a warrant, you will be informed when you need to show up for your arraignment.
Your arraignment is where you will be formally charged and where you will plead either not guilty, guilty, or no contest to the charges you face. Generally – unless you have negotiated a plea deal with the prosecution – you will plead not guilty, and you and your experienced criminal attorney will together compose your strongest defense.
Read more about the serious consequences of a Texas misdemeanor.
It Is Time to Consult with an Experienced Killeen Criminal Attorney
Facing a criminal charge is not a pleasant experience, but when you have a knowledgeable criminal attorney in your corner, it can make things considerably less frightening. Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas, is a hard-working criminal attorney who dedicates his impressive practice to protecting the legal rights of clients like you, and he is on your side. To learn more about how our skilled legal team can help you, please do not hesitate to contact us online or call us at 254-501-4040 today.
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