texas misdemeanor classification

Crimes in the state of Texas are typically classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Felonies are more serious charges that typically involve violence. While misdemeanors are still serious charges that result in a criminal record. In Texas, misdemeanors are classified into three categories, Class A, Class B, and Class C. The classifications are based on the seriousness of the crime. Class A misdemeanors are the most serious, while Class C is the least serious. In this blog, we will be doing a deep dive into the different classifications of misdemeanors in Texas and the potential penalties and consequences for each. 

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Class A Misdemeanors 

In Texas, Class A misdemeanors are considered the most serious type of misdemeanor. This classification is just below felonies in terms of severity. These offenses involve more significant harm or potential harm compared to lower-class misdemeanors and carry larger penalties. 

Examples of Class A Misdemeanors

  • Assault: Intentionally causing bodily injury to another person.
  • Theft of Property: If the value of stolen property is between $750 and $2,500, the offense is classified as a Class A misdemeanor.
  • Burglary of a Vehicle: Entering a vehicle with the intent to commit theft or another felony can lead to a Class A misdemeanor charge.
  • Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon: Carrying a firearm or other prohibited weapon in certain locations without proper authorization.
  • Possession of Marijuana: Possessing between two and four ounces of marijuana can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor.

Potential Penalties and Consequences

Being convicted of a Class A misdemeanor in Texas can lead to serious legal penalties, including:

  • Fines: A person convicted of a Class A misdemeanor may be required to pay fines up to $4,000. 
  • Jail Time: The court may also sentence the individual to up to one year in county jail. 
  • Impact on Criminal Record and Future Opportunities: A Class A misdemeanor conviction will appear on the individual’s criminal record, which can affect future employment, housing, and educational opportunities.

Class B Misdemeanors

Class B misdemeanors in Texas represent a middle tier of criminal offenses. They are more serious than Class C misdemeanors but less severe than Class A misdemeanors. These offenses have moderate penalties, including the possibility of jail time and fines.

Examples of Class B Misdemeanors

Class B misdemeanors cover a range of offenses that involve more significant harm or risk than Class C misdemeanors but do not rise to the level of Class A offenses. Some common examples include:

  • Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) First Offense: Operating a vehicle while intoxicated is typically classified as a Class B misdemeanor in Texas.
  • Possession of Marijuana: Possessing between two ounces or less of marijuana is generally charged as a Class B misdemeanor.
  • Criminal Trespass: Entering or remaining on someone’s property without consent can lead to a Class B misdemeanor charge.
  • Indecent Exposure: Intentionally exposing one’s genitals with the intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire in another person can result in a Class B misdemeanor.
  • Evading Arrest: Fleeing from a police officer attempting to lawfully arrest or detain an individual can be charged as a Class B misdemeanor.

Potential Penalties and Consequences

Class B misdemeanors in Texas carry penalties that can impact an individual’s life, including:

  • Fines: A person convicted of a Class B misdemeanor may be subject to fines up to $2,000. 
  • Jail Time: A conviction for a Class B misdemeanor can result in up to 180 days in county jail. 
  • Impact on Criminal Record and Future Opportunities: A Class B misdemeanor conviction will also appear on an individual’s criminal record, which can affect aspects of their life. 

Class C Misdemeanors

Class C misdemeanors are the least severe type of misdemeanor offenses in Texas. Unlike Class A and B misdemeanors, Class C misdemeanors do not carry jail time. But they can still affect an individual’s record and future opportunities.

Examples of Class C Misdemeanors

Class C misdemeanors cover a variety of minor offenses, typically those that do not result in significant harm to others. Common examples include:

  • Public Intoxication: Being intoxicated in a public place to the extent that one may endanger oneself or others is a Class C misdemeanor.
  • Minor Traffic Violations: Offenses such as speeding, running a red light, or failure to yield are often classified as Class C misdemeanors.
  • Disorderly Conduct: Engaging in disruptive behavior in public, such as using offensive language or gestures, making unreasonable noise, or fighting, can result in a Class C misdemeanor charge.
  • Possession of Alcohol by a Minor: A minor caught in possession of alcohol may be charged with a Class C misdemeanor.
  • Theft of Property: If the value of stolen property is less than $100, the offense is classified as a Class C misdemeanor.

Potential Penalties and Consequences

Although Class C misdemeanors are less severe than Class A or B misdemeanors, they still come with penalties:

  • Fines: The primary penalty for a Class C misdemeanor is a fine, which can be up to $500.
  • No Jail Time: Unlike Class A and B misdemeanors, Class C misdemeanors do not carry the possibility of jail time. 
  • Impact on Criminal Record and Future Opportunities: Even though a Class C misdemeanor is a minor offense, it can still appear on an individual’s criminal record. 

Seek Legal Guidance With Navigating Misdemeanors in Texas 

Understanding the different classifications of misdemeanors in Texas—Class A, B, and C—is important for anyone facing these charges. Each class carries specific penalties and consequences that can have a lasting impact on your life. If you’re dealing with a misdemeanor charge, seeking legal advice is essential to protect your rights and navigate the complexities of the Texas legal system.

For those in need of legal representation, C.L. Swisher, a criminal defense attorney in Houston, is ready to help. Contact C.L. Swisher today to discuss your case and explore your options for defense.