Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are minor crimes with a punishment ranging from a small fine to a loss of freedom of one year (or less). In Texas, these infractions are categorized into three classes (A, B, and C). Class A misdemeanors can include punishment of up to one year in jail, a fine of $4000 (maximum), and up to 3 years community supervision (if extended).  Class B misdemeanors can include up to 180 days in jail and a fine of $2000 (maximum)  and up to 3 years community supervision (if extended). Class C misdemeanors do not include any jail time, but fines can be assessed as punishment of up to $500.

Possession of drug paraphernalia, bail jumping, and public intoxication are examples of Class C Misdemeanors; prostitution, theft under $500 but greater than or equal to $50, criminal trespass of a non-habitation, and a first DWI are examples of a Class B Misdemeanor; and burglary of a vehicle, resisting arrest, and violating a protective order are all examples of a Class A Misdemeanor under Texas law.

Punishment Range for Misdemeanors in Austin, Texas

Common penalties for a misdemeanor crime include probation, excessive fines, community service, jail time, restitution to victims, counseling or treatment, and a mark on your permanent criminal record. Texas provides the following range of punishment for misdemeanor offenses:

• Class C Misdemeanor: If you are convicted of a Class C misdemeanor, the punishment range is a fine up to $500. As a criminal defense attorney in Austin and the surrounding areas, Eric Lim will work hard to obtain the best result possible. Although a Class C misdemeanor may not be a serious crime, it can have devastating effects on your driver’s license, concealed handgun license, and may lead to annual surcharges to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Let Eric Lim help you avoid these significant penalties.
• Class B Misdemeanor: If you are convicted of a Class B misdemeanor, the punishment range is up to 180 days in county jail, as well as a $2,000 fine. As an Austin misdemeanor criminal defense lawyer, Eric Lim can help you avoid jail time and obtain a successful resolution of your criminal matter.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If you are convicted of a Class A misdemeanor, the punishment range increases to up to one (1) year in county jail, as well as a $4,000 fine. As an Austin misdemeanor criminal defense attorney, I will aggressively defend you against the State’s allegations and help you avoid jail time.
• Enhancements: Prosecutors can sometimes enhance your misdemeanor charge to a more serious misdemeanor or felony charge depending on the crime and your prior criminal record. If you have plead guilty in the past and have numerous convictions on your adult criminal record, it is imperative that you contact Eric Lim, Criminal Defense Attorney, at once to properly counsel you regarding your criminal charge and potential enhancement.

How Austin Misdemeanor Criminal Defense Attorney Eric Lim Can Help

Criminal defense attorney, Eric Lim, handles all types of misdemeanor cases. As an experienced criminal defense lawyer, Mr. Lim fights for you to either have your case dismissed, or to have the least amount of punishment assessed against you.  Austin criminal defense lawyer, Eric Lim, represents clients who are charged with all types of Texas misdemeanors:  Class A misdemeanors, Class B misdemeanors, and Class C misdemeanors — including the more common criminal charges of:

• DWI
• DUI
• Minor in Consumption/Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor
• Assault
• Indecent Exposure
• Public Lewdness
• Terroristic Threat
• Deadly Conduct
• Obscenity
• Public Intoxication
• Minor in Possession
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Criminal Nonsupport
• Unlawful Restraint
• Disorderly Conduct

Results

Each criminal case is unique, and the results for each case depend upon the facts of that particular alleged crime or misdemeanor situation.  Eric Lim possesses the knowledge, resources, and skills to provide every client with sound judgment and solid advice throughout the entirety of their case. Eric Lim will work hard to establish the most compelling case possible, develop innovative defense strategies, and vigorously fight the State’s allegations against you. Contact Eric Lim for your FREE consultation at (512) 686-6546.

Do not plead guilty. Talk to a lawyer before you speak to the police.

Even if you are charged with just a Class C misdemeanor and think it will be easier to just plea guilty than to hire a lawyer, resist that temptation. That misdemeanor conviction can follow your for the rest of your life. Every time you apply for a job, on any kind of background check; it can even show up on an Internet background check. A knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can fight to get the charges dismissed or to minimize penalties. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for jail release legal guidance. Contact us online.