Being charged with a misdemeanor charge in Denton is typically a minor offense that doesn’t require much action, but they still carry repercussions if not properly handled. While your speeding ticket or criminal mischief case may seem like a small hiccup in your daily life, you need to be aware of the potential problems that can come along with not taking care of required court appearances, fines, and community service assignments.
It’s imperative to make sure you have all the facts before you start fighting your misdemeanor charge, and it’s also important to keep track of fines, court dates, hearings, and other aspects of your case. Because of this, it’s important to make sure you hire a misdemeanor lawyer in Denton County.
A misdemeanor is a criminal charge that carries a potential jail sentence of less than one year in Texas. Texas misdemeanors are classified into three categories: Class A, Class B, and Class C.
Each category has its own punishment range, with Class A being the most serious and Class C being the least serious. Even though misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, they can still have serious consequences.
A misdemeanor conviction can result in a criminal record, fines, jail time, probation, community service, loss of job or housing, and difficulty getting a loan or professional license. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, Flower Mound, TX
Misdemeanors are still legal infractions that can cause real stains on your record. As a productive member of society, your reputation is something you work hard to build and uphold, but a conviction can turn this around when you least expect it.
At The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we know that misdemeanor cases can sometimes require legal consultation. By hiring experienced criminal defense attorney Richard McConathy, you will have access to his expert litigation team and their wealth of legal knowledge. If you’re worried about your misdemeanor case and you don’t know where to go, call (940) 222-8004 for a free consultation.
Common Misdemeanor Offenses in Denton
Examples of common misdemeanors include:
- Criminal Mischief
- Misdemeanor Assault
- Shoplifting
- Driving While License Suspended
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
- Violation of Protective Order
- Reckless Driving
- Evading Arrest on Foot
- Perjury
- Assault with Bodily Injury
- Cruelty to Animals
- Criminal Trespass
- Prostitution
- Harassment
- Indecent Exposure
- Riot
- Possession of 2 ounces or less of marijuana
- Assault by Threat
- Gambling
- Disorderly Conduct
- Public Intoxication
- Use of Laser Pointers
- Minor in Possession of alcohol
- Leaving Child in a Vehicle
Please note that this is not the entire list of possible misdemeanor offenses in Denton County. These are simply some of the most common misdemeanors in Denton and its surrounding areas.
Differences Between Denton Felony and Misdemeanor Offenses
Misdemeanors are typically not considered as serious offenses when compared to felony offenses, and as a result, they typically carry less severe penalties and punishments. Misdemeanor offenses are typically punishable by under a year of county jail, whereas felony offense convictions can be punished with over a year in prison.
The main differences between misdemeanors and felonies in Texas:
- Severity of the offense: Felonies are more serious crimes that carry longer prison sentences and heavier fines, while misdemeanors are less serious offenses that carry shorter jail sentences and smaller fines.
- Potential punishment: Felonies carry much harsher penalties than misdemeanors, including longer prison sentences and larger fines. The punishment for a felony depends on the category of the offense.
- Impact on criminal record: A felony conviction carries a much greater stigma than a misdemeanor conviction, and the consequences can be severe. A felony conviction can limit a person’s employment opportunities, housing options, and the right to own a firearm. It can also affect a person’s right to vote, hold public office, and serve on a jury.
- Legal process: Felony charges typically involve a grand jury indictment and require a more rigorous legal defense, including pretrial motions, expert witnesses, and extensive discovery. Misdemeanor charges are usually filed by a prosecutor based on the evidence gathered by law enforcement officers.
- Trial process: Felony cases are typically tried in district court, while misdemeanor cases are usually tried in municipal or justice court.
In some cases, a felony charge can be reduced to a misdemeanor in Texas. This may occur as part of a plea bargain or if the prosecutor agrees to reduce the charge based on certain factors, such as the defendant’s lack of criminal history or cooperation with law enforcement.
The potential penalties for a felony conviction in Texas can include imprisonment for more than one year, significant fines, and other legal consequences such as loss of voting rights or inability to possess firearms. The severity of the penalty will depend on the specific crime and other factors such as the defendant’s criminal history.
If you have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor in Texas, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options and can represent you in court.
Types of Misdemeanors in Denton
State law and Texas Penal Code Section 12.03 defines misdemeanor offenses as a criminal offense that is less serious than a felony offense and punishable by less than a one-year jail sentence. The various classifications of misdemeanor offenses in Denton (ranked from least severe to most) are:
- Class C Misdemeanor
- Class B Misdemeanor
- Class A Misdemeanor
Denton Misdemeanor Charges Penalties
A Class C misdemeanor carries the least serious penalties out of all misdemeanor offenses. According to the Texas Penal Code Section 12.23, individuals who are convicted of a Class C Misdemeanor face fines not to exceed $500. Tex. Penal Code § 12.22 states that class B misdemeanors are punishable by 180 days in jail and/or fines up to $2,000, whereas Penal Code § 12.21 states that Class A misdemeanors are punishable by a year behind bars and/or fines not to exceed $4,000.
Denton Habitual Misdemeanor Offenses
Texas law allows for harsher penalties and punishments to be dealt to repeat offenders. According to Texas Penal Code Section 12.43, Individuals who habitually commit misdemeanor offenses will end up facing greater consequences compared to first-time offenders. Individuals who are charged with a Class A misdemeanor while having a previous Class A misdemeanor and/or felony on their record may be subject to fines up to $4,000 and/or a jail sentence ranging from 90 days to one year.
Individuals who are charged with Class B misdemeanors while having previous Class A, Class B misdemeanors or felony offenses on their records may end up with a fine of up to $2,000 and a jail sentence not to exceed six months.
Resources for Misdemeanor Charges in Denton
Denton County County Clerk – The Denton County County Clerk website is a valuable resource for residents and visitors of Denton County. The website provides information on a variety of topics, including the hours of operation for the county clerk’s office, as well as the contact information for the office, links to online payment portals for a variety of services, including property taxes, vehicle registration, and marriage licenses, and access to a variety of miscellaneous forms, such as applications for subpoenas and motions to discharge a defendant from deferred adjudication. The Denton County County Clerk website is a convenient way to find information about county clerk services and to access online payment portals. The website is also a good resource for finding miscellaneous forms that may be needed for legal or other purposes.
Denton County Misdemeanor Trial Division – The Denton County Misdemeanor Trial Division is a crucial component of the local justice system, focusing on handling misdemeanor cases within Denton County, Texas. The division operates within the larger framework of the Denton County government and justice system. By providing information and resources related to misdemeanors, court proceedings, and city contact information, the county aims to ensure transparency and accessibility for its residents. On the official Denton County website, you can find a dedicated section or link that provides information about the Misdemeanor Trial Division. This section may offer various resources and details, including information about the types of misdemeanor cases handled by the division. This can include details about different classes of misdemeanors, the legal process for misdemeanor cases, and potential penalties. Details about the various courts within Denton County that handle misdemeanor cases such as information about court locations, contact information, and schedules for hearings and trials. Contact details for cities within Denton County where individuals can seek assistance or information related to misdemeanor cases. This can include contact information for city police departments, municipal courts, and other relevant city agencies. Access to legal resources and information that can help individuals better understand their rights and responsibilities when facing misdemeanor charges. This can include information about legal representation, plea options, and the court process. Links to relevant forms, documents, and resources that individuals may need when dealing with misdemeanor cases. This can include forms for court appearances, requests for records, and other necessary documents. Answers to common questions individuals may have about misdemeanor cases, court proceedings, and related matters. By providing this information on the Denton County website, the county aims to empower its residents with knowledge about the legal process and their rights when dealing with misdemeanor charges. This transparency fosters trust in the justice system and helps individuals navigate the legal process more effectively.
Denton County Community Supervision and Corrections Department – The Denton County Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD) is responsible for the supervision of adults who have been convicted of misdemeanors and low-level felonies in Denton County, Texas. The CSCD also operates a number of corrections facilities, including the Denton County Jail. The CSCD’s website provides information on a variety of topics, including the CSCD’s corrections facilities, including the Denton County Jail, and provides information on the types of offenders who are housed in each facility. The website describes the CSCD’s supervision programs, which are designed to help offenders successfully complete their sentences and avoid re-offending. The website provides contact information for the CSCD, including the address and phone number of the main office. The CSCD’s website is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the department or who needs to contact the department for any reason.
Adult Probation Community Supervision and Corrections Building
650 South Mayhill Road
Denton, TX 76208-6313
(940) 349-3300
(972) 434-8831
(940) 349-3301 (Fax)
Monday – Friday 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Find A Denton County Defense Attorney for Misdemeanor Charges | Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy are based in Texas, providing Texans with a legal team they can trust. If you’re worried about your misdemeanors and you don’t know how to handle this process, Richard McConathy can help you. Serving individuals located in Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, Flower Mound, and surrounding areas of Denton County, Texas. We’re on a mission to ensure Texans are fairly represented in court. Call (940) 222-8004 or contact us online for more information on how we can help your case.