Texas Misdemeanor Penalties & Fines
Misdemeanors are crimes with punishment ranging from a small fine to jail time if convicted. In Texas, misdemeanors are categorized into three classes (A, B, and C).
Class A misdemeanors:
Punishable by a fine not to exceed $4,000, confinement in the county jail for a term not to exceed one year, or both such fine and confinement. Persons convicted of a Class A misdemeanor offense may be placed under community supervision. Examples of class A Misdemeanors are Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) – 2nd Offense, Public Lewdness, Resisting Arrest, Theft Between $500 and $1,500 and Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon.
Class B misdemeanors:
Punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,000, confinement in the county jail for a term not to exceed 180 days, or both such fine and confinement. Persons convicted of a Class B misdemeanor offense may be placed under community supervision. Examples of class B Misdemeanors are Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) – 1st Offense, Evading Arrest, False Report to a Peace Officer, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Class C misdemeanors:
Punishable by a fine not to exceed $500, possible probation or community service, and a permanent conviction on criminal record. As there is no jail sentence possible, regular probation cannot be given in these cases. However, a special deferred adjudication probation is a possibility for many first time offenders. This type of probation results in no conviction once the case is resolved. Examples of class C misdemeanors are Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP), Minor in Consumption of Alcohol (MIC), Public Intoxication, Possession of Alcoholic Beverage in Motor Vehicle (Open Container), Disorderly Conduct and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Law Offices of Ronald A. Ramos - San Antonio Criminal Defense
Telephone: (210) 308-8811
The Woods of Castle Hills
1844 Lockhill-Selma Road, Suite 102
San Antonio, TX 78213