Texas law says that a class C misdemeanor is an offense punishable by a fine of up to $500. The law does not allow for prison to be utilized as a form of punishment for class c misdemeanors; however, law enforcement officers may arrest you for most class C offenses other than speeding or littering.
You might think that sounds unfair, but the issue made it all the way to the United States Supreme Court where the Court affirmed the right of officers to arrest for most class C Offenses in a big case called Atwater v. City of Lago Vista.
What kinds of crimes are class c misdemeanors? Some examples of a class c misdemeanors in Texas are:
Assault by contact
Public intoxication
Theft of property worth less than $50
Littering
Do you need to hire a lawyer if you've only been charged with a class C misdemeanor? I advise you to do so if you want to keep the conviction off your record. While most lawyers generally leave Class C matters to “ticket attorneys,” I handle a lot of Class C charges in Texas each year, for individuals who are not concerned about the potential of the $500 fine, but are concerned about keeping the matter off their record.
Keeping the conviction off your record is important for a number of reasons; especially for domestic violence-related convictions and a few other types of cases. You may have a CDL or a career that requires a clean record. You might be going through a family law case and don't need any problems that may jeopardize your standing with the court or your ability to get custody rights or enter the military.
Handled correctly, a criminal defense attorney may be able to get a Class C citation dismissed and ultimately expunged. Hiring me is affordable; but after you factor in court costs and fees this entire process can be expensive, so it is not for everyone. University students, professionals, and individuals who have specific career or licensing goals may find hiring a criminal defense attorney for a Class C misdemeanor to be worthwhile.
Contact my office if you would like to hire me to handle your Class C misdemeanor case in Texas.