Former Assistant District Attorney with Experience Fighting Misdemeanor and Felony Charges
The state of Texas employs a scale of criminal offenses ranging from the least serious to the most severe. Misdemeanor offenses are less serious than felony offenses; however, that does not mean that they should be treated lightly. Having any criminal conviction can complicate obtaining employment, being admitted into the school of your choice, or even renting an apartment.
If you face criminal charges, you are urged to speak with San Antonio criminal defense lawyer Sophia Martinez. She has extensive experience handling all types of criminal cases.
There are three classes of misdemeanor offenses in Texas: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Class A and B offenses are the most serious of these crimes. If a person is convicted of a misdemeanor offense in San Antonio, he or she may spend time in a county jail and be required to pay steep fines. More severe penalties are reserved for felony offenses. If you are facing any misdemeanor charges in San Antonio, you should seek experienced legal counsel right away.
San Antonio Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
Class B misdemeanor crimes can lead to a maximum of 180 days in jail and a fine of no more than $2,000. It may be possible for a person to receive probation instead of jail time. It may also be possible to seal the offense when probation is completed. Some examples of common Class B misdemeanors include — but are not limited to — the following crimes:
- First-time DWI
- Indecent exposure
- Prostitution
- Theft of $100-750
- Criminal trespass
- Minor drug possession (up to 2 oz of marijuana)
- False reporting to a police officer
- Graffitti
- Racing
- Reckless Driving
- Failure to ID
Charges for Class A misdemeanor offenses are the most severe misdemeanor charges a person can face in San Antonio. Charges above this level are all felony charges. A Class A misdemeanor can send a person to jail for up to one year and require that person to pay up to $4,000 in fines. A person may also be sentenced to probation instead of jail, and it may be possible to seal some of the offenses when probation is completed.
Some Examples of Class A misdemeanor crimes in Texas include-but are not limited to-the following crimes:
- Second-time DWI
- DWI W/BAC 0.15 or higher
- Unlawful Carry
- Resisting Arrest
- Evading Arrest on Foot
- Burglary of a Vehicle
- Assault Bodily Injury
- Violation of a Protective Order
- Terrorist Threats
- Criminal Mischief $750-2500
- Theft $750-2500
Many people may not take misdemeanor charges seriously and may hesitate to seek defense counsel because they don’t believe that these charges will carry a significant impact in their lives. This is a dangerous misconception. A conviction for any misdemeanor offense can significantly alter your future by making it more difficult to obtain the necessities you need to thrive, such as a steady job and a place to live. Attorney Sophia Martinez aggressively fights Class A and B misdemeanor offenses and provides close personal attention to ensure you understand the status of your case at all times.
Felony Defense Lawyer in San Antonio On Your Case
If you are charged with a felony offense in San Antonio, you have been accused of a significant crime. Felonies differ from misdemeanors in that a felony offense is punishable by more than one year of imprisonment. These crimes range from state jail felonies (least serious) to capital murder (most severe).
State Jail Felony
A conviction for a state jail felony incurs the minimum penalties possible for a felony conviction in Texas. Those facing charges for a state jail felony may endure the following if convicted:
- 180 days to two years in a state jail and
- Fine of no more than $10,000
- Possibility of serving probation
A couple of examples of a state jail felony include Possession of a Controlled Substance less than 1 gram and Welfare Fraud.
Third-Degree Felony
The punishment for a third-degree felony in Texas is:
- 2-10 years in prison and a fine of no more than $10,000
- Probation is possible
A couple of examples of a third-degree felony include a third-time DWI , Evading Arrest in a Vehicle and Continuous Family Violence.
Second-Degree Felony
The punishment for a second degree felony in Texas is:
- 2-25 years in prison and a fine of no more than $10,000
- Probation is possible
A couple of examples of a second-degree felony include Possession of a Controlled Substance PG1, 4-200 grams and Assault Family-2nd offense.
First-Degree Felony
A first-degree felony conviction can lead to:
- 5-99 years in a state prison or life imprisonment
- A fine of no more than $10,000
- Probation is possible
An example of a first-degree felony offense includes Aggravated Assault.
Capital Felony
The maximum punishment for a capital felony is the death penalty. Capital felony charges are reserved for the most offenses, like homicide, first-degree murder, and armed violence that resulted in a death.
Call San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyer Sophia C. Martinez
When you face the law, the best way to resolve your legal issues is to team- up with an experienced criminal defense attorney in San Antonio like Sophia Martinez. By working closely with an attorney as soon as you are arrested or discover that you are under investigation, you maximize your chances of obtaining a successful outcome for your case. Ms. Martinez holds over 25 years of criminal law experience. Call (210) 226-3000 or contact us online for a free case review.
