Houston Misdemeanor Lawyer

Houston Misdemeanor Attorney

Misdemeanor charges are less severe criminal offenses compared to felonies, but this does not mean they are not serious. One misdemeanor conviction can leave you with penalties such as jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, you should reach out to a Houston misdemeanor lawyer who can guide you through the process of building a defense.

Greco Neyland, PC: Hire a Misdemeanor Lawyer You Can Trust

At Greco Neyland, PC, our attorneys bring experience as former prosecutors. This experience provides a perspective that can be particularly valuable when building a defense strategy in a misdemeanor case. Our attorneys are able to deeply analyze the prosecutor’s arguments and spot weaknesses in their evidence.

Our attorneys are part of several top organizations, including the National Trial Lawyers and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Our firm also has an A+ rating.

An Overview of Misdemeanors in Houston

Misdemeanors are a type of criminal charge that covers a wide range of offenses. Misdemeanors generally include less severe criminal offenses, but they can still lead to harsh penalties.

In Houston, law enforcement and local courts handle a high number of misdemeanors. In 2024, 42,449 people were arrested for misdemeanors in Harris County. The number of new misdemeanor cases is increasing, having risen by 10% in the 2023 fiscal year and 2% in the 2024 fiscal year.

Most misdemeanor cases in Houston are handled by the Harris County Criminal Courts at Law at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center at 1201 Franklin St, Houston. However, the lowest level of misdemeanor, Class C misdemeanors, are often handled through the Houston Municipal Courts or Justice of the Peace Courts.

Examples of Common Misdemeanor Cases We Handle

Misdemeanor charges can arise from a wide range of allegations. Each offense has specific misdemeanor laws and potential consequences that apply, which is why it is important to hire a misdemeanor lawyer who can analyze the unique facts of your case. At Greco Neyland, PC, we can help you build a customized case strategy for your charges.

Some of the most common examples of misdemeanors in Houston include:

• Assault: Misdemeanor assault can involve threatening another person with imminent harm, attempting to cause harm, or causing bodily injury. There are certain factors that may elevate this offense to a felony, such as if you assaulted a police officer.
• Theft: Many theft offenses are classified as misdemeanors, especially those involving items of a lower value.
• Drug possession: Possession of certain controlled substances or marijuana can result in misdemeanor charges, though it does depend on the substance and quantity.
• DWI: Most first DWI and second DWI offenses are misdemeanors. Beyond typical penalties, a DWI conviction can also have negative effects on your driver’s license and insurance.
• Disorderly conduct: Disorderly conduct involves engaging in behavior that is disruptive or alarming, and disturbs the public peace. This can include fighting, making unreasonable noise, or using offensive language or gestures.

Understanding the Different Classes of Misdemeanors in Texas

Texas categorizes misdemeanors into three different classes based on the severity of the offense. The classification matters because each Class has different maximum fines and jail time. The three Classes include:

• Class A misdemeanor: A Class A misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor. In certain circumstances, Class A misdemeanors may even be elevated to a low-level felony offense. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
• Class B misdemeanor: A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by up to 180 days in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
• Class C misdemeanor: A Class C misdemeanor is the least severe type of misdemeanor. These offenses are punishable by a fine of up to $500 and generally do not carry a jail sentence.

FAQs About Houston, TX Misdemeanor Laws

Do You Need a Lawyer for a Misdemeanor in Texas?

You are not legally required to have a Houston misdemeanor lawyer in Texas. However, having experienced legal representation can be extremely beneficial and may even increase the likelihood of a positive outcome for your case. A lawyer can review the evidence, identify potential defenses, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent you in court. A lawyer is also able to explain the criminal justice system and case process, reducing your stress throughout the case.

Can a Lawyer Get a Misdemeanor Charges Dropped in Houston?

Yes, in some cases a lawyer can get a misdemeanor charge dropped in Houston. Dropped charges can be achieved through several defense strategies, including by identifying errors with the prosecution’s evidence, challenging whether there is sufficient evidence to secure a conviction, or by highlighting constitutional violations during the investigation.

It is important to know, however, that simply working with a lawyer does not guarantee dropped charges, as case dismissal depends on the specific facts, evidence, and circumstances of the case.

Can You Go to Jail for a Misdemeanor in Texas?

Yes, you can go to jail for a misdemeanor in Texas. The maximum jail sentence for a misdemeanor is up to one year, though this depends on the specific class of misdemeanor. Additionally, not all misdemeanor convictions do result in jail time. Many offenders are sentenced to alternative penalties such as probation or community service, rather than a sentence in a county jail.

How Long Does a Misdemeanor Stay on Your Record in Houston?

In Houston, a misdemeanor conviction can stay on your criminal record permanently, unless you eventually become eligible for post-conviction relief. Having a criminal record can result in lasting negative effects, such as difficulty finding employment, securing housing, obtaining professional licenses, or owning firearms. Because a criminal record can be permanent, it is important to defend against a conviction, even for misdemeanor cases.

Contact An Experienced Houston Misdemeanor Attorney

A misdemeanor charge deserves to be taken seriously. Not defending against these allegations may leave you with permanent consequences. If you are ready to learn about your legal options with a Houston misdemeanor attorney, contact Greco Neyland, PC. We can analyze your case and help you understand what to do to increase your chances of a positive outcome.