What Is The Process Of Class C Misdemeanor Getting Charged In The Court?

 A misdemeanor is not a severe crime with loads of penalties, nor does it contains any sentence or jail time. So what happens when you get charged with Class C Misdemeanor? Let’s find out.


Class C misdemeanors are a typical class of criminal offenses in Texas. Such crimes are the least severe misdemeanor in the particular state but are more challenging than all infractions. However, the following crimes carry more tough penalties than a Class C misdemeanor:

  • Class A misdemeanors, 

  • Class B misdemeanors, and 

  • felony offenses.


While they are the less serious criminal offense, Class C crimes are still not frivolous convictions that put a blemish on a defendant’s criminal background. It can somehow make life a little troublesome, even if time in jail is not possible.






What are the Misdemeanors of Class C?


In Texas City, the lowest level criminal offense is called a type Class C Misdemeanor. Class C misdemeanor Texas is known as a commonly viewed crime.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           


Meanwhile, with Class C, the fine is restricted to $500, and there is no actual jail time specified. However, you still have the absolute right to a jury trial for a Class C just for the same reason. Following given are class c misdemeanor Texas examples:



  • Max Traffic Tickets

  • Improper conduct

  • Public intoxication

  • Hot checks less than $20

  • Simple assault

  • Petty theft such as shoplifting under $50

  • Possession of types of alcoholic beverage in the vehicle

  • Rash Driving after drinking by the minor 

  • Minor in possession of alcohol

  • Minor in possession of tobacco

  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

  • Criminal trespassing

  • Gambling

  • Bail jumping

  • Leaving a child in a closed vehicle




The Class C Misdemeanor Process



In case you got charged with a Class C misdemeanor Texas, you may wonder how the legal process works. After that officer has charged you, you will go to court. 


Cases involving only a misdemeanor of Class C will get heard in a Justice of the Peace court in the county, where you will get prosecuted for the crime. A prosecutor will be assigned to the case to charge it in the court of law.


After being charged, you would make the first appearance as a defendant. Whenever you go to this hearing, you will get asked if you plead guilty, no guilt, or non of the contest.


Those defendants who plead no guilty or contest will get the moment to talk with a prosecutor to reach an agreement. Those who plead not guilty can represent themselves or enlist the help of an attorney's criminal defense.


While Class C Misdemeanors are not very severe crimes, you still might want to have the services of an experienced attorney who would be able to help you either ultimately expunged from your record entirely or get the charges dropped.


Not only can an attorney advise you about your particular legal rights and parallel responsibilities, but they can you ensure that you know the full range of collateral consequences before taking a plea, plead guilty, or No Contest. 


An attorney will also be able to make sure that the manner gets resolved in a way that allows for an expunction so that the conviction no longer appears in your records.



What are the penalties?


The penalty for a type Class C misdemeanor conviction is typically a fine of up to $500 as suitable. You paying this fine is an admission of guilt, and there is no sentence for a crime. It makes Class C misdemeanors different from all other felonies and misdemeanors.


However, Class C misdemeanors can be improved if it increases the penalties of a conviction. Three ways for a crime to get enhanced are if:


  • the charge is for misconduct or public intoxication, and the defendant has three prior offenses of either in the past last two years,

  • it got done as a bias against someone or out of prejudice or 

  • drugs got used to committing the offense.

In any of these given cases, a Class C misdemeanor is seen as a Class B misdemeanor. The penalties become


  • up to 180 days in county jail, or /and

  • up to $2,000 in fines.


While actual jail time is not a possible penny penalty for an offense, police can still make arrest suspects of a Class C misdemeanor. It means suspects can spend time in jail, even though jail is not the only possible punishment.


Convictions for misdemeanors of class C are still listed as criminal offenses. They will get recorded on the defendant’s criminal history.



Conclusion


Class C Misdemeanors get usually managed in Municipal Courts or Justice of the Peace Courts. A prosecutor in the trial represents the State of Texas. You have the privilege to hire a lawyer, but one will not get appointed to you by the respective state court. 


Hanging on your criminal record, you may get offered a Discharge, a Deferred Adjudication, or no proposal may be made other than carrying the conviction. At this moment, it allows having a skilled criminal defense lawyer present your claim to the prosecutor.


Comments