Misdemeanors

Don’t Underestimate a Misdemeanor Charge. Your Future Is Still at Stake.

Many people make the mistake of thinking a misdemeanor is “not a big deal.” While it’s true that misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, a conviction can still have a profound and lasting negative impact on your life. A misdemeanor conviction in Texas can result in jail time, substantial fines, probation, a permanent criminal record, and difficulties with employment, housing, and professional licenses.

At Meyers Criminal Law, we give misdemeanor charges the serious attention they deserve. We understand that a conviction of any kind can alter your future, and we provide the same aggressive, strategic defense for our misdemeanor clients as we do for those facing felony charges. Paul Meyers is a veteran trial attorney who knows how to navigate the Montgomery County courts to protect your rights and fight for a positive outcome.

Types of Misdemeanors We Defend

We have extensive experience defending clients against a wide range of misdemeanor offenses
in Texas, including but not limited to:

• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI – 1st Offense): A first-time DWI is typically a Class B
  misdemeanor with serious license suspension implications.
• Theft / Shoplifting: Stealing property valued at less than $2,500 is a misdemeanor
  that can brand you as untrustworthy for life.
• Assault Causing Bodily Injury: A simple argument that turns physical can lead to a
  Class A misdemeanor charge, even with minor injuries.
• Possession of Marijuana: Possessing even a small amount of marijuana (under two
  ounces) is a criminal offense that can result in jail time.
• Criminal Mischief: Vandalism or intentionally damaging another’s property.
• Reckless Driving: Operating a vehicle with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety
  of others.
• Deadly Conduct: Recklessly engaging in conduct that places another in imminent
  danger of serious bodily injury.
• Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon (UCW): Carrying a handgun in a prohibited place or
  manner.

Understanding Texas Misdemeanor Classifications

In Texas, misdemeanors are categorized into three levels based on their severity.

• Class A Misdemeanor: The most serious category.
  • Punishment: Up to one year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000.
  • Examples: Assault Causing Bodily Injury, DWI (2nd Offense), Theft of property valued between $750 and $2,500.
• Class B Misdemeanor: A mid-level offense with significant penalties.
  • Punishment: Up to 180 days in county jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000.
  • Examples: DWI (1st Offense), Possession of Marijuana (under 2 oz), Theft of property valued between $100 and $750.
• Class C Misdemeanor: The least severe criminal offense.
  • Punishment: A fine of up to $500 only; no jail time is possible.
  • Examples: Public Intoxication, Disorderly Conduct, most traffic tickets. While there’s no jail time, a conviction still results in a permanent criminal record

How We Build Your Defense

Our goal in every misdemeanor case is to achieve the best possible result, whether that’s a dismissal, an acquittal at trial, a reduction in charges, or an alternative sentence like deferred adjudication that keeps a conviction off your record. We accomplish this by:

• Scrutinizing the Evidence: We meticulously review police reports, witness statements, and any video evidence to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
• Challenging Police Conduct: Did the police have a valid reason to stop you? Was evidence obtained through an illegal search? We fight to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence.
• Negotiating from a Position of Strength: By preparing every case for trial, we show prosecutors that we are ready to fight, often leading to more favorable plea offers.

Contact a Montgomery County Misdemeanor Attorney Today