Omar Bennett
In Texas, Class C misdemeanors are the least severe type of misdemeanor and carry no jail time. The maximum penalty is a $500 fine. Traffic violations, such as speeding, running a red light, or driving without insurance, are considered Class C misdemeanors. Non-traffic Class C misdemeanors include public intoxication, theft of something valued less than $100, and assault without injury. While these charges may seem minor, they can have significant impacts on background checks conducted by employers, landlords, and loan officers. It is important to understand the legal process and enlist the services of a skilled attorney to safeguard your rights and increase the possibility of a favorable resolution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Severity | Least severe type of misdemeanor in Texas |
| Jail time | None |
| Fine | Up to $500 |
| Examples | Traffic violations, public intoxication, theft of something valued less than $100, possession of drug paraphernalia, assault without injury |
| Impact | May affect future opportunities, including employment and housing |
| Legal record | Conviction becomes a permanent public record |
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Traffic violations
In Texas, Class C misdemeanors are the least severe type of misdemeanor and carry no jail time. The maximum penalty is a $500 fine. Most traffic tickets in Texas are for Class C misdemeanors, which are crimes punishable by a fine of up to $500.
While a Class C misdemeanor may not bar employment, repeated offenses, especially traffic violations, can impact job prospects, particularly in the transportation or delivery industries.
In addition to traffic violations, other examples of Class C misdemeanors include public intoxication, theft of something valued less than $100, possession of drug paraphernalia, and assault without any injury (such as verbal assault or unwanted touching).
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Driving-related violations
In Texas, Class C misdemeanors are the least severe type of misdemeanor and carry no jail time. The maximum penalty is a $500 fine. Driving-related violations that constitute a Class C misdemeanor include:
- Speeding
- Running a red light
- Failure to yield
- Driving without insurance
- Driving with an invalid license
- Driving with defective equipment
- Having an expired registration
These violations can result in a fine of up to $500, but there is no jail time associated with a Class C misdemeanor conviction. However, a conviction can still impact your record and future opportunities, particularly in the transportation or delivery industries. Repeated offenses can also lead to increased fines or additional legal consequences.
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Public intoxication
In Texas, public intoxication is defined as when "a person appears in a public place while intoxicated to the degree that the person may endanger themselves or another person". This includes public places such as bars, restaurants, schools, hospitals, office buildings, apartment buildings, and public roadways.
It is important to note that in Texas, it is not illegal to consume alcohol and then go out in public. However, if a person is intoxicated in public to the degree that they may endanger themselves or others, they can be charged with public intoxication.
In some cases, a person arrested for public intoxication may be released by the arresting officer if the officer believes it is unnecessary to protect the person or others. Additionally, the arresting officer can release the person to a licensed treatment facility for chemical dependency if the person requests it and the facility accepts them.
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Theft
In Texas, theft is classified as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of the stolen property. The limit for misdemeanor theft in Texas is $1,500, and theft of property valued at less than $100 is classified as a Class C misdemeanor. This carries a fine of up to $500, but no jail time.
If the defendant has previously been convicted of any grade of theft, or if the property stolen is a driver's license, commercial driver's license, or personal identification certificate, it is also classified as a Class C misdemeanor. Petty theft, or shoplifting, typically involves the taking of low-value items such as cell phones or wallets, and is considered a Class C misdemeanor.
While a Class C misdemeanor is a low-level crime and the smallest crime one can be charged with in Texas, it can still result in penalties and impact one's record and future opportunities. It is a permanent record that will appear on background checks conducted by employers, landlords, and loan officers. Although a single conviction may not bar employment, repeated offenses, especially traffic violations, can impact job prospects, particularly in the transportation or delivery industries. Certain offenses, such as theft or assault, may also affect professional licensing. Multiple convictions may lead to increased fines or additional legal consequences.
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Assault
In Texas, Class C misdemeanors are the least severe type of misdemeanor and carry no jail time. The maximum penalty is a $500 fine. While minor, a conviction can still impact your record and future opportunities.
The Texas Penal Code defines Assault in Section 22.01. Subsection 22.01(a) describes Class A misdemeanors of Assault – Bodily Injury, while _(a)(2) and (3) describe the Class C misdemeanors of Assault by Threat and Assault – Offensive Contact. All Assault crimes are subject to the self-defense and defense of third-person doctrines.
A Class C misdemeanor Assault charge can be filed against you based solely on the story of the accuser. Because of this, people are often surprised when the police suddenly show up and make an arrest or write a citation without even hearing from them. This is a common police department policy for responses to an alleged assault. You can be charged with a Class C Assault based on the content of your words alone (threats), or based on physical contact that someone finds offensive or provocative.
A conviction for a Class C misdemeanor Assault under Texas Law is punishable by a maximum fine of $500. Although the fine is relatively low, the collateral effects of having any Assault conviction on your record may have severe negative consequences. For instance, many employers will refuse to hire anyone convicted of Assault, and many private businesses refuse to contract with anyone who has an Assault conviction. Texas courts may also make a finding of family violence related to any Class C Assault. This finding increases the severity of the collateral consequences.
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Frequently asked questions
A Class C misdemeanor in Texas is the least severe criminal offense, punishable by a fine of up to $500 but no jail time.
Common examples of Class C misdemeanors in Texas include traffic violations such as speeding, running a red light, or driving without insurance. Non-traffic examples include public intoxication, theft of something valued at less than $100, and assault without injury.
A conviction for a Class C misdemeanor will appear on background checks conducted by employers, landlords, and loan officers. While a single conviction may not bar employment, repeated offenses, especially traffic violations, can impact job prospects, particularly in certain industries.
It is important to seek skilled legal counsel to represent your interests and protect your legal rights. An experienced criminal defense attorney can explain your legal rights, outline your legal options, and help you mount a robust defense.
One way to avoid a conviction is to introduce one or more favorable legal defenses at trial. An attorney can help determine your eligibility to raise certain defenses and assess the likelihood of their success in court. Additionally, a misdemeanor defense attorney may be able to arrange a deferred judgment probation if you qualify.
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