Cedar Park Misdemeanor Attorneys
Defending All Types of Misdemeanor Charges in Cedar Park, TX
One of the biggest mistakes a person can make is not taking misdemeanor charges seriously. While misdemeanors are “lesser" criminal charges than felonies, this does NOT mean they can or should be taken lightly. Being convicted of a misdemeanor crime could result in significant fines, probation, and even jail time. What’s more, a conviction means you’ll have a permanent criminal record that anyone with internet access can find. This could impact your future job opportunities, strain your relationships, and irreversibly damage your reputation.
If you have been arrested for a misdemeanor—such as DWI, shoplifting, or simple assault—you must act quickly. Your future is on the line, and Smith & Vinson Law Firm can help. Our misdemeanor attorneys in Cedar Park defend against all types of charges. We have decades of experience, including experience as former prosecutors, and are known for getting the results our clients need.
Request a free, confidential consultation today; call (512) 359-3743 or contact us online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our Cedar Park criminal defense lawyers are here to help.
Misdemeanors in Texas: Understanding Your Charges
In Texas, as in other states, crimes are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. In general, misdemeanors are considered “less serious” than felonies, but there are varying degrees of misdemeanor charges with penalties that range in severity accordingly.
Types of misdemeanor charges in Texas include:
- Class A Misdemeanors: In Texas, a Class A misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor charge. Anything more serious is charged as a felony. Examples of Class A misdemeanors in Texas include domestic violence (first offense and without enhancements), DWI (first offense), shoplifting, and resisting arrest.
- Class B Misdemeanors: A Class B misdemeanor is a mid-level misdemeanor offense—more serious than a Class C misdemeanor but not as serious as a Class A misdemeanor. Some examples of Class B misdemeanors in Texas include possessing 2 to 4 ounces of marijuana, public intoxication, and prostitution.
- Class C Misdemeanors: Class C misdemeanors are the least serious misdemeanor offenses in Texas. However, this does NOT mean they are not serious charges, as a conviction could result in significant penalties. Examples of Class C misdemeanors in Texas include disorderly conduct, petty theft, and criminal trespassing.
Note that these examples merely represent how certain crimes are typically charged. The presence of aggravating factors, such as a prior domestic violence conviction in the past 12 months or a past DWI conviction in the last 10 years, can escalate charges.
What Are the Penalties for Misdemeanor Charges in Texas?
The possible penalties for a misdemeanor conviction depend on the type of misdemeanor charge you are facing.
- For a Class A misdemeanor, penalties include up to one year in county jail and fines up to $4,000.
- A Class B misdemeanor carries possible penalties including up to 180 days in jail and up to $2,000 in fines.
- If convicted of a Class C misdemeanor, penalties include up to $500 in fines and no jail time (with some exceptions).
In addition to these criminal penalties, being convicted of a misdemeanor in Texas can affect your career, your education, your social life, your reputation, and more. If you are convicted, you usually cannot have your record expunged, meaning it will follow you for the rest of your life. If you’re facing charges, it is absolutely critical that you reach out to our Cedar Park misdemeanor lawyers right away. We can help you explore potential defenses to your charges and work to keep the consequences of a conviction from ruining your life.
Delivering Strategic Defense for Misdemeanor Charges in Cedar Park
Defending against misdemeanor charges requires a strategic and personalized approach. At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, we understand that no two cases are exactly alike, and good people can find themselves in extremely challenging situations. Our Cedar Park misdemeanor defense attorneys will take the time to get to know you and your story. We move quickly when it comes to protecting your rights, including the right to be presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, we may employ any of the following defenses (or others):
- Innocence
- Insufficient evidence
- Civil rights violations
- Self-defense
- Lack of intent
- Improper police procedures
- Entrapment
Our team consists of seasoned trial lawyers and former prosecutors, all of whom bring decades of combined experience to our firm. We are always willing to go to bat for our clients, and we believe our results and reviews prove it.
Don’t put your future in jeopardy. Call our misdemeanor lawyers in Cedar Park today at (512) 359-3743 for a free consultation.
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Our Client Reviews
Earning Our Reputation by Protecting Yours
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Smith and Vinson are absolutely incredible! They go above and beyond to help their clients and have a track record of success in getting cases dismissed. Their aggressive approach and unwavering dedication make them stand out from the rest.- Linda W.
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What sets this firm apart is their unwavering dedication to their clients. They listen attentively, provide clear guidance, and approach every case with the utmost diligence. Their attention to detail is truly impressive, and they leave no stone unturned.- Former Client
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When in battle you need people by your side who are fierce enough to face the opposition with you. Brad and Jarod far exceeded my expectations with their passion for winning and attention to detail.- Nikki C.
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After the Jury was selected, the first witness was called to the stand, and Brad and Jarrod imploded the State's case. Moments later, the case was dismissed. I couldn't be any more thankful for Smith & Vinson.- Former Client
A Proven Track Record
Check Out Our Recent Case Results
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Not Guilty 2nd DWI
911 caller reported a major rollover, single car accident. EMS and fire arrived on scene. They had to break the window to get our client out of the car. He said he had swerved to miss a deer and had been up close to 18 hours before the crash. Police later arrived on scene, spoke to our client and he admitted to coming from a bar and drinking 2 martinis.
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Not Guilty 2nd DWI
Our client was pulled over for a traffic violation. Officer smelled alcohol, client admitted to consuming a few drinks. Officer also noted slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. Client performed the SFST’s (roadside tests). Officer said he failed all 3, eye test, walk and turn and one-leg stand. Officer placed client under arrest and asked him for a sample of breath and/or blood. Client refused. Officer did not get a blood warrant.
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Case Dismissed 2nd DWI
Our client was involved in a vehicle accident in La Grange where she was ejected from the vehicle and had to stay in the hospital. There was alcohol in the car, and she had prior DWIs. The ethanol levels in her blood came back at a .13 so she was charged with Driving While Intoxicated. This client was unaware that she was charged after she left the hospital which resulted in the charge of Bail Jumping. However she maintained that she had only an 8% functioning liver due and upon researching her medical hist
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Deferred Adjudication Aggravated Assault & Tampering with Evidence
Our client was involved in a verbal dispute that turned into an altercation where a firearm was discharged into the ground. The round ricocheted and grazed a party to the dispute. Our client was facing multiple felony convictions and a prison sentence.
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Deferred Adjudication Aggravated Assault Family Violence w/ Serious Bodily Injury
Our client was involved in a domestic altercation that resulted in one of the parties sustaining a very serious life -altering injury that required serious medical intervention. We took the case and approached our defense with heavy strong willed negotiations with the State.
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Rejected Pre-Indictment Aggravated Assault Strangulation/Impeding Airway Investigation
