Why is Class C Misdemeanor a serious Crime?

Younger or older citizens must know that misdemeanor is a crime. However, it is less severe than a felony. It can be regarded as a petty crime, and therefore the punishments related to Misdemeanor are not hefty. Before understanding the Texas Class C misdemeanor, we need to know the difference between Texas’s misdemeanor classes.

The Class A misdemeanor in Texas

Most serious misdemeanor crime. The accused can face a jail term for up to one year and a fine of up to $4,000.

The Class B misdemeanor in Texas

A jail sentence of not more than 180 days and or a fine of $2,000. It includes driving while intoxicated first warning.

The Class C misdemeanor in Texas

Class C misdemeanor has no jail sentence. The fines are levied as per the case but not more than $500.

Common Examples of Misdemeanor Class C Crime

In most states, the Misdemeanor Crime is punishable by a jail term of 30 days but not less than 10 days. However, in Texas, Class C crime is the least severe crime and is not punishable by a jail term. Some of the examples of a Misdemeanor crime are:

1. Shoplifting of less than $50

2. Simple Assault

3. Disorderly conduct

4. Traffic fines

5. Bullying

6. The entry of Minors in clubs, drinking and smoking

When can class C misdemeanor get enhanced?

The class C offense in Texas can be enhanced in the following conditions:

• The accused is a repeated offender. For example, the accused is convicted of possessing a minor amount of drugs, but it is a third or fourth offense in the past 2 years.

• The crime was done due to prejudice or bias.

• An intoxication to commit future offenses.

In such cases, a class C misdemeanor gets treated as a Class B misdemeanor, and the penalties are as per class B. That is up to 6 months in prison and $2000 in fine.

Why consider Class C misdemeanor serious?

All actions have consequences. A misdemeanor conviction gets recorded in the history of the criminal record of the accused. Speeding ticket, shoplifting may seem a smaller crime when committed, but if in the future these records are easily accessible to 

1. Universities

Admissions to higher education may be denied due to a previous conviction.

2. Employers

Most of the employees are not open to hiring convicted criminals. No matter how petty the crime was, employers find it challenging to trust convicts.

3. Landlords

Are you looking for a better neighborhood? Houses and apartments can be denied because of the criminal record. People do not wish to sell or rent properties to people with criminal records.

4. Credit Bureaus

Getting financial aid is very important, but it all goes up for a toss because a background check and a credit card or loans may be denied.

5.  Banks

Opening a bank account for savings or loans, credit cards get denied. The more misdemeanor offenses, the more difficult it gets to deal with a financial institution.

Hence when it comes to entering a university or buying a new house. Criminal Record plays a vital role to get the deal through. Most of the time, significant people fail interviews, do not get into universities of their choice, or even denied a loan due to a past criminal record. The criminal record follows the person everywhere, like a Social Security Number.

It may hamper the progress of a person in the future. Hence it is essential to understand the seriousness of a misdemeanor crime.

How to get rid of a Misdemeanor from Criminal Record?

The probation of Deferring Adjunction helps to remove the name from a criminal record. The defendant has to plead guilty to the crime, and the judges finalize the case without announcing the verdict. There is a chance of probation given to the defendant. Upon completing the probation period, the defendant’s name is not entered in the criminal records.  The case is also dismissed. But it is to be remembered that such claims are for petty crimes only.

In case there is a failed probation, the defendant is directly sentenced to jail because the guilty and no contest plea was already entered.

If you are guilty or charged wrongly of a misdemeanor crime, it is better to seek a Texas Misdemeanor Attorney who can help you with misdemeanor charges and punishment. In case you don’t want anyone to check your criminal record. A Texas attorney will assist you in sealing the criminal record.