A Class A misdemeanor is a criminal offense punishable by the following in Texas:
- Up to one year in jail
- A fine up to $4,000
However, there are other potential consequences that might apply in your situation. Talk to a Houston criminal defense lawyer for help.
How Serious Is a Class A Misdemeanor?
A Class A misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor offense and can affect every part of your life. However, it is a much less serious offense than a felony. Felony convictions can cost you $10,000 or more, and put you in prison for years or even the rest of your life.
Will I Go to Jail for a Class A Misdemeanor?
As stated above, a Class A misdemeanor comes with the potential for up to one year in jail. A conviction does not automatically mean you will go to jail, but it’s a distinct possibility.
This is especially true as some offenses have minimum jail times. For example, a second-DWI offense comes with a minimum of 30 days in jail. A criminal defense lawyer from our firm can help you determine whether you should expect to go to jail.
What Offenses Are Class a Misdemeanors?
Examples of Class A misdemeanors include:
- A second-offense DWI
- A first-offense DWI with a blood alcohol concentration over .15
- Assault (intentionally, knowingly, and recklessly causing bodily harm)
- Indecent assault
- Possession of certain controlled substances
Will I Lose My License for a Class A Misdemeanor?
Your driver’s license might be suspended for a Class A misdemeanor. For example, if you are charged with a second-offense DWI or a DWI with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.15, your license will be suspended.
Our Houston criminal defense lawyer can help you determine whether your license will be suspended.
Your Professional License Could Also Be at Risk
Depending on the type of offense, you could risk losing your professional license. For example, a Class A misdemeanor assault conviction could cost you your childcare, medical, or real estate license.
Can You Lose Your Job Because of a Class A Misdemeanor Conviction?
Absolutely. Some employers will be understanding and may keep you on, but many won’t leave your job open while you spend a year in jail.
Can a Class a Misdemeanor Conviction Be Expunged?
A conviction can never be expunged, however if a Class A misdemeanor is dismissed, it can be expunged from your criminal record. In other cases, you may be able to seal your record with a process called “nondisclosure.”
Our Houston criminal record expungement lawyer will look into your case and determine whether your misdemeanor might qualify for expungement or nondisclosure.
How Much Worse Is a Class a Misdemeanor than a Class B or C Misdemeanor?
A Class C misdemeanor is essentially a traffic ticket. You receive a fine of $500 and that’s that. A Class B misdemeanor is more severe. You face up to six months in jail and up to $2,000 in fines.
A Class A misdemeanor is the most severe of misdemeanors and, as such, comes with the most severe consequences. However, it’s much preferable to a state jail felony or a third-degree felony, where you could be behind bars for a decade.
What Should I Do After Being Arrested or Charged with a Class A Misdemeanor?
The first thing you want to do after an arrest or charge is to contact a criminal defense lawyer with experience handling your specific type of charge.
Class A misdemeanor assault? Call Houston assault defense lawyer Jay Blass Cohen. Class A misdemeanor DWI? Call Houston DWI lawyer Jay Blass Cohen. Any other misdemeanor or felony charge: you know who to call.
What Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do for Me?
A criminal defense lawyer from our firm will learn more about the situation you’re in and conduct an investigation to determine the next best steps. Depending on the circumstances, that might include:
- Convincing the prosecutor to forgo filing charges:
- Finding evidence that the police violated your rights or mishandled their investigation:
- Getting your charges reduced:
- Fighting for a “not guilty” verdict in court
In every event, we will do whatever we can to protect you and your future. How we do this depends on the specifics of your case. For example, for a Class A misdemeanor DWI, we may:
- Argue against the Breathalyzer or field sobriety test results
- Establish that the police did not have reasonable suspicion or probable cause
- Argue for reduced penalties if your BAC was right at the 0.15 line
For a Class A misdemeanor assault charge, we could:
- Argue that the contact was accidental
- Prove that the physical contact was in self-defense or defense of others
- Establish your alibi
Jay has years of experience fighting for Texans and protecting their futures. He is certified as an ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist and in forensic chromatography for drugs and alcohol.
He uses this training and experience when approaching his criminal defense cases. It gives him a different perspective than other criminal defense attorneys as well as the prosecution.
Get Help With Class A Misdemeanor Charges Today
A misdemeanor might sound frivolous, but it certainly isn’t. It can cost you thousands, put you in jail, and cause you to lose your job, friends, and even family. But a charge isn’t a conviction. Get help from Jay and the Blass Law team. Our motto is Keeping Innocent People InnocentⓇ—and we’re good at it.
Call us today for a confidential consultation. We want to learn more about your situation and what we can do to protect your freedom and future.