A Class B misdemeanor in Texas is a criminal offense that falls between a Class C and Class A misdemeanor. A conviction will bring more severe penalties than a Class C misdemeanor but less severe consequences than a Class A misdemeanor or a felony conviction.
If you face a Class B misdemeanor charge, it’s important that you understand what this means and how a conviction could affect your daily life. You will want to discuss your options with a Houston criminal defense lawyer from our firm. Facing charges does not mean an automatic conviction. You could still win your case.
What Do I need to Know About Class B Misdemeanors in Texas?
While misdemeanor charges are not as serious as felonies, a Class B misdemeanor in Texas still comes with serious consequences. This includes possible jail time, significant fines, and a criminal record that will follow you for years to come.
You should take these charges seriously. Having a strong lawyer from our firm managing your case can make a difference. Your attorney will protect your rights, fight to reduce the penalties you might face, and pursue the best possible outcome for you.
What are the Possible Penalties for a Class B Misdemeanor in Texas?
Under Texas Penal Code § 12.22, the possible sentence if convicted of a Class B misdemeanor could include:
- Up to 180 days in county jail
- A fine of up to $2,000
- Both of these penalties
Depending on the circumstances, community supervision—also known as probation—may be possible. The court could offer probation as an alternative to time behind bars, although some offenses include mandatory jail time. Probation generally requires regular check-ins with a probation officer. Drug testing may also be required.
Some people convicted of a Class B misdemeanor will also need to complete community service, attend educational programs, and lose their license for a time. This is common after a first-offense DWI conviction, for example.
In addition, a Class B misdemeanor will be on your permanent criminal record. It will appear on background checks and could affect employment, housing, and other aspects of daily life.
Examples of Class B Misdemeanors in Texas
There are a number of offenses that can be charged as a Class B misdemeanor in Texas. Some include:
- First-offense driving while intoxicated (DWI), Texas Penal Code § 49.04
- Possession of two ounces or less of marijuana, Texas Health & Safety Code § 481.121
If you face allegations of any of these charges, you want a diligent and dedicated criminal defense attorney on your side. Each of these case types has specific criteria that must be met for a conviction, and you will want a Houston drunk driving lawyer or Houston drug charges lawyer who knows how to build a strong defense.
What Should I Do if I Face Accusations of Committing a Class B Misdemeanor in Texas?
If you face allegations or charges of a criminal offense in Texas, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer from our firm as soon as possible. The earlier you have our team on your side, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and building a strong defense to get the best possible outcome for you.
Sometimes, an attorney can present strong evidence to clear your name, and you might not face charges, or the prosecution might drop the charges against you. In other cases, we can develop a strong defense strategy and challenge the case the prosecutors bring, helping you get the best possible outcome based on the case facts.
Why You want a Criminal Defense Attorney from Our Firm to Manage Your Class B Misdemeanor Case
A Class B misdemeanor conviction can have lasting consequences, in addition to time behind bars and significant fines.
When you work with an attorney from our firm to fight the allegations against you, you can count on your legal team to:
- Evaluate Your Case: Your attorney will build a case to clear your name while working to identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence against you.
- Negotiate Plea Deals: In some cases, a lawyer from our firm can negotiate to reduce the severity of the charges you face or reach a sentencing deal.
- Pursue Case Dismissal: Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible for your lawyer to have the charges dropped based on procedural errors or lack of evidence showing you committed a crime.
- Defend You at Trial: We can take your case to trial and present a strong defense to clear your name.
- Explore Alternative Sentencing: Sometimes, it may be possible to avoid significant jail time by agreeing to probation and community service or participating in a pretrial diversion program. We can inform you if this may be possible in your case.
Our team has years of experience handling all types of felony and misdemeanor cases. We can defend against your charges, fighting tooth and nail to protect your freedom and future.
Talk to Our Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Case Today
At Blass Law, Attorney Jay Blass Cohen handles a wide range of Texas criminal defense cases. This includes many misdemeanors and felony charges, including Class B misdemeanors. One of our most common roles is building DWI defenses for clients facing impaired driving charges.
Jay is certified as an ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist in forensic chromatography for both alcohol and drugs. He is also a Standardized Field Sobriety Testing instructor and practitioner. He has the knowledge and experience to develop a strong defense, including challenging testing results when necessary.
We provide confidential consultations for potential clients. Call us today to get started. You do not have to accept penalties without fighting for your future. A conviction is not inevitable.