Richmond Misdemeanor Lawyer

Richmond Misdemeanor Attorney

In Texas and other states, criminal charges are categorized into misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors are more common than felonies and have lesser penalties. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take them seriously. Although the penalties might not be as severe, misdemeanors can still lead to a criminal record, which can impact your future ability to get housing, educational opportunities, and even future job opportunities. The impact a misdemeanor can have on your entire life means that it requires just as much strong legal representation as a felony charge.

How a misdemeanor is charged depends on the specific circumstances. A person’s criminal history, how serious the crime was, and other aggravating or mitigating factors can change the sentence of a particular misdemeanor charge. If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor in Richmond, TX you need a dedicated attorney to protect your rights and work to lessen or drop the charges against you.

The Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, Can Represent You

You have the right to legal representation when facing a criminal charge. You can be assigned a public defender, or you can work with a private misdemeanor defense attorney. Although public defenders provide an invaluable service, they are often given too much work to truly focus on your case. If you’re able to work with a private attorney, you should.

At the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, we know that facing a misdemeanor charge can be scary, whether it’s your first time facing a criminal charge or not. Our team can help guide you through the criminal justice system, build a defense for your case, and represent you in court. We can inform you of your legal options and the ideal route for your case. We believe that you deserve exceptional legal support and therefore strive to provide you with personalized and tailored counsel.

Misdemeanor Cases We Handle in Richmond

It’s important to work with an attorney who has experience with cases like yours. They understand the common pitfalls and needs of your type of case. Common misdemeanor cases we have experience with include:

• Petty Theft: Certain types of theft are classified as misdemeanors and others as felonies. This is called a wobbler charge. If the stolen property is worth $100 or less, and there are no aggravating factors, it will be charged as a Class C misdemeanor. A Class A misdemeanor is charged if the theft was valued between $750 and $2,500. Above that amount, it becomes a felony.
• Certain Traffic Violations: These are very common and include infractions like speeding, ignoring the right of way, or running stop signs. Even DWIs may be charged as misdemeanors for first or second offenses without aggravating factors. A traffic violation misdemeanor may result in fines, jail time, and points on your license. A DWI could lead to 180 days to 1 year in jail, thousands of dollars in fines, and enrollment in a DWI educational school.
• Minor Drug-Related Offenses: Minor drug offenses include possession of under 4 ounces of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and other small amounts of certain drugs. Possession is charged less severely than trafficking, selling, or manufacturing. Those crimes, along with the possession of large amounts or certain types of drugs, can be charged as felonies.
• Disorderly Conduct: This is a misdemeanor charge that covers various behaviors that disturb the peace.
• Assault: Misdemeanor assault charges include assault by threat, assault by contact, assault bodily injury against a family member, and assault bodily injury. Many other assault charges are felonies.
• Trespassing: Usually, criminal trespassing in Texas is charged as a Class B misdemeanor. There are some instances where it may be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor.
• Sex Crimes: A large number of sex crimes are felonies. Offenses such as public lewdness and indecent exposure are charged as misdemeanors. Prior to 2021, prostitution was charged as a misdemeanor, but now even a first offense is a felony. Some misdemeanor offenses require registration as a sex offender, which can restrict living and job opportunities.

In addition to criminal penalties with a conviction, you could also face civil penalties if someone was harmed during the crime. This can add to the financial penalties you may already be facing. The sooner you begin working with a criminal defense attorney, the more effective your defense can become. An attorney can also determine how the facts behind your arrest and criminal history may mitigate or aggravate your charges.

Criminal Defense Lawyer FAQs

Q: What Are the Defenses for Assault and Battery in Texas?

A: Common defenses against assault and battery include self-defense, defense of property, defense of others, and consent. Self-defense is the most common. To establish self-defense, you must prove the following:

1. There was a threat of unlawful harm made against you.
2. There was a reasonable or perceived fear of harm to you.
3. You did not provoke or harm the other party.
4. You had no reasonable way to leave or escape the situation.

Q: How Long Do You Go to Jail for a Misdemeanor in Texas?

A: Misdemeanors in Texas are classified as charges with jail sentences of up to 1 year or less.

• A Class A misdemeanor includes penalties of up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000.
• The penalty for a Class B misdemeanor is up to 180 days in jail and/or $2,000 or less in fines.
• A Class C misdemeanor, the least severe, results in a fine of up to $500 and alternative sentencing, like community service, for some crimes.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Misdemeanor in Texas?

A: The statute of limitations for bringing misdemeanor charges against someone in Texas is 2 years. This means that 2 years after a misdemeanor has been committed, a complaint or charge can no longer be brought to court. Felonies have a statute of limitations anywhere from 3 to 20 years, and some crimes have no statute of limitations at all.

Q: How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for a Misdemeanor in Texas?

A: Attorney fees depend on several factors. This includes:

• Knowledge and Experience: An attorney with many years of experience, or a highly specific area of practice, will charge more.
• Location: An attorney in a city is likely to charge more than an attorney based in a small town.
• Complexity of Your Case: If your case is expected to be challenging, or has a lot of complex aspects, you can expect an attorney to charge more.

Always discuss costs with an attorney before you begin working with them.

Your Misdemeanor Defense Attorney

Contact the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, for personalized and effective misdemeanor criminal defense today.