San Antonio Misdemeanor Defense Attorneys
Fighting Texas Misdemeanor Charges
Misdemeanor offenses are considered to be less serious crimes than felonies. Despite this, they can still impose life-changing consequences well into the future. Some misdemeanors carry certain restrictions, such as license suspension and restrictions against firearm possession. All are punishable by potential jail time, fines, and probation constraints.
Furthermore, a misdemeanor conviction results in a permanent criminal record which can negatively affect your future. Background checks, which are common in today’s society, can easily turn up your misdemeanor history to a future employer, landlord, educational institution, and more. Because of all these adverse effects of being found guilty of a misdemeanor, you need to fight back with an aggressive defense. At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, that is exactly what we do.
Discuss your misdemeanor charges with our legal team by contacting us at (210) 960-9557. We offer free consultations.
San Antonio Misdemeanor Lawyers
Prosecutors in the State of Texas aggressively pursue misdemeanor cases. Offenses such as DWI, assault, and various types of theft are often prosecuted with as much force as some felony crimes. Because of this, it is critical to have thorough and trusted representation from a law firm that does not give up or brush off your case.
Types of Texas Misdemeanor Crimes
In Texas, misdemeanor offenses are organized into three different classes depending on the severity of the crime. Each class assigns its own set of potential penalties.
Texas recognizes:
- Class A misdemeanors with penalties of up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000
- Class B misdemeanors with penalties of up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000
- Class C misdemeanors punishable by a fine of up to $500
Common misdemeanor offenses include:
- Assault
- Domestic violence assault
- Car burglary
- Criminal mischief
- DWI
- Driving with a suspended license
- Indecent exposure
- Underage drinking
- Marijuana possession
- Public drunkenness
- Reckless driving
- Shoplifting
- Carrying a weapon unlawfully
- Violation of a restraining order
FAQ About Misdemeanors in Texas
What is the legal process for a misdemeanor charge in San Antonio?
When charged with a misdemeanor, the legal process typically begins with an arrest or citation, followed by an arraignment where you enter a plea. If necessary, pretrial negotiations or discovery will follow to review evidence and discuss plea deals. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a trial. Depending on the outcome, there may be sentencing or, in some cases, an appeal.
How can a San Antonio misdemeanor defense attorney help reduce charges or penalties?
A skilled attorney can assess your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence, and argue for reduced charges or penalties. This could involve negotiating plea deals, presenting mitigating circumstances, challenging unlawful arrests, and, when appropriate, seeking alternative sentencing options like diversion programs or probation.
What are some common defense strategies used in misdemeanor cases?
Defense strategies vary depending on the charges but may include proving lack of intent, presenting an alibi, demonstrating self-defense, challenging the legality of the arrest, or disputing evidence such as witness testimony or procedural errors.
Will my misdemeanor charge be on my record permanently?
A misdemeanor can remain on your criminal record unless you successfully petition for expungement or a record seal through an order of non-disclosure. Eligibility depends on the specifics of your case, such as the charge and whether it resulted in a conviction.
Can I face long-term consequences from a misdemeanor conviction?
Yes, a misdemeanor conviction can have lasting consequences, including difficulty finding employment, obtaining housing, or qualifying for certain licenses. Some convictions may also impact immigration status or lead to losing firearm rights.
What should I do if I’ve been charged with a misdemeanor in San Antonio?
If charged with a misdemeanor, stay calm and polite with law enforcement. Exercise your right to remain silent and avoid admitting guilt or discussing the incident without legal representation. Contact a qualified San Antonio misdemeanor defense attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin building your defense.
Bring Your Case to Accomplished San Antonio Misdemeanor Lawyers
If you have been arrested or charged with a misdemeanor offense in San Antonio or anywhere in Bexar County, we urge you to get in touch with Smith & Vinson Law Firm. Our effective criminal trial lawyers know how to fight for you as we seek a favorable resolution to your case.
Call us today for legal help from our San Antonio misdemeanor attorneys at (210) 960-9557.
Our Clients Are Our Biggest Endorsers
Hear What They Have to Say
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Attorney Brad Vinson was informative, professional yet sympathetic with his approach to my case. Mr. Vinson was open to opinion and ensured that all legal avenues were considered and addressed before presenting a course of action.- Michael
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Having no background in law and finding myself in a situation that left me feeling extremely vulnerable, I felt quickly at ease in their care. They were very reasonable with my situation and helped work around my needs by providing me with the most support- Andrew
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They handled my case incredibly well and warned me on the possible negative outcomes, overall completely satisfied me through the whole process.- Elmer Marqueiz
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Very professional, on time and educates you along the whole process. I had a lot to lose and you guys gave it all back to me and finally represented what true Justice is here in America.- Manuel R.
A Proven Track Record
Check Out Our Recent Case Results
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Cases Dismissed Trafficking of a Person and Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution
Our client was accused of running a prostitution ring out of a massage parlor and trafficking an unwilling participant as part of the operation. The alleged victim had never been instructed to perform any sexual favors and accused our client after she felt she was owed extra wages.
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Dismissed DWI
Our client was stopped by a police officer for driving the wrong way down a one-way street. A Blood Warrant was issued, and the test came back .09. Our client was new to the area and attempting to get a job. Pleading guilty to a DWI was not an option. After negotiating with the prosecutor, our firm was able to get the DWI charge dismissed after successful completion of 18 months deferred prosecution.
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Rejected Pre-Indictment Aggravated Assault Strangulation/Impeding Airway Investigation
Our client was accused of restricting his wife’s airway with a plastic bag. His wife, who had been a chronically unfaithful and emotionally abusive alcoholic, provided a video to the State to try and get our client charged with a felony.
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Felony Rejected Pre-Indictment Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Interference with a 911 Call
Our client’s girlfriend’s car was being repossessed. Our client had belongings in the car, including his work equipment and his firearm. Our client attempted to get his belongings out of the car before it was being towed away. The tow driver accused our client of threatening him with the gun our client was retrieving while he was on 911 with the police.
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Charges Rejected Assault Bodily Injury Family Violence
Our client explained to us that they hadn’t lived in the Country for that long and his wife had called police as a way to resolve a non-physical dispute they had. Police arrived and immediately noticed bruising that they tried to pin on Our Client as well as other marks.