Class C misdemeanor: A Class of least Serious Crime

The categorization of crime may include Misdemeanor and felony. A misdemeanor crime is a category of crime that includes less serious crimes and does not tend to cause harm to life and property. The punishment of misdemeanor in Texas may be incarceration up to one year or a minor penalty. 

In Texas, misdemeanor crimes are classified into Class A, Class B, and Class C misdemeanor, among which Class A is the most serious misdemeanor and Class C misdemeanor is the least serious misdemeanor. Such classifications are done so that the sentencing for the crimes may be easier and convenient.

What are Class C misdemeanors?

In Texas, Class C misdemeanors are the least severe misdemeanor but are more serious than all infractions. There is no jail time when convicted of Class C Misdemeanor.

Examples Of Class C misdemeanor Texas: Class C misdemeanor crime may include any of the following actions:

• Driving without a valid license or driving without a license
• Theft of cash or property having a value of $100
• Public intoxication: consuming alcohols or being intoxicated in public
• Disorderly conduct: A conduct that may disturb the peace of society or maybe annoying to the public. Disorderly conduct may include indecent exposure, fighting in public, parking, shops, or even protesting at a funeral.
• An attempt to Class B misdemeanor
• Bail jumping
• False reporting to the police
• Consumption of alcohol by a minor
• Assault on being in contact

What is a Class C misdemeanors punishment?

Though the Class C misdemeanor in Texas includes crimes that are least severe, the punishment does not include any jail time but a fine may be imposed for such offenses. The fine may be up to $500. No jail time makes class C misdemeanor different from all the other misdemeanors and felonies.

The punishment of class C misdemeanors in Texas may be increased if found accused of any of the following and in the following circumstances the Class c misdemeanor may be treated as a Class B misdemeanor:

• Disorderly conduct or public intoxication or if the defendant is accused of such offenses in the past two years
• The crime was done being prejudice or being biased against someone
• While committing the crime, the defendant used drugs

If found convicted of any of the above the punishment would raise to the incarceration of 180 days in county jail or up to a fine of $2,000.

What is the process involved in a Class C misdemeanor?

• Being accused of the charge of Texas Class C misdemeanors, the accused will have to go to court and such cases are heard in the county court where the accused was charged with the crime, and then a prosecutor is assigned.
• In the court, the defendant will be asked to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. On choosing no contest or guilty, the defendant will have a chance to talk to the prosecutor to reach an agreement. If the defendant chooses not guilty will have the choice to represent themselves or have a criminal defense attorney present the case.
• As Class C misdemeanors are the least severe crimes, the defendant may not need an attorney to represent the case, but having a Class C misdemeanor attorney can help to get rid of the charges and expunge the records.

What are the Consequences Of Class C Misdemeanor Charges?

Though seem to be simple to deal with the Class C misdemeanor charges as these are the least serious crimes, but, these crimes are permanent criminal records as they are treated as criminal offenses. Such records can be easily accessible to anyone who wishes to perform a background check, like the landlords, government agencies, potential employers, etc. 

Even if it's a Class C misdemeanor, such charges can be a hindrance in many ways, like getting a job, buying or renting a house, getting a scholarship and other federal education aid, suspension of driver’s license when found speeding, or breaking traffic rules, etc. The traffic tickets may affect the driving privileges and increased premiums.

Can Class C Misdemeanor convictions be expunged?

Many of the Class C misdemeanors in Texas can be expunged which seals the criminal record of such convictions from public view, thus the consequences of such offenses can be minimized.

Class C Misdemeanor in Texas though does not involve much severe punishment but the charges of such crimes are permanent criminal record which acts as a hurdle later in life.