Class C Misdemeanor Charges and Their Punishments

Misdemeanors are defined by the laws of the United States of America as "lesser criminal acts." Crimes such as petty theft, prostitution, or minor traffic rule violations are considered to be misdemeanors. While misdemeanor convictions do not result in the severe penalties that follow felony convictions, they are still considered to be punishable offenses. The punishment for most misdemeanors entails a monetary fine as well as a short period of incarceration; the penalty imposed depends on the kind of offense committed.

Misdemeanors are classified according to the severity of the crime. Class A misdemeanors are considered to be serious offenses, while Class C misdemeanors are not as serious; most people convicted of a Class C will be free after paying a fine. The maximum penalty imposed on an offender found guilty of a Class C misdemeanor is a fine of $500 or 30 days in prison, though the jail sentence is usually waived for first-time offenders. Individuals convicted of a Class C misdemeanor may have to perform community service or serve a probationary term. Part-time imprisonment may also be a consequence of a Class C misdemeanor conviction.

Being arrested for a Class C misdemeanor does not bring about any loss of civil rights; however, certain privileges may be withdrawn, creating hindrances for an offender trying to lead a normal social life. The first such privilege to be withdrawn is the driver's license. This restriction is imposed on offenders who violate traffic ordinances. Employment prospects may also be negatively affected by a Class C misdemeanor conviction on one's record. Misdemeanor cases are recorded in the public records of almost all states in the US, and a prospective employer can easily go through criminal and court records when performing background checks on potential employees.

Common Class C Misdemeanor Offenses

Stealing of articles not exceeding the value of $400 is considered to be petty theft. Stealing of money or small items from a residence is also classified as petty theft, as are cases of shoplifting and bicycle theft. Almost all states in the US recognize petty theft as a Class C misdemeanor, with the offender being punished in most cases by the imposition of a fine.

Minor in possession (MIP) charges are usually considered to be Class C misdemeanors in Texas, California, and a few other states. However, most courts take note of the age of the offender and penalize him or her accordingly. The use of alcohol or drugs by minors is also a Class C misdemeanor. The law of Texas charges the parent or guardian of a minor with a Class C misdemeanor if the student fails to attend school regularly. This is in accordance with the Education Code of the state; details of the law can be accessed at http://www.tjpc.state.tx.us/publications/reviews/99/99-4-06.htm. This offense is known as truancy in Tennessee and some other states across the nation, with the parents of the truant students being charged with a Class C misdemeanor.

Illinois laws treat cases of assault as Class C misdemeanors. Most offenders in this category are sentenced to 30-120 hours of community service in addition to a fine or jail time. Possession of up to 2.5 grams of marijuana is also a Class C misdemeanor according to the laws of Illinois. Driving over the speed limit, using ceremonial medals, titles, or insignia with the intention of defrauding, and driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) are all Class C misdemeanors in Utah. The penalties imposed on Class C offenders in Utah can be viewed by accessing the official resource at http://www.sentencing.utah.gov/.(http://le.utah.gov/~2008/bills/hbillenr/hb0272.htm. The stealing of books not exceeding the value of $150 from a public library is a Class C misdemeanor according to the laws of Missouri. (http://ago.mo.gov/publications/courtprocess.pdf ). An offender guilty of sexual misconduct is charged with a Class C misdemeanor in Missouri. Harassment is treated as a Class C misdemeanor in Alabama (http://www.aardvarc.org/stalking/states/alst.shtml ).

Public intoxication is a prime example of a Class C misdemeanor. Disrupting the public while under the influence of alcohol is a Class C misdemeanor in almost all states across America, and participation in alcohol awareness classes is mandatory when an offender chooses to pay the fine for unruly behavior under the influence of alcohol. Failure to appear in court in spite of being served with a subpoena is an ordinance offense and is treated as a Class C misdemeanor in the state of Indiana. (http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title35/ar44/ch3.html ) 

Expunging of Class C Misdemeanor Records

All misdemeanors, no matter their classification, remain on public record permanently. However, offenders can seek expunging of Class C misdemeanors after the completion of supervised community service or in cases of deferred adjudication. Requests for expunging of non-violent misdemeanors almost always receive a positive response. Cases pertaining to petty theft, public intoxication, trespassing, and vandalism are often expunged from the offender's record. Multiple instances of Class C misdemeanors can be expunged successfully from the state records of Utah after a period of 6 years. The fee required for filing an expunging request in Utah can be viewed by accessing the official website of the Utah courts at http://www.utcourts.gov/resources/fees.htm. Details about expunging misdemeanor records in the state of Minnesota can be viewed at http://www.mncourts.gov/selfhelp/?page=1686.

While it is possible to get all Class C misdemeanor records expunged in California, offenses violating the statutes set in Penal Code sections 286(c), 288, 288a(c), 288.5, 289 are not allowed to be expunged at all. An expunging of misdemeanors will also not restore any gun ownership privileges in cases of gun law violations. Expunging a misdemeanor from one's records will help in the pursuit of a productive life with no restrictions whatsoever. You are not required to admit any misdemeanor charges that have been sealed, except when under oath in a court of law.