Consequences and Classifications of a Misdemeanor Conviction

In common law systems a misdemeanor is considered to be a lesser crime than a felony. Misdemeanors are punished in a less severe manner than felonies. Monetary fines are most common punishment of misdemeanors. In many jurisdictions in the United States, people who are charged with misdemeanor crimes are commonly referred to as offenders. Those who are charged with felony crimes are referred to as felons.

In the United States, the federal government generally states that a crime punishable with incarceration for one year or less to be a misdemeanor. All other crimes are considered to be felonies. Felons are incarcerated in prisons and misdemeanor offenders are held in county jails. The distinction between a misdemeanor and a felony has been deemed as abolished by most other jurisdictions common law.

Misdemeanors may comprise minor theft, public intoxication, vandalism, trespass, prostitution, simple assault, unruly conduct, drug possession, DUI and many similar crimes. People who are charged with misdemeanors are often penalized with probation, community service or part time imprisonment which is served basically on weekends.

Consequences of a Misdemeanor

Misdemeanor convictions do not result in loss of civil rights, but might result in loss of civil liberties like holding public offices, professional licenses, or public employment. These effects are referred to as the collateral penalty of criminal charges.

The type of punishment can differ widely within classes of offenses. The United States federal government and many states in the U.S. have divided misdemeanors into quite a few classes, with some classes punishable by jail sentences and others carrying only monetary fines. A misdemeanor is referred to as unclassified misdemeanor when it is not specified by any statute. Sometimes this is done when legislators want to impose a penalty that falls outside the framework specified in the classes.

Misdemeanor Classification

Misdemeanor classifications include: Class A misdemeanor, Class B misdemeanor and Class C misdemeanor.

Class A Misdemeanor. A Class A misdemeanor is a violation of statute or law such as impaired driving where the penalty may include a fine up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to a maximum of 9 months or both. In cases of a repeat offender the term of imprisonment can increase up to a maximum of 2 years.

Class B Misdemeanor. A Class B misdemeanor is a violation where the penalty may include a fine up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to 90 days or both. For repeat offenders the term of imprisonment can increase up to a maximum of 2 years.

Class C Misdemeanor. A Class C misdemeanor is usually associated with thefts and may include a fine or up to 30 days in jail or both. For repeat offenders it can increase up to a maximum of 2 years.

You can also get information about misdemeanor charges in Texas from http://www.courts.state.tx.us/ or from

Texas Department of Public Safety
5805 North Lamar Blvd, Austin
Texas 78773 0001
Phone: (512) 424-2000

You can also visit other state court websites for information about misdemeanor conviction in that particular state.