Misdemeanor Criminal Defense Lawyer in Dallas

Our Misdemeanor Case Process

Listen & Understand

We focus on clients as real people. First, we list to understand who you are and what you need. Then we make sure we fully understand the facts of the case.

Open Communication

We explain the law, your rights, and the legal process. Because communication is very important to us, we strive to quickly answer questions and return communication.

Fight for Justice

Simply put: we fight hard for you. In the courtroom, in negotiations, and before a case even is officially opened, we fight for justice for you.

Misdemeanor Offenses Explained

First, it is important to understand exactly what a misdemeanor or felony is. Texas law splits up all criminal charges into felonies and misdemeanors. A felony is any crime that carries a possible prison sentence of more than one year. People jailed for a felony serve their sentence in state prison or the state jail facility.
On the other hand, a misdemeanor is any crime that carries a possible jail sentence of up to one year. People jailed for a misdemeanor conviction serve their sentence in the county jail. Generally, misdemeanor offenses involve shorter probation lengths, less strict probation conditions, and lower fines.

Defending Misdemeanor Charges in Dallas

First and foremost, the prosecutor must prove their allegation beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecutor cannot rule out each and every possible reasonable doubt, the presumption of innocence prevails. As a result, the court must find you not guilty. This means you don’t have to prove that you didn’t do it. You don’t have to prove anything!

The only way the prosecution wins is if the jury believes their story is the only reasonable way it could’ve happened. If they have any reasonable doubts that it actually happened, they must find you not guilty. If they reasonably think it could’ve happened another way, they must find you not guilty. This is the highest burden of proof in our justice system. When implemented by a skilled Dallas misdemeanor attorney, it can be a powerful weapon.

Types of Misdemeanor Charges

Misdemeanor offenses are divided into three classifications:

• Fine Only Class C Misdemeanors – commonly referred to as tickets or citations. These are punishable by a fine of up to $500 and no jail time.
• Class B Misdemeanors – punishable by up to 180 days (6 months) in the county jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
• Class A Misdemeanors – punishable by up to 1 year in the county jail and a fine of up to $4,000.

Common Misdemeanor Offenses in Texas

• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) First Offense
• DWI Second Offense
• Misdemeanor Assault (Assault Causing Bodily Injury)
• Domestic Violence (Assault Family Violence)
• Possession of Marijuana
• Possession of Prescription Drugs without a prescription
• Shoplifting / Petty Theft
• Criminal Mischief
• Criminal Trespass

What Are the Penalties for Misdemeanors in Texas?

Texas law divides misdemeanors into three categories: Class A, Class B, and Class C misdemeanors. The severity of the penalties depends on the classification of the offense and whether the accused has prior convictions. Even though misdemeanors are considered less severe than felonies, a conviction can still result in jail time, significant fines, and long-term consequences.

Class A Misdemeanors

Class A misdemeanors are the most serious type of misdemeanor in Texas. A conviction can lead to:

• Up to 1 year in county jail, and/or
• A fine of up to $4,000

In some cases, probation may be an option, but a conviction can still impact your future. Additionally, if you are convicted of a Class A misdemeanor and later face new charges, your previous conviction can be used to enhance your penalties. For example, certain Class A misdemeanors—such as Assault Family Violence—can result in the loss of your right to possess a firearm or lead to professional license suspensions.

Class B Misdemeanors

Class B misdemeanors carry significant penalties, including:

• Up to 180 days (6 months) in county jail, and/or
• A fine of up to $2,000

Common Class B misdemeanors include Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) First Offense and Possession of Marijuana (less than two ounces). A conviction for a drug-related misdemeanor can also result in a driver’s license suspension, making it difficult to maintain employment or daily responsibilities.

Class C Misdemeanors

Class C misdemeanors are the least severe but can still carry consequences. Penalties include:

• A fine of up to $500
• No jail time

These offenses are often issued as citations or tickets, but they still create a criminal record that can affect job opportunities, background checks, and other legal matters. Examples of Class C misdemeanors include Public Intoxication, Disorderly Conduct, and Theft (under $100).

Are There Collateral Consequences of a Misdemeanor Conviction?

Even after serving your sentence or paying a fine, a misdemeanor conviction can affect your future. Some of the long-term consequences include:

• Permanent Criminal Record – A conviction can make it harder to find a job, secure housing, or apply for certain professional licenses.
• Driver’s License Suspension – Certain offenses, such as DWI or drug possession, can result in the suspension of your driver’s license.
• Enhanced Penalties for Future Offenses – A misdemeanor conviction can be used against you if you face criminal charges in the future, potentially leading to harsher sentences.
• Firearm Restrictions – Some misdemeanor convictions, especially those related to domestic violence, may result in a loss of firearm ownership rights.

If you are facing misdemeanor charges, don’t take them lightly. A conviction can have lasting effects on your personal and professional life. Attorney Mike Howard is ready to fight for you and explore all available defenses to protect your rights. Call today for a confidential case evaluation.

Misdemeanor Resources and Information

See our criminal defense resource center for more information from Dallas misdemeanor lawyer Mike Howard on fundamental rights in a criminal case, definitions of culpable mental states (intentionally, knowingly, etc), defenses to prosecution, and more.

Choosing the Right Misdemeanor Lawyer in Dallas

Searching for criminal defense lawyers in Dallas can be overwhelming. After all, you are choosing someone who will hold your life, your future, and your family’s future in their hands. You have to be comfortable with them and feel that you can trust the information and advice they give you. Lawyers are supposed to always work in their client’s best interests. That shouldn’t just be meaningless talk.

First, talk to several lawyers to get a feel for them and their staff. Do they take the time necessary to get to know you, to listen to what’s important to you, and answer your questions? Second, do they show you that you matter to them as a person and not just as a fee? Third, beware of lawyers who put the hard sell on you, who make big promises. No lawyer should ever make a guarantee about a case. Finally, absolutely avoid a lawyer who doesn’t communicate the scope of the work and their fee clearly in a written contract.

What Makes Mike Howard Different

Many attorneys take advantage of their client’s ignorance of the criminal justice process. We take the opposite approach. A knowledgeable client is a happy client. Therefore, we provide a wealth of information in the way of articles about criminal offenses, blog posts, and videos for free on our website.

Visit Our YouTube Channel for informational videos and client testimonials.
Visit Our blog for posts on cases, defenses, and criminal law information.

Dallas Misdemeanor Attorney Mike Howard

Above all, I strive to help my clients through difficult times with compassion and integrity. In Dallas, innocent people can get accused, charged, and convicted when they don’t have a Dallas misdemeanor attorney fighting for them. I believe in standing up for people facing criminal accusations and helping them navigate all that comes with being thrown into the criminal justice system.

Client-Centered

The cornerstone of my law practice is focusing on my clients as individuals.  I start by taking the time to understand not just the facts of their case but who they are and what they need. Because I know the criminal justice system can be intimidating, I explain the process, their rights, and their options. Client communication is extremely important to me, so I make sure my team and I do everything possible to quickly answer questions and return messages.

Willing to Fight

Most importantly, I am willing to fight a case in court.  I have a track record of delivering fantastic results at trial. While not every client and case needs to go to trial, it can make a difference. When your Dallas misdemeanor attorney has a reputation as a skillful trial lawyer who fights for their clients, however, it makes all the difference in the world.

A Proven Track Record

Dallas Misdemeanor Lawyer

P.M. – Assault Family Violence

Our client’s ex-girlfriend was angry that he had moved on. She set out to ruin his life with a wrongful domestic violence accusation. We took the case to trial and the jury found him not guilty.

A.M. – DWI

Our client was a veteran who suffered from lingering issues related to his experiences serving our country. Frankly, he used alcohol like so many others: to self medicate. He had gotten a previous DWI dismissed via pretrial diversion. Consequently, the prosecutor didn’t want to let him in a diversion program again. We convinced the prosecutor to make an exception and his charge was dismissed.

E.G. – Theft

Our client was young with a very bright future in front of her. Unfortunately, she made a mistake and was charged with theft. We were able to get her pretrial diversion, a dismissal, and an expunction.

T.V. – DWI First

We took over our client’s case from another lawyer. He had been set for court many times before we got involved. He was set for trial even though that’s not what he wanted. After one court setting, we got his case reduced and got him deferred probation.

N.C. – Theft

Our client was charged with theft. She had no criminal record. We were able to get her pretrial diversion, a dismissal, and an expunction.

Y.K. – Assault

Our client was out with a group of friends when one of them drunkenly harassed our client’s female friend. Our client told the drunk to back off and the drunk took a swing at our client. The drunk ended up stumbling as he walked away and broke his thumb when he fell. He lied to the police, claiming our client attacked him for no reason and beat him mercilessly. Even though all five witnesses backed up our client, police filed charges against our client. We were able to get the case dismissed.