Misdemeanors

Misdemeanor Defense Attorney in Athens

Protecting Reputations & Avoiding Serious Penalties For Clients in Henderson County, Surrounding Counties & Northeast Texas

If you or someone you care about has been arrested for a misdemeanor crime, you may not realize some of the serious repercussions and penalties you could be facing. At Knight Law Office, our Athens defense lawyer may be able to help you get the charges against you reduced or dismissed. Our clients have seen firsthand how an experienced attorney dedicated to the practice of criminal defense at our firm can make a difference.

We represent clients in Henderson County as well as other locations all over Northeast Texas. Attorney Nelson Knight’s experience spans both sides of the court room – having worked as a District Attorney, and as an aggressive criminal defense lawyer. This gives our clients a distinct advantage when it comes to building strong defensive strategies for their cases. We want to help you get an outcome on your misdemeanor crime allegations that you didn't think was possible. Get in touch with our office if you have been accused of a misdemeanor in Athens, Texas.

Facing accusations? Schedule your free consultation today with a Athens misdemeanor defense lawyer.

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Hear It From Our Clients

The best attorney! He is so kind, fast, straightforward, honest, and hard-working. His price is great! Mr. Knight, you just don't know how much I appreciate you and how much you've done for us! Handled everything in the same day.

- Prasyla
Amazing lawyer! He took care of my case and got me exactly what I needed in 24 hours. I had already consulted another two lawyers, and they both told me it wasn't possible. I guess they were wrong because Mr. Knight got it done!

- Olim D.
I violated my felony probation with a DWI. Mr. Knight answered all my calls and got me reinstated ASAP! Seemed like he knew the district attorney and judge pretty well. Definitely the type of guy you want on your side.

- Preston

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Understanding Texas Misdemeanor Charges

While not as serious as felony offenses, misdemeanor convictions can mean stiff fines and possible jail time if convicted. According to Texas law, misdemeanor offenses are divided into 3 classes: Class A Misdemeanors, Class B Misdemeanors, and Class C Misdemeanors.

Certain criminal acts may fall under one of these classifications depending on certain circumstances. For example, the misdemeanor classification for marijuana possession depends on the quantity the defendant was carrying when he or she was arrested. The classification for criminal trespass depends on who owns the property, where it was located, or whether the defendant was carrying a deadly weapon. Thefts are classified based on the value of the property or services the defendant stole.

Class A Misdemeanors

Under Texas Penal Code § 12.21, an individual who is convicted of a Class A misdemeanor can face up to 1 year in jail and a fine up to $4,000.

Under Texas law, the following crimes, among others, are classified as Class A misdemeanors:

Assault - Tex. Penal Code §22.01(b);
Possession of up to 28 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance – Tex. Health & Safety Code § 481.117(b);
Delivery of up to ¼ ounces of marijuana with remuneration – Tex. Health & Safety Code § 481.120(b)(1);
Second offenses for driving while intoxicated – Tex. Penal Code § 49.09(a);
Burglary of a vehicle – Tex. Penal Code § 30.04(c);
Theft between $750 and $2,499.99 – Tex. Penal Code § 31.04(e)(3);
Credit card transaction laundering between $750 and $2,499.99 – Tex. Penal Code § 32.35(e)(3);
Insurance claim fraud – Tex. Penal Code § 35.02;
Forgery – Tex. Penal Code § 32.21(c);
Criminal trespass– Tex. Penal Code § 30.05(d)(3);
Possession of 2 to 4 ounces of marijuana – Tex. Health & Safety Code § 481.121(b)(2); and
Prostitution – Tex. Penal Code § 43.02(c).

Class B Misdemeanors

Texas Penal Code §12.22 provides that individuals convicted of a Class B misdemeanor can face up to 180 days in jail and pay up to $2,000 in fines.

Crimes that constitute Class B Misdemeanors include, but aren’t limited to:

Second offenses for assault against a family member – Tex. Penal Code § 22.01(c)(4)(A);
Driving while intoxicated – Tex. Penal Code § 49.04(b);
Possession of up to 2 ounces of marijuana – Tex. Health & Safety Code § 481.121(b)(1);
Possession of up to 28 grams of a Penalty Group 4 controlled substance – Tex. Health & Safety Code § 481.118(b);
Unlawful possession of dangerous drug – Tex. Health & Safety Code § 483.041(d);
Criminal trespass – Tex. Penal Code § 30.05(d)(1); and
First offense of prostitution – Tex. Penal Code § 43.02.

Class C Misdemeanors

Class C Misdemeanors under Texas Penal Code §12.23 are punishable by up to $500 in fines for first time offenses.

Examples of Class C Misdemeanors include:

Assault by threat or offense contact – Tex. Penal Code § 22.01(a)(2), (3);
Criminal trespass – Tex. Penal Code § 30.05(d)(2);
Disorderly conduct – Tex. Penal Code §§ 42.01(a)(1) – (8), (11), (12);
False identification as a peace officer – Tex. Penal Code § 37.12
Public intoxication – Tex. Penal Code §49.02(c);
Theft of less than $100 – Tex. Penal Code § 31.03(e)(1); and
Theft of services less than $100 – Tex. Penal Code § 31.04(e)(1).

How Attorney Nelson Knight Can Help

Attorney Knight may be able to help get the charges against you reduced or dropped altogether. Suspending your jail sentence in favor of probation is also possible. We diligently examine all the evidence against you and fight to ensure your rights are fully protected.

Contact us at (903) 459-8590 now to speak with Athens criminal defense attorney, Nelson Knight, concerning your case involving a misdemeanor crime!