What to Know About Misdemeanor Arrest in Texas

For most individuals, an arrest is a frightening experience, even if the arrest is simply for a misdemeanor charge. You need to know what to expect with a misdemeanor so that you or your loved one can make the necessary arrangements after the arrest. Check out the following information to learn everything you need to know about a misdemeanor arrest in Texas.

Know What Differentiates a Misdemeanor From a Felony

Under the law, misdemeanor charges are less severe than felony charges. A felony is punishable by more than a year in prison, while any jail time for a misdemeanor is a year or less. Also, the district attorney may be more likely to offer a plea bargain or reduce the charges for misdemeanor cases.

The state of Texas has three categories of misdemeanors, each with its own maximum sentence. A class A misdemeanor is the most serious charge and carries a maximum fine of $4,000 and a possible jail sentence of up to one year. An example of a class A misdemeanor is burglary.

Class B misdemeanors are less severe. Your fine for a class B misdemeanor will not exceed $2,000, and your jail sentence will be 180 days or less. Driving while intoxicated is a class B misdemeanor in Texas.

Class C misdemeanors are the least serious charges. They carry no possibility of jail time, and the maximum fine is $500. The theft of an item with a value of $20 or less is an example of a class C misdemeanor.

Learn What to Expect After an Arrest for a Misdemeanor

After the officer arrests you, they will read you your rights and take you to jail. You will then see a judge within 48 hours of your arrest (as required by Texas state law). At your appearance before the judge, the judge will tell you what charges you are facing and set your bail.

Your bail depends on multiple factors, including the severity of your charges and whether or not the judge views you as a possible flight risk. If your charges are serious, or if the judge has reason to believe you might skip your court date, this will increase your bail. If you can post bail, you are free to leave jail. Otherwise, you will remain in jail until your court date.

For minor charges, the judge can choose to release you on your own recognizance. This means that you do not have to pay a cash bail to leave; the judge believes that you will show up for court on your own accord.

Understand the Consequences of a Misdemeanor Arrest

Since a misdemeanor arrest is for a less severe crime, some incorrectly believe that the arrestee will have few consequences related to his arrest. Unfortunately, a misdemeanor arrest can still have lasting effects for the arrestee.

Though bail is usually low for defendants arrested for misdemeanors, some individuals simply cannot afford to spare enough money to get out of jail. A defendant who has to remain in jail until their court date may lose their job or suffer severe career ramifications.

An alternative to posting the entire bail amount is to hire a bail bond company. A bail bond company pays your bail on your behalf. You only have to pay a fixed percentage of the bail for this service. Typically, this non-refundable amount is only 10 percent of your bail.

For example, if your bail is set at $500 and you choose to use a bail bond company, you will only have to pay $50. The bail bond service covers the rest. Once you appear in court, the bail bond company will get its money back.

Want to help a friend or family member get out of jail? Contact us at Howl-n-Out Bail Bonds to start the bail bond process and help your loved one get their life back on track.