While the consequences of a felony conviction are more severe than those of a misdemeanor conviction, any type of criminal conviction can have serious, long-lasting effects on your life. For instance, some misdemeanors carry up to a year of incarceration, as well as high fines; the exact penalties for a particular misdemeanor conviction depend on the classification of the criminal offense at issue. Any criminal conviction will create a criminal history for you, which can impact your ability to pursue certain types of employment in the future. Certain misdemeanor convictions also can impact your ability to obtain housing, get student loans, join the military, receive certain government benefits, and/or have adverse immigration consequences.
What Happens if I Am Charged with a Misdemeanor?
If you are arrested for any type of criminal offense, you need to remember that your arresting officers, or any officers whom you encounter, will use anything you say or do against you, if possible. While you must provide your name to officers when requested, you do not have to answer any further questions or give any statements. Similarly, if officers ask to search your person, your vehicle, or your home, you should exercise your right to refuse to allow the search. While officers may be able to get a warrant signed by a judge in order to perform the search at a later time, there is no reason to make their job easier than need be, and potentially give them more evidence against you. Additionally, you also have the right to ask for an attorney at any time. A skilled Texas criminal defense attorney should be the only person with whom you discuss your case.
When you are charged with any type of criminal offense in the state of Texas, whether it is a misdemeanor or felony charge, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent your interests from the very beginning of your case. We are here to evaluate the facts surrounding your case, present your options, and provide you with the strongest defense possible. Contact Peek Law Group at (512) 359-3362 today and set up an appointment to speak with our legal team.