Misdemeanor Criminal Lawyer San Marcos
Fighting for Your Future With a Misdemeanor Attorney in San Marcos
If you have been arrested for or charged with a misdemeanor in San Marcos, your future is at stake. A conviction could result in significant fines, irreparable damage to your reputation, the loss of your job and future opportunities, and even jail time.
At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, we aggressively defend those accused of misdemeanor offenses in San Marcos and the surrounding areas. Our team has a long track record of achieving ideal outcomes for our clients, including many cases involving reduced charges, dismissals, and acquittals. We encourage you to reach out to our firm right away to learn how we can help you devise a strategy to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.
Contact us online or call (512) 359-3743 to request a free, confidential consultation.
Understanding Misdemeanor Charges With a Criminal Attorney
In Texas, criminal offenses are broadly categorized according to their severity. The most severe crimes are classified as felonies, whereas the least serious are known as infractions. Misdemeanors fall in the middle—less serious than felonies but more serious than infractions.
Misdemeanors are further categorized into three types:
- Class A Misdemeanors: A Class A misdemeanor is the most serious type of misdemeanor offense and one step down from a felony. Class A misdemeanors carry criminal penalties including up to one year in county jail and fines up to $4,000.
- Class B Misdemeanors: Class B misdemeanors are less serious than Class A misdemeanors but more serious than Class C misdemeanors. Penalties for a Class B misdemeanor conviction include up to 180 days in county jail and up to $2,000 in fines.
- Class C Misdemeanors: A Class C misdemeanor is the least serious type of misdemeanor in Texas. The criminal penalties for a conviction include a fine up to $500 and no jail time, though there are some exceptions to this.
Notably, the classification of a misdemeanor charge provides only a broad overview of the possible penalties that could come with a conviction. In addition to criminal penalties, you could also face significant impacts in your life. A conviction will lead to a public criminal record, which could make it difficult to keep or obtain a job, acquire housing leases or loans, secure educational opportunities, and maintain social relationships.
Additionally, understanding the nuances of these misdemeanor categories is crucial. Each class of misdemeanor may hold different consequences when it comes to the long-term impact on your personal and professional life. Misdemeanor charges might also have indirect effects, such as increased insurance premiums or restrictions on professional licenses, depending on the nature of the crime and your personal circumstances.
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$2.5M Personal Injury
Williamson County Live PD Raid: Our firm represented a family in a civil rights and personal injury case after Williamson County deputies staged a raid on their home for the reality show Live PD. The raid caused serious psychological and emotional injuries, leaving the family traumatized by an event that never should have happened.
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$810k Wrongful Death
Our client experienced every parent’s worst nightmare when an intruder entered the family’s home and attacked their young child. Hearing the struggle in the bedroom, the parent rushed in to fight off the attacker, but the child had already suffered catastrophic injuries. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the child later passed away.
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$180k Car Accident
Full Policy Limits Recovered for Injured Child - Our firm recently represented a young girl who suffered significant injuries when a reckless, uninsured driver slammed into her head-on. The at-fault driver carried no insurance, but we refused to let that leave our client without justice.
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$130k Premises Liability
After an improperly installed pool umbrella dislodged and struck our client, she suffered painful lacerations, dental injuries, and permanent scarring. We pursued claims against the responsible parties and secured a $130,000 settlement for her medical expenses and lasting harm.
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$75k Rear-End Collision
At our firm, we are proud to fight for clients who are injured through no fault of their own. In this case, our client was hit from behind when another driver recklessly smashed into her vehicle. She was left with painful injuries and faced mounting medical bills, missed work, and the stress that comes with being hurt in a crash.
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$75k Collision
Rear-ended by a negligent driver, our client suffered neck, back, and concussion-related injuries that required extensive treatment. Through strategic negotiation, we secured a $75,000 settlement to support her recovery and medical care.
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$67k Collision
Rear-ended by an underinsured driver, our client faced serious injuries and mounting medical bills. After securing the at-fault driver’s $30,000 policy limits, we pursued additional compensation through underinsured motorist coverage—recovering an extra $37,500 to help support her continued recovery.
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$30k Collision
When a driver failed to yield at an intersection, our client sustained significant neck and back injuries. Through thorough documentation and strategic negotiation, we recovered the full $30,000 policy limits to help cover her medical expenses.
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Not Guilty DWI .22 Blood Warrant
This was the 2nd time we tried this case. First one ended in a mistrial last year. 911 caller reported 2 people leaving a restaurant belligerent and stumbling. Officer arrived on scene, conducted field sobriety tests and arrested client for DWI. Client refused to provide a sample. Warrant was obtained and blood came back a .22.
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Not Guilty DWI .17 Blood Result
A soldier on base at Fort Hood hit a parked car in the parking lot of his barracks while attempting to back into a parking space. A bystander called 911, believing the driver to be drunk. Military Police investigated the incident and performed field sobriety tests. The soldier was arrested for DWI and his blood was drawn for analysis. The lab results came back, showing an alleged blood alcohol content of 0.178.
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Not Guilty 2nd DWI
911 caller reported a major rollover, single car accident. EMS and fire arrived on scene. They had to break the window to get our client out of the car. He said he had swerved to miss a deer and had been up close to 18 hours before the crash. Police later arrived on scene, spoke to our client and he admitted to coming from a bar and drinking 2 martinis.
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Not Guilty 2nd DWI
Our client was pulled over for a traffic violation. Officer smelled alcohol, client admitted to consuming a few drinks. Officer also noted slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. Client performed the SFST’s (roadside tests). Officer said he failed all 3, eye test, walk and turn and one-leg stand. Officer placed client under arrest and asked him for a sample of breath and/or blood. Client refused. Officer did not get a blood warrant.
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Case Dismissed Aggravated Robbery
Our client was indicted on the 1st Degree Felony charge of Aggravated Assault. He was out celebrating a birthday with friends when the party took a different turn and our client ended up being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
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Case Dismissed Assault Family Violence
Our client received an arrest warrant for an alleged assault on his brother’s girlfriend. He needed the warrant cleared so that he could be considered for a job he was applying for. Our firm worked with his brother’s girlfriend and found inconsistencies between her statements and those made by our client, his brother, and another eyewitness. We challenged the State’s attorney on these inconsistencies and case was ultimately dismissed.
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Case Dismissed Assault Family Violence
Our client was a mother who had allowed her adult son and family to move in with her due to some hardship. After a family dinner a heated discussion between our client and her daughter in law turned into a physical altercation.
FAQs About Misdemeanors in San Marcos
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There are several strategies that misdemeanor attorneys San Marcos may use to defend against charges, depending on the circumstances of the alleged offense. One common defense is challenging the legality of the arrest or the evidence collected, such as questioning whether law enforcement followed protocol. Another approach may involve proving the defendant's lack of intent or arguing that the act was a case of mistaken identity. Preservation of the defendant's rights throughout the legal process is paramount, and each strategy aims to highlight weaknesses in the prosecution's case or present alternative interpretations of evidence.
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A misdemeanor conviction could potentially impact future employment opportunities, as many employers conduct background checks as part of their hiring process. A public criminal record might lead employers to view the candidate as less desirable compared to others without similar issues. However, it is important to note that not all misdemeanors hold the same weight; for instance, a minor traffic violation might not be as concerning as a theft charge. There are also avenues for individuals to expunge or seal certain misdemeanor records, which could mitigate some of these employment challenges.
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While misdemeanors are considered less serious than felonies, they can still result in jail time, depending on the severity of the offense and the offender's prior criminal history. Class A misdemeanors, such as certain thefts or assaults, could result in up to one year in county jail. Conversely, many Class C misdemeanors carry no jail time, focusing instead on punitive fines. Diversion programs or probation are additional alternatives that courts may consider to avoid incarceration for first-time offenders or lesser offenses.
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Expungement, or the process of sealing or removing a criminal record, is a possibility for certain misdemeanors under Texas law. Eligibility depends on factors such as whether charges were dismissed, whether the individual completed deferred adjudication successfully, or if a certain time period has passed since the completion of the sentence. Expungement can significantly improve prospects in employment, housing, and other areas where background checks are prevalent. Clients are encouraged to consult with a knowledgeable attorney to explore their options for clearing their record.
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“From our very first consultation, Charlie took the time to truly understand my situation, explain my options clearly, and guide me every step of the way. I highly recommend him and his staff.”- Didi C.
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“Very professional and efficient throughout my entire case. They took my situation seriously, explained every step, and made sure I felt supported. You can tell they’ve handled serious cases in Travis County before.”- Destiny E.
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“They didn’t waste time, explained everything clearly, and were super prepared. If you need a criminal defense lawyer in Austin, this is a firm you can trust!”- Keira C.
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“I’ve worked with a few law offices over the years, but Smith and Vinson made the biggest impression. From the first time I heard and met with them, they were professional, kind, and genuinely attentive.”- Thomas A.
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“The entire staff was incredibly helpful, responsive, and made me feel supported every step of the way. I’m truly grateful for their expertise and care, they made a stressful situation so much easier to navigate.”- Cielo J. R.
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“Brad really takes the time to get to know your situation. He was sharp, respectful, and didn’t sugarcoat anything.”- Kayla S.
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“From the first call to the last, they stayed in communication with me and let me know every step of the way. The attorneys at this office and the support staff got my case dismissed with no problems. If you find yourself in a situation, I highly recommend calling this firm.!”- Lyndsey O.
How Do Misdemeanors Differ From Felony Charges?
The primary difference between misdemeanors and felonies lies in the severity and the corresponding penalties. Felonies involve more serious crimes such as murder, rape, or armed robbery, and can result in extended prison sentences and substantial fines. In contrast, misdemeanors involve less severe offenses and penalties typically include shorter jail sentences, lower fines, or alternative sentences like community service. Understanding the distinction is crucial, as felonies can have more profound impacts on one's rights and future opportunities than misdemeanors.
For a free, confidential consultation with one of our misdemeanor lawyers San Marcos, call (512) 359-3743 or submit a secure contact form.
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