Austin Misdemeanor Lawyer

The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is huge, but even a misdemeanor can significantly impact your present and future. In many cases, charges that are small enough to be classified as a misdemeanor can be handled without ever entering a courtroom. However, in order for this to happen, the court will want to see some evidence that demonstrates why the charges should not be dealt with in a more significant manner. An Austin misdemeanor lawyer who has experience in these types of cases can be crucial to the outcome.

Impact of Misdemeanor Charges

Misdemeanor charges in Austin, such as public indecency, can affect more than just your wallet. Jobs, housing, and other areas of life can all be detrimentally affected by misdemeanor charges. Even though the charge is a misdemeanor and not a felony, it still exists on your criminal record. Potential employers who review these records may not be inclined to offer you a position with a conviction on record. At the very least, you may be asked to explain the event without the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding it. A misdemeanor can very easily affect your reputation and follow you for the rest of your life.

Changes in Misdemeanor Charges

As society evolves, adjustments are often made to laws and penalties. As an example, Texas laws on sexual assault have recently been brought under scrutiny. What may or may not have been a misdemeanor previously may soon be clarified, and legislation may result in increased punishments as well as different classifications. This is just one example of the changes your attorneys will need to be aware of, and it also demonstrates why legal representation and advice can be valuable even when something seems simple, like a misdemeanor.

Stiff Penalties for Misdemeanors

There is a myth that misdemeanors are minor and do not come with stiff penalties. Not only is this false, but it fails to take into account the indirect effects of a misdemeanor. Yes, some penalties are as simple as paying a fine, but they can also lead to bigger issues down the road. For example, if you have one misdemeanor charge on your record, and then you go to court for a similar charge, the court may see that you are repeating mistakes. They may even consider changing your charge to a felony just because a similar infraction is already on your record. You may also face indirect consequences, such as the loss of a professional license or limited driving privileges.

The experienced Austin misdemeanor lawyers of Hines & Holub have seen and worked with just about every possible scenario when it comes to misdemeanors. We can help you manage your case so that you have a better chance at a favorable outcome. At the very least, we can help you understand the depth of the charges and the best way to move forward.