# What Is a Class C Misdemeanor in Texas? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Class C Misdemeanors Are Minor Crimes 2. Examples of Class C Misdemeanors 3. How Might a Class C Misdemeanor Affect a Defendant’s Life? 4. What's the statute of limitations on Class C Misdemeanors in Texas? 5. What to Do About a Class C Misdemeanor 6. Contact the Houston Personal Injury Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help ***NOTE: This article is for informational purposes only. We only handle cases involving accidents and injuries. *** Criminal actions fall into many different classifications under [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/) law. In general, two main types of crimes exist: felonies and misdemeanors. Misdemeanors are the less serious of the two and involve fines less than $4,000. In some cases, misdemeanors lead to jail time, in others, simply monetary penalties. Felonies, on the other hand, carry a term of imprisonment of at least one year and the imposition of more than $4,000 in fines, or both. Within each crime classification are more subtypes, generally labeled A, B, or C. Learn what a [class C misdemeanor is under Texas law](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/PE/htm/PE.12.htm) and the type of punishment a defendant can expect upon conviction. ## Class C Misdemeanors Are Minor Crimes Class C misdemeanors are the least serious crimes under Texas Penal code. In fact, class C misdemeanors do not require any jail time. A person convicted of a Class C misdemeanor in Texas can expect the following penalties: - Fines up to $500 - Community service Keep in mind that these are the maximum penalties issued under Texas law. The actual punishment may be even less than what the law outlines. A Class C misdemeanor does not involve jail time, nor does it require a probation order. On the other hand, a special type of probation may replace a conviction. A person with a Class C misdemeanor on his or her record can expect an expungement following the resolution of the case. In other words, a crime of this type will not create a lasting or permanent criminal record for the defendant. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Examples of Class C Misdemeanors A variety of offenses fall under the classification of Class C misdemeanors in Texas. Some of the most common examples include: - Public intoxication - Traffic tickets - Disorderly conduct - Writing a “hot check” for less than $20 - Jumping bail - Gambling - Trespassing on public property - Simple assault (i.e., no weapon or battery involved) - Petty theft - Leaving a child in a car - Minor in possession of alcohol - Minor in possession of tobacco - Possession of drug-related paraphernalia ## How Might a Class C Misdemeanor Affect a Defendant’s Life? A misdemeanor of the Class C variety might not lead to jail time, but that doesn’t mean it won’t affect a person’s life. A number of traffic tickets classified as Class C misdemeanors, for example, could result in the revocation of driving privileges, as well as fines and increased insurance premiums. Additionally, a Class C misdemeanor could show up on a criminal background check, which could affect decisions regarding employment. In some cases, a Class C Misdemeanor might be an indicator of dishonesty or disrespect for the law. Even if a person made an honest, youthful mistake, these records can follow him or her around if they are not expunged. Lastly, a Class C misdemeanor charge could result in disqualification from receiving federal educational aid. These are all factors worth considering before entering any pleas. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## What’s the statute of limitations on Class C Misdemeanors in Texas? Different states have different rules when it comes to statutes of limitations, which is a set period of time within which to begin criminal prosecution. **A misdemeanor in Texas has a statute of limitations of Two (2) Years.** Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## What to Do About a Class C Misdemeanor As previously stated, even mild offenses like traffic tickets could be classified as a Class C misdemeanor. Generally, it’s a good idea for a defendant to have an understanding of how the charge could affect his or her life. In many cases, the case will resolve after a simple payment of a fine. In others, however, it could lead to a blemish on a defendant’s criminal record. Knowing the potential effects will help the defendant make important decisions regarding pleas and other considerations. Even when a crime involves minor charges, it’s best to discuss legal options with a Houston personal injury lawyer before going through the court process unrepresented. ## Contact the Houston Personal Injury Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. 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