Misdemeanor Defense Attorney in Waco, Texas

Many of the criminal charges filed in McLennan County are misdemeanors. Examples include a first DWI, simple assault, possession of a small amount of marijuana, theft under $2,500, criminal mischief and driving with an invalid license. A prior conviction or certain facts can raise the class. We start by identifying what the state must show.

Class A and B cases in McLennan County are heard in the county courts at law. Class C cases, such as most traffic tickets and assault by offensive contact, go to a municipal or justice of the peace court. Procedures and record-clearing options differ by forum. We appear with you at every setting.

A conviction generally stays on your record, and only some misdemeanor convictions can later be sealed. Background checks can cost you a job, housing or a professional license. Some misdemeanors can also affect immigration status. A conviction can enhance a later charge; a second DWI is graded higher, and prior thefts can raise a later theft charge.

Options depend on the facts, your record and the court. When the evidence does not support the charge, we raise that with the prosecutor. Where available, deferred adjudication means community supervision without a conviction under Texas law, and dismissal if you complete it. Some cases may qualify for pretrial diversion. Deferred disposition works similarly in Class C cases.

Expunction removes the arrest record, generally after an acquittal, dismissal or completed Class C deferred disposition, sometimes after a waiting period. Nondisclosure seals the record from most private parties after many deferred adjudications and some misdemeanor convictions, depending on the offense. Neither is automatic, so we consider eligibility from the start.