Misdemeanor charges are generally considered less serious than felony crimes, and usually result in less severe penalties and repercussions. In most cases, a conviction for a felony charge is typically punishable by confinement in a state prison for a term greater than 1 year, while misdemeanor crimes are generally punishable by confinement in county jail for a term up to 1 year.

Additionally, fines for misdemeanor offenses are usually less than those issued for felony convictions. These general sentences can change however should the person be considered a habitual or repeat misdemeanor offender, who then can face more severe repercussions than those issued to first time offenders.

Texas law defines misdemeanor crimes as those criminal offenses less serious than a felony crime and are punishable by a term less than 1 year in jail. Texas Penal Code 12.03 defines the three classifications of misdemeanor charges in Beaumont.

The three classes of misdemeanor crimes in Beaumont vary depending on the seriousness of the offense and are listed from the least serious (Class C Misdemeanor), to the most serious (Class A Misdemeanor) as outlined below:

Even though the Beaumont criminal justice system classifies misdemeanor offenses by various degrees, a Class C Misdemeanor is still a serious matter that should be handled by a skilled misdemeanor defense lawyer. Even the lowest class of misdemeanor crime (Class C) can stay on your criminal record for a long period of time and if resulting in a conviction might have to be disclosed on employment applications.

Texas Penal Code 12.43 provides additional penalties regarding repeat or habitual misdemeanor offenders. A repeat or habitual misdemeanor offender is anyone who has a previous misdemeanor or felony conviction. Repeat or habitual misdemeanor offenders may be subject to any of the following penalties: