Misdemeanor Lawyer Dallas
» Print This PageA Misdemeanor Conviction Can Follow You for Life. Fight It Now With a Board Certified Criminal Defense Lawyer.
If you were arrested for a misdemeanor in Dallas, you might be thinking it’s not that serious.
Maybe a friend told you to just pay the fine and move on.
That advice could cost you your career, your housing, and your ability to pass a background check for the rest of your life.
A misdemeanor conviction in Texas creates a permanent criminal record that shows up every time an employer, landlord, or licensing board runs your name.
It doesn’t matter whether the charge was for drug possession, assault, theft, or public intoxication.
Once that conviction is on your criminal history, it does not disappear on its own.
And prosecutors in Dallas County are not in the business of going easy on unrepresented defendants.
Without an experienced criminal defense attorney standing between you and the prosecution’s case, you face the full weight of the criminal justice system alone.
That means potential county jail time, thousands in fines, probation conditions that disrupt your daily life, and a criminal record that limits your future.
Judges and prosecutors see hundreds of cases every week, and they will not slow down to make sure you understand your legal options.
One wrong statement, one missed deadline, one failure to challenge flawed evidence, and you are looking at consequences that last decades.
How Michael Lowe Can Help You Fight Misdemeanor Charges in Dallas
Facing criminal charges requires more than showing up to court and hoping for the best.
It requires a defense attorney who understands every angle of your misdemeanor case and knows how to dismantle the prosecution’s case before it gains traction.
Michael Lowe provides aggressive misdemeanor defense across all three classes of Texas misdemeanor offenses.
Assault and Family Violence Charges
Simple assault causing bodily injury is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
When domestic violence allegations are involved, the stakes increase further because a family violence finding can affect custody, firearm rights, and future criminal charges.
Michael Lowe investigates the circumstances surrounding every assault accusation, including conflicting witness statements and issues of self-defense.
Drug Possession and Drug Crimes
Possession of a small amount of marijuana or drug paraphernalia can result in Class A or Class B misdemeanor charges depending on the substance and quantity.
Michael Lowe challenges the legality of searches and seizures, tests the chain of custody on evidence, and fights to keep drug charges from becoming permanent entries on your criminal record.
Theft and Property Crimes
Theft of property valued under $2,500 is charged as a misdemeanor in Texas, but even a minor theft conviction signals dishonesty to every future employer who runs a background check.
Michael Lowe works to get theft charges dismissed, reduced, or resolved through deferred adjudication to protect your record.
Public Intoxication, Disorderly Conduct, and Minor Offenses
These Class C misdemeanor charges may not carry jail time, but they still create a criminal record that can affect your personal relationships and future opportunities.
Michael Lowe handles these cases to prevent even minor criminal offenses from causing long-term damage.
Terroristic Threats, Deadly Conduct, and Unlawful Restraint
These serious misdemeanor offenses carry Class A penalties and demand an aggressive defense strategy tailored to the specific facts of your case.
DWI and DUI Defense
A first-offense DWI in Texas is a Class B misdemeanor carrying up to 180 days in county jail and a $2,000 fine.
Michael Lowe scrutinizes field sobriety tests, breath test calibration records, and the legality of the traffic stop itself to challenge every element of the state’s case.
What a Misdemeanor Conviction Actually Costs You in Dallas
The penalties a judge hands down are only the beginning.
Under Texas Penal Code Section 12.21, a Class A misdemeanor carries up to one year in county jail and fines up to $4,000.
A Class B misdemeanor means up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $2,000 under Section 12.22.
Even a Class C misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine of up to $500 under Section 12.23, still produces a criminal record.
Beyond the courtroom, a misdemeanor conviction can disqualify you from jobs, professional licenses, apartment applications, and educational opportunities.
Non-citizens face additional risks, as certain misdemeanor convictions can trigger deportation or denial of immigration benefits.
And any future criminal charges can be enhanced to carry harsher penalties based on your prior convictions.
A Former Dallas County Prosecutor Who Knows How Misdemeanor Cases Are Built Against You
Michael Lowe spent years as a prosecutor in Dallas County before founding his criminal defense practice in 2003.
That experience means he does not have to guess how the state will approach your misdemeanor case.
He already knows the strategies, the shortcuts, and the pressure points prosecutors rely on.
His Board Certification in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2007 places him among a small percentage of Texas attorneys who have demonstrated the highest level of competence in criminal defense.
That means the prosecutor handling your case knows your defense attorney has the credentials and the trial experience to take your case to a jury if necessary.
Michael Lowe has tried over 150 jury trials, giving him direct courtroom experience that changes the way prosecutors approach plea negotiations.
Expungement, Nondisclosure, and Deferred Adjudication in Dallas Misdemeanor Cases
Not every misdemeanor case has to end with a permanent conviction on your record.
Texas law allows certain misdemeanor cases to be expunged or sealed through an order of nondisclosure, depending on how your case is resolved.
If your misdemeanor case results in a not guilty verdict, a dismissal, or is reduced to a Class C deferred adjudication, you may be eligible for an expunction that removes the record entirely.
If your case is resolved through Class A or Class B deferred adjudication, you may qualify for an order of nondisclosure that seals your criminal history from public view.
Michael Lowe fights for outcomes that preserve your eligibility for record clearing whenever possible.
Your Misdemeanor Charge Will Not Wait. Get a Defense Lawyer Who Fights to Win.
Every day you wait without legal representation is a day the prosecution gets stronger.
Evidence can disappear, witnesses forget details, and deadlines pass that limit your defense options.
Michael Lowe offers a free consultation to review your misdemeanor case and explain exactly what you are up against.
If you are facing charges misdemeanor crimes in Dallas or anywhere in Texas, the time to act is right now.
Call (214) 526-1900 to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who has spent over two decades defending people in Dallas County courts.
Don’t let a misdemeanor charge affect your future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Misdemeanor Charges in Dallas
What is the difference between a Class A, Class B, and Class C misdemeanor in Texas?
Texas classifies misdemeanors into three levels based on severity. Class A misdemeanors are the most serious, carrying up to one year in county jail and fines up to $4,000. Class B misdemeanors carry up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $2,000. Class C misdemeanors are the least serious and are punishable by a fine of up to $500 with no jail time.
Can a misdemeanor conviction affect my employment in Dallas?
Yes. A misdemeanor conviction creates a permanent criminal record that appears on background checks. Many employers in Dallas and throughout Texas conduct background checks as part of the hiring process, and a conviction for theft, assault, drug possession, or other misdemeanor offenses can disqualify you from job opportunities.
What should I do immediately after being arrested for a misdemeanor in Dallas?
Exercise your right to remain silent and ask for an attorney immediately. Do not discuss the details of your case with police, friends, or family members, because anything you say can be used against you. Contact an experienced misdemeanor attorney as soon as possible to begin building your defense.
Can a misdemeanor charge be expunged from my record in Texas?
Certain misdemeanor cases are eligible for expunction, including cases resulting in a not guilty verdict, dismissal, or reduction to a Class C deferred adjudication. Class A and Class B deferred adjudication cases may qualify for an order of nondisclosure, which seals the record from public access.
How much does a misdemeanor defense lawyer cost in Dallas?
Legal fees for misdemeanor defense vary depending on the complexity of the charges and whether the case goes to trial. Michael Lowe offers free initial consultations to discuss your misdemeanor case and explain your legal options.
Can a misdemeanor be enhanced to a felony in Texas?
Yes. Under Texas law, repeat misdemeanor offenses can be enhanced to felony-level charges. For example, a third DWI offense is charged as a felony. Assault charges involving family violence can also be enhanced to felony charges based on prior convictions or the severity of the alleged injury.
What is deferred adjudication for a misdemeanor in Dallas?
Deferred adjudication is an alternative where the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, and the judge places them on community supervision instead of entering a conviction. If you successfully complete all conditions, the case is dismissed without a formal conviction on your record.
Do I really need a lawyer for a Class C misdemeanor?
Even though Class C misdemeanors do not carry jail time, they still result in a criminal record. A Class C conviction can also serve as a prior conviction that enhances penalties for future criminal charges. Legal representation can help you fight for a dismissal that keeps your record clean.
