Tyler, Texas, Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
There is one very important thing you need to remember if you have been charged with a misdemeanor: A conviction can have serious consequences. Pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge is a plea of guilty to a crime and it results in a criminal conviction that may affect the rest of your life. While it is true that a conviction may often result only in a fine and community service, the effect of a misdemeanor conviction on your employment opportunities and eligibility for government programs such as housing and student loans may have serious negative consequences for you and your family.
I am misdemeanor defense attorney John J. Eastland. At my firm, I know that good people can sometimes make bad mistakes. But that doesn't mean that they should have to pay for them for the rest of their lives.
I assure you that I will take your misdemeanor defense case seriously. By working together toward the best possible outcome under the circumstances, you and your family will get through this and your life will continue.
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor in Texas, do not take your charges lightly. A criminal conviction, even for a low-level "class C" misdemeanor, can have a devastating effect on your employment opportunities; college, graduate school or professional program applications; and even your professional license. Depending on the facts of your case, a misdemeanor can result in jail time, extended periods of probation, community service, monetary fines and other penalties that can have a much more disrupting influence on your life than you may have anticipated.
Reasonable fees and payment plans available
Free initial consultation about your misdemeanor defense case
English- and Spanish-speaking clients are served at my office
My firm is located in Tyler, Texas, and I primarily serve residents of Smith County, Gregg County and communities throughout East Texas. When we meet for a free consultation to discuss your misdemeanor offense, I will fully explain the complexities of your case, what to expect in the coming weeks and months and what your legal options will be. Most important, you will be assured I will use all of my criminal law experience, my skills and my commitment to excellence to help you get the best possible outcome for your misdemeanor charges.
Explanation of misdemeanor charges
A misdemeanor is defined as any criminal offense generally deemed less serious than a felony offense and punishable by a fine and jail time not exceeding one year. In Texas, misdemeanor charges may be classed according to the seriousness of the offense, often determined by financial harm to the victim or the extent of physical injuries that may have resulted. A class A misdemeanor may result from a criminal offense such as burglary of a vehicle or assault. A class B misdemeanor may result from disorderly conduct with a firearm or harassment. In Texas, a first offense DWI is typically a class B misdemeanor. The lowest level of misdemeanor, a class C, may result from an offense such as petty theft or public intoxication.
This is only a partial list of some misdemeanor offenses, as they may be divided into classes. This list is provided as an example of the seriousness of offenses, as they are classified under Texas misdemeanor laws.
Class A: Penalties up to one year in the county jail, a fine of up to $4,000
Class B: Penalties up to 180 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000
Class C: Penalties up to a $500 fine
Misdemeanor punishments can also be enhanced to a greater degree of misdemeanor punishment, or even a felony, depending on the offense and person’s criminal record.
Talk to a lawyer before you talk to the police or prosecutor
If you have been charged, I urge you to consider what a conviction for a misdemeanor may mean to your long-term future. Before you give up your rights, contact me. Whether I am in the office or in court, I'm there for you.
