Misdemeanor Attorney in Waco

Your Local Defense Team & Misdemeanor Criminal Lawyers in Waco

When you face a misdemeanor charge, you deserve a legal team that knows the local courts, understands your concerns, and is ready to help you through every step. At Milam & Fanning, PLLC, we offer support to families and individuals who need a misdemeanor attorney in Waco. 

Our team balances a personalized approach—common in smaller law firms—with the resources and reputation of large practices. Each case receives our full attention, and we treat your concerns as our own.

The Waco Municipal Court and the McLennan County Courthouse handle a range of misdemeanor cases every day, each with unique procedures and local expectations. Our direct experience with these specific court systems empowers us to help you prepare, stay proactive, and make informed decisions.

Contact our firm online or call (254) 237-5602 for a confidential case evaluation. Let us start building your defense against the misdemeanor charge today, backed by our affordable services and free consultations commitment.

Understanding Misdemeanor Laws and Classifications in Texas

In Texas, criminal offenses are broadly categorized as either misdemeanors or felonies. A misdemeanor is considered a lesser crime than a felony but is still punishable by incarceration in a county jail, significant fines, or both. Texas law divides misdemeanors into three distinct classes based on the severity of the potential penalty.

Understanding the classification of the charge you face is the starting point for our defense strategy. We use the classification system defined in the Texas Penal Code to assess the risk and guide our approach:

Classifications of Misdemeanors in Texas

• Class A Misdemeanor: This is the most serious misdemeanor classification. The punishment for a Class A misdemeanor conviction is up to one year in the county jail and/or a fine not to exceed $4,000.
  • Examples include: Assault Causing Bodily Injury, Theft of property valued between $750 and $2,500, Second-offense Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), or Violation of a Protective Order.
• Class B Misdemeanor: The punishment for a Class B misdemeanor conviction is up to 180 days in the county jail and/or a fine not to exceed $2,000.
  • Examples include: First-offense DWI, Possession of Marijuana (up to two ounces), Criminal Trespass, or Reckless Driving.
• Class C Misdemeanor: This is the least severe class and is punishable by a fine only, not to exceed $500. There is no jail time for a Class C misdemeanor.
  • Examples include: Public Intoxication, Disorderly Conduct, or minor traffic violations. However, even a Class C conviction creates a criminal record.

Regardless of the classification, we treat every misdemeanor case with the utmost seriousness. Your choice of a misdemeanor attorney in Waco determines whether a potential conviction is challenged or simply accepted.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Misdemeanor Conviction in Waco

Many people mistakenly believe that since a misdemeanor is not a felony, the consequences are minimal. This is a dangerous misconception in Texas. A conviction—even for a Class C ticket—can lead to long-term hardship that requires the intervention of a seasoned Waco misdemeanor defense lawyer.

Direct Penalties

In addition to jail time and fines, a misdemeanor sentence in Texas can include:

• Probation/Community Supervision: The judge can impose terms of probation that can last up to two years, requiring mandatory meetings with a supervision officer, community service, drug or alcohol counseling, and restrictive travel limitations. A violation of these terms can result in the full jail sentence being imposed.
• Mandatory Education/Treatment: Many misdemeanor offenses, particularly those related to DWI or family violence, require mandatory attendance at state-approved education programs, which is costly and time-consuming.
• Restitution: You may be required to pay the alleged victim for financial damages or losses.

Collateral Consequences

The most lasting damage from a misdemeanor conviction comes from the collateral consequences:

• Employment Barriers: A criminal record, even a Class A misdemeanor, is visible during most background checks. Employers routinely use this information to deny hiring, promotion, or licensing, drastically limiting career prospects.
• Professional Licensing: Convictions can lead to the suspension or revocation of professional licenses in fields like nursing, teaching, real estate, and financial services.
• Housing Difficulties: Landlords often run criminal background checks, and a conviction can be used to deny rental applications, especially for offenses involving theft or assault.
• Firearm Rights: A conviction for misdemeanor Assault involving Family Violence results in a federal lifetime prohibition on owning or possessing a firearm. Other violent misdemeanor convictions may also impact your right to a License to Carry.
• Immigration Status: For non-citizens, certain misdemeanor offenses—including those related to drugs or domestic violence—can result in deportation proceedings.

We recognize that your future hinges on the outcome of this case. Our firm aggressively works to avoid these penalties entirely, fighting for non-disclosure or expunction options whenever possible.

The Texas Criminal Defense Process for Misdemeanor Charges

The misdemeanor process in Waco (McLennan County) is typically handled in County Court or Justice of the Peace Court. Though generally quicker than a felony case, the steps require precise legal action:

• Arrest or Citation: Depending on the class, the process begins with an arrest, booking, and magistrate hearing, or simply with a citation (ticket).
• Bond Setting and Release: For arrests, a magistrate sets the bond. We immediately work to secure your release and request a bond reduction if necessary.
• Arraignment: This is your formal court appearance where we enter a plea of "Not Guilty" on your behalf and confirm future court dates.
• Discovery Phase: Our firm collects all of the State's evidence and determines the key defense issues. This includes challenging the probable cause for the stop or arrest.
• Pre-Trial Hearings and Motions: We file motions to suppress evidence—such as statements made without Miranda warnings, or evidence obtained from an illegal search—that could weaken the prosecution's case.
• Negotiation/Deferred Adjudication: We leverage our evidence and legal challenges to negotiate with the prosecutor, aiming for a misdemeanor dismissal, a reduction to a less severe Class, or a favorable plea deal like Deferred Adjudication, which allows the chance for the charge to be non-disclosed or expunged later.
• Trial: If negotiation fails to achieve a satisfactory outcome, we are prepared to take your case to trial before a judge or a jury in a final fight for your acquittal.

Why Choose Our Misdemeanor Criminal Defense Lawyers

Clients trust Milam & Fanning, PLLC for our rare blend of tailored legal strategies and strong resources. As a misdemeanor criminal attorney in Waco, we combine personal attention with collaboration. Our attorneys bring real experience in criminal law, enabling us to craft creative solutions that fit each individual’s needs. 

We prioritize transparency, communication, and accessibility at every stage—so you never feel left in the dark about your misdemeanor case.

Our team-based approach means we draw on insights from across our firm to address challenges and help you move forward. When you work with us, you benefit from our established relationships in the community and a reputation built on results and trust.

What You Gain With a Misdemeanor Criminal Lawyer in Waco

• Personalized legal strategies: We assess the facts of your case to recommend a tailored course of action, addressing your unique concerns and priorities right from the start.
• Clear communication: You deserve updates and straight answers. We keep you informed at every turn, so you always know what comes next.
• Strong local relationships: Our knowledge of Waco courts and procedures streamlines your experience and helps us anticipate potential roadblocks.
• Focus on your best outcome: We craft strategies to protect your rights while guiding you through each step with confidence and compassion.

Misdemeanor charges may impact your daily life, from job opportunities to housing or school applications. Choosing an experienced misdemeanor lawyer in Waco means you’ll understand the potential consequences and options from the start. 

We start with a thorough review, share all updates promptly, and work to reduce your stress along the way. By focusing on realistic outcomes and practical guidance, our team aims to protect your future and help you put legal issues behind you as smoothly as possible.

Take Control of Your Next Step—Contact a Misdemeanor Attorney in Waco

Every legal journey starts with a single call. Reaching out now gives you the chance to understand your options and plan for what comes next. When you contact Milam & Fanning, PLLC, you gain direct guidance from a team who cares about your well-being, listens to your questions, and helps you set realistic goals. 

We design our consultations to create clarity, reduce confusion, and give you the confidence to move forward with your defense.

Call (254) 237-5602 or reach out online to connect with a misdemeanor criminal defense lawyer in Waco you can trust to provide honest, supportive legal representation every step of the way.