A Class C misdemeanor in Texas might seem like a minor offense, but its impact on your future can be anything but minor.
Our Texas Expungement Lawyers understand the anxiety and uncertainty that comes with having even a minor criminal charge on your record. With over 35 years of experience defending Texans, we’ve helped thousands of clients manage the complexities of Class C misdemeanors and their long-term effects.
If you’re wondering whether that traffic ticket, public intoxication charge, or other minor offense will follow you for years to come, and what you can do about it, you’ve come to the right place.
Have questions about clearing your record? Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward a clean slate.
What Is a Class C Misdemeanor in Texas?
Class C misdemeanors are the least severe criminal offenses in Texas. Unlike more serious charges, they’re punishable by fine only (up to $500) and don’t include jail time as a direct penalty. However, don’t let this relatively mild punishment fool you, these charges can still create significant problems in your life if not properly addressed.
Common Examples of Class C Misdemeanors
In Texas, common Class C misdemeanors include:
- Traffic violations: Speeding, running red lights, driving without insurance
- Theft under $100: Minor shoplifting incidents
- Public intoxication: Being visibly intoxicated in a public place
- Disorderly conduct: Using abusive language in public, making unreasonable noise
- Minor in possession of alcohol: Underage individuals possessing alcoholic beverages
- Possession of drug paraphernalia: Having items used for drug consumption
- Simple assault: Causing minimal or no physical injury
⚖️ While these offenses might seem trivial, they establish a criminal record that can be viewed by potential employers, landlords, and educational institutions.
Is a Class C Misdemeanor a Criminal Offense?
Yes, despite their minor nature, Class C misdemeanors are criminal offenses in Texas. This classification means they:
- Create a criminal record
- Show up on background checks
- Must be disclosed on many applications
- Can affect professional licensing
As attorney Richard C. McConathy explains: “Many clients are surprised to learn that even these minor infractions are considered criminal offenses under Texas law. The good news is that there are legal pathways to prevent them from becoming permanent blemishes on your record.”
Is Jail Time a Possibility?
While a Class C misdemeanor doesn’t directly include jail time as punishment, you can still end up behind bars if you:
- Fail to appear in court: Missing your court date can result in an arrest warrant
- Don’t pay your fine: Ignoring fine payments can lead to arrest
- Violate probation terms: If placed on deferred disposition, violating terms can result in jail time
At our firm, we’ve seen many cases where individuals were arrested on outstanding warrants for unpaid traffic tickets. What begins as a simple speeding ticket (Class C misdemeanor) can result in jail time until the underlying case is resolved.
Does a Class C Misdemeanor Show Up on Your Record?
Yes, Class C misdemeanors do show up on your criminal record in Texas unless they’ve been expunged or subject to an order of nondisclosure. This fact surprises many people who assume minor offenses simply “go away” after paying a fine.
Impact on Employment and Background Checks
Class C misdemeanors can have significant consequences for your career:
| Background Check Type | Will Class C Show? | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Employment | Yes | May disqualify you for certain positions |
| Housing Applications | Yes | Landlords may deny your application |
| Professional Licensing | Yes | Could prevent certification in certain fields |
| Educational Institutions | Yes | May affect acceptance or financial aid |
| Military Enlistment | Yes | May require special waivers |
Many of our clients come to us after being denied employment or housing due to a Class C misdemeanor they thought was insignificant. In today’s competitive environment, employers and landlords have many qualified applicants to choose from, and a criminal record, even a minor one, can be the deciding factor.
How Long Does It Stay on Your Record?
Without legal intervention, a Class C misdemeanor stays on your record permanently in Texas. There is no automatic removal after a certain period.
⚠️ Important: Unlike some other states, Texas does not have an automatic expungement process for misdemeanors after a set time period. Without taking specific legal action, your Class C misdemeanor will remain visible on background checks indefinitely.
Can You Be Arrested for a Class C Misdemeanor in Texas?
Yes, contrary to popular belief, you can be arrested for Class C misdemeanors in certain situations.
Which Offenses Are Arrestable?
While most Class C misdemeanors result in a citation (similar to a ticket), Texas law permits arrests for:
- Public intoxication: Officers can arrest to ensure public safety
- Theft under $100: Especially if the person has prior theft convictions
- Assault: Even minor assault cases can result in arrest
- Any Class C offense if the officer believes you won’t appear in court: Officers may use discretion to arrest based on perceived flight risk
As confirmed by the Texas Supreme Court in State v. Martinez (2018), police officers have discretion to arrest for any offense committed in their presence, including Class C misdemeanors.
What Is a Class C Warrant?
If you fail to appear for your court date or don’t pay your fine for a Class C misdemeanor, the court may issue a Class C warrant for your arrest. These warrants:
- Never expire
- Can be executed anywhere in Texas
- Often lead to arrest during routine traffic stops
- May result in additional charges and fines
Many people are surprised to learn that Class C warrants can appear during routine traffic stops. For example, someone stopped for a broken taillight in Dallas County might discover a years-old Class C warrant from a public intoxication charge in Collin County, potentially resulting in jail time until the matters are resolved.
A Class C charge can still impact your future—speak with our experienced Dallas criminal defense lawyer today to protect your rights.
How to Remove a Class C Misdemeanor from Your Record
The good news is that Texas law provides several options to clear your record of Class C misdemeanors.
Expungement: Who Qualifies and How It Works
Expungement (legally called “expunction” in Texas) completely erases a Class C misdemeanor from your record. You may qualify if:
- You received deferred disposition and successfully completed it
- Your case was dismissed
- You were acquitted (found not guilty)
- You were arrested but never charged
- You received a pardon
The expungement process involves:
- Filing a petition in the county where the offense occurred
- Serving all relevant agencies with notice
- Attending a hearing (in some cases)
- Receiving a court order for expungement
📌 If your case was dismissed or you successfully completed deferred disposition, expungement can completely erase the offense—allowing you to deny it ever occurred.
Once granted, all records of the offense are destroyed, and you can legally deny the arrest or charge ever occurred.
Orders of Nondisclosure
If you don’t qualify for expungement, you might be eligible for an order of nondisclosure. This doesn’t erase the record but seals it from public view, making it invisible on most background checks.
You may qualify if:
- You successfully completed deferred adjudication
- You meet waiting period requirements (typically immediate for Class C misdemeanors)
- Your offense is eligible (most Class C misdemeanors qualify)
- You haven’t been convicted of certain disqualifying offenses
What If You Were Convicted?
If you were convicted of a Class C misdemeanor (meaning you paid the fine without receiving deferred disposition), your options are more limited but not nonexistent:
- Wait for eligibility: Most Class C misdemeanors become eligible for expungement two years after conviction
- Request judicial clemency: In some cases, a judge may set aside the conviction
- Seek a pardon: Though rare for minor offenses, gubernatorial pardons are possible
Legal Options to Avoid a Permanent Record
The best strategy is to prevent the Class C misdemeanor from becoming a permanent record in the first place.
Deferred Disposition Explained
Deferred disposition is essentially probation for Class C misdemeanors. If granted:
- You pay a special fee (usually the fine amount plus court costs)
- You complete specific requirements (such as no new offenses for 90-180 days)
- The case is dismissed upon successful completion
- You become eligible for expungement later
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we’ve helped hundreds of clients secure deferred disposition for Class C misdemeanors, ultimately leading to clean records.
Pretrial Diversion Programs
Some Texas counties offer pretrial diversion programs for Class C misdemeanors, particularly for first-time offenders. These programs typically involve:
- Community service
- Educational courses
- Payment of restitution (if applicable)
- Staying offense-free for a specific period
Successful completion results in dismissal of the charge, making you eligible for expungement.
Plea Bargains and Dismissals
Our experienced attorney will often negotiate:
- Dismissal in exchange for community service
- Reduction to a non-criminal violation
- Conditional dismissals (completing a defensive driving course for traffic violations, for example)
Why You Should Take a Class C Misdemeanor Seriously
Despite the relatively minor penalties, Class C misdemeanors deserve your full attention.
⚠️ From job loss to professional licensing hurdles, the long-term consequences of a Class C misdemeanor can far outweigh the initial fine—especially if ignored.
Long-Term Consequences
Beyond the immediate fine, Class C misdemeanors can lead to:
- Higher insurance rates (for traffic violations)
- Loss of professional opportunities
- Difficulty securing housing
- Immigration complications for non-citizens
- Enhanced penalties if you face similar charges in the future
Impact on Professional Licensing and Gun Ownership
Certain professions are particularly sensitive to any criminal record:
- Healthcare professionals: Nursing boards, medical licensing
- Educators: Teacher certification requirements
- Financial sector employees: Securities licensing
- Legal professionals: Bar admission character and fitness requirements
Additionally, while a single Class C misdemeanor typically doesn’t affect gun ownership rights, multiple offenses or certain specific charges might trigger restrictions.
How Our Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we bring over 35 years of experience to every Class C misdemeanor case we handle.
Strategic Defense for Expungement and Dismissal
We develop customized strategies focused on:
- Identifying procedural errors in your case
- Challenging evidence where appropriate
- Negotiating with prosecutors for dismissal or reduction
- Preparing and filing expungement petitions
Representation in Court for Class C Charges
Many people make the mistake of representing themselves for Class C misdemeanors. Our attorneys:
- Appear on your behalf (you often don’t need to attend court)
- Present defenses tailored to your specific situation
- Manage court procedures efficiently
- Ensure your rights are protected throughout the process
Personalized Legal Support from Start to Finish
Our approach is always client-centered:
- Free initial consultation to assess your case
- Clear communication about your options
- Transparent fee structures with no surprises
- Accessible attorneys who respond to your questions promptly
With proper legal assistance, even older charges can be addressed. For instance, a public intoxication charge from years ago that’s preventing someone from securing a teaching position could potentially be expunged. With the right approach, a record can be cleared within 90 days, allowing the person to pursue their career without the burden of a criminal record.
Contact Texas Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
If you’re facing a Class C misdemeanor in Texas or have one on your record that’s causing problems, don’t wait to get help. At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, our Criminal Defense Lawyers have successfully helped thousands of clients across Dallas County and North Texas resolve their Class C misdemeanor issues and move forward with clean records.
Our team is ready to review your case and develop a strategic approach to protect your future. With offices serving 16 counties across North Texas, we’re well-positioned to help you manage the local court systems effectively.
Don’t let a minor offense create major problems in your life. Contact us online or call at (972) 528-0481 for a free, confidential consultation about your Class C misdemeanor case.
FAQs
What is the punishment for a Class C misdemeanor in Texas?
A Class C misdemeanor in Texas is punishable by a fine of up to $500. Unlike more serious offenses, there is no jail time directly associated with a Class C conviction. However, failure to address the charge properly can lead to arrest warrants and potential detention.
Can a Class C misdemeanor prevent me from getting a job?
Yes, a Class C misdemeanor can appear on background checks and may affect your employment prospects, particularly in fields requiring high levels of trust, security clearances, or professional licensing. Many employers have policies against hiring applicants with any criminal record, regardless of severity.
Can you expunge a Class C misdemeanor in Texas?
Yes, many Class C misdemeanors can be expunged in Texas if you received deferred disposition, the case was dismissed, or you were found not guilty. Even some convictions may be eligible for expungement after a waiting period, typically two years from the date of conviction.
Do you have to go to court for a Class C misdemeanor?
Yes, you typically must appear in court for a Class C misdemeanor unless you hire our attorney who will appear on your behalf in many instances. Failing to appear can result in additional charges and the issuance of an arrest warrant, turning a minor matter into a more serious legal problem.
How long does a Class C misdemeanor stay on your record in Texas?
Without legal intervention, a Class C misdemeanor remains on your record permanently in Texas. There is no automatic removal process. However, through legal remedies like expungement or orders of nondisclosure, you can remove or seal these records with proper legal assistance.