What are class C misdemeanors? Texas judge in Harris County throws out all outstanding warrants
A Texas judge has recalled all outstanding warrants in his court, which means defendants with pending class C misdemeanors will go unpunished.
A Justice of the Peace in Harris County, Texas has thrown out all outstanding warrants in his court, meaning an unknown number of defendants facing class C misdemeanors will get off scot-free.
Judge Steven Duble who presides at Precinct 1 issued a letter saying, “After extensive research and thoughtful consideration, I have decided to recall each and every outstanding warrant from this court.”
Duble did not give a reason for his unprecedented recalling of warrants. Of the three types of misdemeanors, only those of class C are handled by a Texas Justice of the Peace.
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What are class C misdemeanors?
There are three types of misdemeanors: class A, B, and C. Class C misdemeanors are the least serious category in many jurisdictions in the country.
These offenses are considered minor, with penalties usually involving a small fine, community service, or probation, and almost never result in jail time.
However, the exact definition and consequences vary depending on the state.
Under Texas law, Class C misdemeanors are punishable by a fine of up to $500, with no jail time. Any misdemeanor not designated as Class A, B, or C, and has no specified punishment, is considered Class C.
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What are the common characteristics of Class C misdemeanors?
Some examples of Class C misdemeanors include traffic violations such as speeding or running a red light, public intoxication, disorderly conduct, trespassing and minor theft.
The classification of misdemeanors can differ from state to state. In some areas, Class C misdemeanors might be called something else like “petty misdemeanors”, or fall under a broader misdemeanor system.
Fines
The primary punishment for this type of crime is usually a fine, which can range from around $50 to $500, depending on the jurisdiction.
No jail time
Class C misdemeanors frequently do not result in jail sentences, though some states might impose a few days of detention under certain circumstances.
Minimal legal consequences
In many cases, convictions have minimal long-term legal consequences though they can still appear on a person’s criminal record, potentially affecting employment.
No formal trial
People charged with Class C misdemeanors generally do not go through a full trial. Instead, they may plead guilty and pay the fine or perform community service.