The bottom line: A misdemeanor in Denton County is a criminal charge — not a citation — and a conviction stays on your record permanently. Whether you’re facing a Class A, B, or C misdemeanor, the right defense attorney can fight to get the charge dismissed, reduced, or resolved through a diversion program before it follows you for life.
Facing a misdemeanor charge in Denton County can feel like a turning point — and it is. A conviction can cost you your job, your professional license, your housing, and your reputation. At Varghese Summersett, we take misdemeanor cases as seriously as felonies, because we know the stakes are real for the people we represent.
Our criminal defense team brings more than 100 years of combined experience to every case, including attorneys who have tried more than 100 jury trials each. The firm has achieved over 1,600 dismissals and 800+ charge reductions across Texas. We have four offices — Fort Worth, Dallas, Southlake, and Houston — and a team of 70+ professionals dedicated to results.
Attorney Ashley Feldt is an experienced Denton County misdemeanor lawyer who served as a former Assistant District Attorney in both Denton and Dallas counties — she knows exactly how the Denton County DA’s office evaluates cases and makes charging decisions, and she uses that knowledge to defend clients accused of misdemeanors throughout the county.
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What Is a Misdemeanor in Texas?
Under Texas Penal Code § 12.21–12.23, misdemeanors are divided into three classes, each carrying different maximum penalties. The class of the offense depends on the specific charge and the circumstances.
Misdemeanor charges are heard in the Denton County Court at Law, located at the Denton County Courts Building at 1450 E. McKinney St., Denton, TX 76209. Misdemeanor cases move faster than felony dockets, which means you have less time to build a defense if you wait.
Misdemeanor Classes and Penalties
- Class A Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in Denton County Jail and a fine up to $4,000. Common examples include assault causing bodily injury, DWI with a BAC of 0.15 or higher, and theft between $100 and $750 with prior convictions.
- Class B Misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in county jail and a fine up to $2,000. Common examples include first-offense DWI, possession of marijuana (up to 2 oz), criminal trespass, and theft of property valued between $100 and $750.
- Class C Misdemeanor: Fine only — up to $500, no jail time. Common examples include assault by contact, disorderly conduct, and minor in possession of alcohol.
What the Prosecution Must Prove
Every misdemeanor charge has specific elements the State must prove. Under the Texas Penal Code, the burden of proof is on the State — the defendant has no obligation to prove innocence. The prosecution must establish every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt — the highest standard in the law.
For example, a Class A misdemeanor assault charge under Texas Penal Code § 22.01 requires the State to prove that the defendant intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly caused bodily injury to another person. If the State cannot prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt, the jury must acquit — or the charge should never reach a jury at all.
That phrase — “beyond a reasonable doubt” — is the most demanding standard in any courtroom. A skilled defense attorney examines every element the State intends to prove and looks for weaknesses, gaps, and constitutional problems before your case ever goes to trial.
Common Misdemeanor Charges in Denton County
Our team defends clients against the full range of misdemeanor charges in Denton County. Some of the most frequently seen include:
- Assault (Class A or Class C)
- DWI — First Offense (Class B) or High BAC (Class A)
- Possession of Marijuana Under 2 oz (Class B)
- Theft of Property $100–$750 (Class B)
- Criminal Trespass (Class A or B)
- Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon (Class A)
- Evading Arrest or Detention (Class A)
- Family Violence Assault (Class A)
- Failure to Identify (Class B or A)
- Disorderly Conduct (Class C)
Even a Class C misdemeanor conviction can create problems. It shows up on background checks and can become relevant if you ever face a future charge — since Texas law frequently enhances penalties based on prior convictions.
Bond Amounts for Misdemeanor Charges in Denton County
Based on an analysis Varghese Summersett completed of over 12,937 bonds in Denton County, here are typical bond amounts for the most common misdemeanor-level charges:
Assault (Class A – Bodily Injury, Family Member)
| Charge | Average Bond | Most Common Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Assault – Bodily Injury, Family Member (§22.01) | $5,684 | $2,500 |
| Assault – Bodily Injury (Non-Family) | $5,331 | $2,500 |
DWI (Class B and Class A)
| Charge | Average Bond | Most Common Bond |
|---|---|---|
| DWI – First Offense (§49.04) | $2,218 | $2,500 |
| DWI – BAC ≥ 0.15 (§49.04(d)) | $3,551 | $2,500 |
| DWI – Second Offense (§49.09(a)) | $8,589 | $5,000 |
Theft and Trespass
| Charge | Average Bond | Most Common Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Trespass (§30.05) | $1,912 | $1,500 |
Bond can be higher or lower depending on your criminal history, the specific facts of the case, and how the judge views the risk of flight or public safety. An attorney can sometimes seek a bond reduction hearing if the initial bond is set unreasonably high.
Common Defenses to Misdemeanor Charges
Every element the State must prove is also a potential weakness in its case. A good Denton County misdemeanor lawyer does not wait for trial to looking for problems — the investigation begins the moment you hire us. Depending on your charge, defenses may include:
Challenging the stop or search. If law enforcement stopped you without reasonable suspicion or searched you without a warrant or valid exception, evidence gathered as a result may be suppressed. A motion to suppress can knock out the State’s best evidence before trial.
Disputing the facts. Witness memories are unreliable. Surveillance footage can be incomplete. Police reports contain errors. We review everything — the offense report, body camera footage, dispatch records, and witness statements — looking for inconsistencies that undermine the State’s narrative.
Contesting intent or knowledge. Many misdemeanor charges require proof that you acted intentionally or knowingly. If the State cannot prove the required mental state, the charge falls apart.
Self-defense. In assault cases, Texas law recognizes the right to defend yourself or others. Under Texas Penal Code § 9.31, a person is justified in using force against another when and to the degree reasonably believed necessary to protect against unlawful force.
Diversion programs. Denton County offers first-time offender programs and pretrial diversion options for eligible defendants. Successful completion can result in dismissal of the charge and — in many cases — the ability to pursue an expunction. This is not available in every case, and an attorney can evaluate whether you qualify.
The Legal Process: What to Expect After a Misdemeanor Arrest in Denton County
Misdemeanor cases in Denton County move through a predictable process, though the timeline and strategy vary by charge and circumstances. Here is what typically happens:
Arrest and booking. After arrest, you’ll be taken to the Denton County Jail at 127 N. Woodrow Lane, Denton, TX. Bond is set — either by a magistrate or a schedule — and you can be released once bond is posted.
Arraignment. Your first court appearance is the arraignment, where the formal charge is read.
Discovery. Your attorney requests all evidence the State has — offense reports, video, witness statements, forensic results. This is where the defense begins to take shape.
Plea negotiations or motions. Most misdemeanor cases resolve without trial through negotiations with the prosecutor. Your Denton County misdemeanor lawyer may also file pretrial motions — including motions to suppress evidence — to weaken the State’s case before any plea is accepted.
Trial. If no acceptable resolution is reached, your case proceeds to trial. Misdemeanor trials in Denton County are heard in the county courts at law. You have the right to a jury trial, and that right is a powerful tool — because the State must convince all twelve jurors beyond a reasonable doubt.
Time matters. Evidence degrades. Witnesses become harder to locate. The earlier you retain an attorney, the more options you have.
Consequences Beyond the Courtroom
A misdemeanor conviction does not stay inside the courthouse. The collateral consequences can follow you for years:
- Background checks — employers, landlords, and licensing boards see criminal convictions
- Professional license issues — many Texas licensing agencies can deny or revoke a license based on a misdemeanor conviction involving moral turpitude or certain offenses
- Immigration consequences — non-citizens can face serious immigration consequences even for misdemeanor convictions
- Enhanced future charges — a prior misdemeanor conviction can elevate a future charge to a higher class or even a felony
- Family law impact — a conviction can be raised in custody proceedings
- Loss of certain rights — a Class A misdemeanor family violence conviction triggers a federal prohibition on firearm possession
These are not abstract risks. They are the reason a misdemeanor charge deserves serious legal attention from day one.
What to Expect from Varghese Summersett
Our clients are not case numbers. From your first call through the resolution of your case, you’ll work with attorneys who know Denton County’s courts, prosecutors, and judges. Attorney Ashley Feldt is a former ADA in Denton County who understands how the DA’s office approaches charging decisions and what it takes to build reasonable doubt or negotiate a favorable outcome.
The firm’s track record reflects what’s possible when experienced attorneys take misdemeanor defense seriously: over 1,600 dismissals and more than 800 charge reductions across Texas. We pursue every avenue — pretrial diversion, motions to suppress, charge reductions, and jury trial — to find the best path forward for your specific situation.
Varghese Summersett is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Reach our Denton County team at (940) 252-2220.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will a misdemeanor conviction stay on my record forever in Texas?
A misdemeanor conviction is permanent unless you qualify for an expunction or order of nondisclosure. Expunctions are available when charges are dismissed or you are acquitted. Nondisclosures can seal certain records from public view after you successfully complete deferred adjudication probation. An attorney can tell you which option — if any — you may qualify for once your case is resolved.
Can a misdemeanor be reduced or dismissed in Denton County?
Yes. Depending on the facts, your criminal history, and the strength of the State’s evidence, a misdemeanor can be reduced to a lesser charge, resolved through deferred adjudication, accepted into a pretrial diversion program, or dismissed outright. None of these outcomes is guaranteed, but all are possibilities that an experienced defense attorney will actively pursue on your behalf.
Do I need a lawyer for a Class C misdemeanor?
Many people believe Class C charges are too minor to require legal representation. That thinking can backfire. A conviction — even a $500 fine — creates a criminal record. And if you ever face a future Class C charge, the prior conviction can be used to enhance the new charge to a Class B misdemeanor. An attorney can often resolve a Class C charge in a way that avoids a conviction entirely.
What happens if I miss a court date in Denton County?
Missing a court date — called Failure to Appear — typically results in a warrant being issued for your arrest and an additional criminal charge. If you have missed a court date, contact an attorney immediately. In many situations, an attorney can help address the warrant and work to minimize the additional consequences before law enforcement locates you.
How long does a misdemeanor case take to resolve in Denton County?
Timelines vary. A simple Class B case that resolves through a plea or diversion program may be concluded in a few months. Cases involving motions to suppress or that proceed to trial can take a year or longer. Your attorney will give you a realistic timeline based on the specific charge and the current state of the Denton County docket.
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A misdemeanor charge does not have to define what comes next. Varghese Summersett’s Denton County defense team is standing by around the clock. Speak with an attorney today at (940) 252-2220.
