Fort Bend Misdemeanor Lawyer

A misdemeanor conviction in Fort Bend County can follow you for life, affecting your job prospects, housing applications, and professional licenses. Whether you’re facing a first offense or dealing with enhanced charges, you need an experienced Fort Bend misdemeanor lawyer who understands how to protect your future. At Varghese Summersett, we’ve helped thousands of Texans fight criminal charges, and we can help you too.

Why Clients Choose Varghese Summersett for Misdemeanor Defense

Our Fort Bend criminal defense team brings over 100 years of combined experience to every case we handle. Our attorneys include Board Certified specialists in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and former prosecutors who understand exactly how the other side builds cases against defendants like you.

Across our four Texas offices in Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, and Southlake, our 70-member team has secured more than 1,600 dismissals and 800 charge reductions. We know what it takes to fight misdemeanor charges in Fort Bend County, from negotiating with prosecutors at the Fort Bend County Justice Center to challenging evidence at trial. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but our track record speaks to our commitment to every client we represent.

Common Misdemeanors We Handle in Fort Bend County

Texas law divides misdemeanors into three classes, each carrying different potential penalties. Fort Bend County prosecutors pursue these charges aggressively, but an experienced defense attorney can often secure dismissals, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing that keeps your record clean.

Class A Misdemeanors

Class A misdemeanors are the most serious misdemeanor offenses in Texas, punishable by up to one year in county jail and fines up to $4,000. Common Class A charges we defend in Fort Bend County include:

• Assault causing bodily injury (Texas Penal Code § 22.01) when the victim is not a family member
• Assault causing bodily injury to a family member (first offense) under Texas Penal Code § 22.01(a)(1)
• DWI with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 or higher
• Second DWI offense
• Theft of property valued between $750 and $2,500
• Unlawful carrying of a weapon
• Resisting arrest
• Burglary of a vehicle

In our analysis of over 10,000 Fort Bend County bonds, assault causing bodily injury to a family member was one of the most common charges, with 788 cases in 2025 alone. The most common bond for these cases was $2,000.

Class B Misdemeanors

Class B misdemeanors carry up to 180 days in county jail and fines up to $2,000. These include:

• First-offense DWI under Texas Penal Code § 49.04
• Possession of marijuana under 2 ounces (Texas Health & Safety Code § 481.121)
• Theft of property valued between $100 and $750
• Criminal mischief ($100 to $750 in damages)
• Evading arrest on foot
• Criminal trespass
• Terroristic threat
• Indecent exposure
• Prostitution (first offense)
• Harassment

First-offense DWI is one of the most frequently charged offenses in Fort Bend County. Our bond data shows 658 standard DWI cases in 2025, with the most common bond set at $1,500.

Class C Misdemeanors

Class C misdemeanors are fine-only offenses with no jail time, punishable by fines up to $500. However, they still create a criminal record. Common Class C offenses include:

• Minor traffic violations
• Public intoxication
• Disorderly conduct
• Theft under $100
• Minor in possession of alcohol
• Assault by contact (offensive touching without injury)

Penalties for Misdemeanor Convictions in Texas

The consequences of a misdemeanor conviction extend far beyond jail time and fines. Understanding what you’re facing helps you make informed decisions about your defense.

Class A Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in Fort Bend County Jail, fines up to $4,000, community supervision (probation), community service, and a permanent criminal record.

Class B Misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail, fines up to $2,000, probation, community service, and for DWI convictions, driver’s license suspension for 90 days to 2 years.

Class C Misdemeanor: No jail time, but fines up to $500 and a criminal record.

Collateral Consequences

Beyond the direct penalties, a misdemeanor conviction can affect your employment opportunities (many employers conduct background checks), professional licensing (nurses, teachers, real estate agents, and other licensed professionals may face disciplinary action), housing applications (landlords routinely reject applicants with criminal records), college admissions and financial aid, child custody determinations, and immigration status for non-citizens.

What to Expect: Bond Amounts in Fort Bend County

If you’re arrested for a misdemeanor in Fort Bend County, understanding typical bond amounts can help you prepare. Based on our analysis of 10,241 bonds set in Fort Bend County in 2025, here are typical bond amounts for common misdemeanor offenses:

DWI (first offense, Texas Penal Code § 49.04): The most common bond is $1,500, with an average of $2,476.

DWI with BAC 0.15 or higher (Texas Penal Code § 49.04(d)): The most common bond is $2,000, with an average of $4,760.

Assault causing bodily injury to family member: The most common bond is $2,000, with an average of $5,051.

Possession of marijuana under 2 ounces (Texas Health & Safety Code § 481.121): The most common bond is $500, with an average of $1,243.

Theft $100 to $750 (Texas Penal Code § 31.03): The most common bond is $500, with an average of $2,299.

Criminal trespass (Texas Penal Code § 30.05): The most common bond is $1,000, with an average of $2,433.

Resisting arrest (Texas Penal Code § 38.03): The most common bond is $2,000, with an average of $2,853.

Bond amounts can vary significantly based on your criminal history, ties to the community, the specific facts of your case, and the magistrate’s discretion. If you’re struggling to post bond, call us. We may be able to help you get a bond reduction.

Defense Strategies for Fort Bend Misdemeanor Cases

Every case is different, but our Fort Bend defense attorneys know how to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build strong defenses. Some common strategies include:

Challenging the traffic stop or arrest: If police lacked reasonable suspicion to stop you or probable cause to arrest you, any evidence obtained may be suppressed.

Questioning witness credibility: In assault cases, the alleged victim’s account may be contradicted by other evidence or witnesses.

Testing the evidence: In drug cases, we may challenge whether the substance was actually an illegal drug or whether it belonged to you.

Negotiating for dismissal or reduction: Prosecutors often agree to dismiss charges or reduce them to lesser offenses when defense attorneys present compelling evidence or identify problems with the state’s case.

Pursuing deferred adjudication or pretrial diversion: For first-time offenders, these programs can result in dismissed charges and a clean record.

Ready to discuss your defense options? Call (281) 805-2220 for a free consultation.

The Criminal Court Process in Fort Bend County

Fort Bend County misdemeanor cases are handled in the County Courts at Law at the Fort Bend County Justice Center in Richmond. Understanding the process helps you know what to expect.

What to Do After an Arrest

First, exercise your right to remain silent. Politely decline to answer questions without an attorney present. Do not discuss your case with anyone except your lawyer, and don’t post about your arrest on social media. Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. The sooner you have legal representation, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.

Arraignment and Bond

At your first court appearance, you’ll be formally advised of the charges and your rights. If you’re still in custody, bond will be addressed. Your attorney can argue for a reasonable bond or a personal recognizance bond.

Discovery and Investigation

Your attorney will obtain all evidence the prosecution has, including police reports, body camera footage, witness statements, and lab results. We’ll conduct our own investigation, interview witnesses, and identify weaknesses in the state’s case.

Negotiations and Resolution

Many misdemeanor cases are resolved through negotiations with prosecutors. Depending on the evidence and your background, possible outcomes include dismissal, reduction to a lesser charge, deferred adjudication (probation that results in dismissal), or a plea agreement with favorable terms.

Trial

If negotiations don’t produce an acceptable outcome, you have the right to trial. Our attorneys have significant trial experience and aren’t afraid to fight for you in court.

Real Results in Criminal Cases

Our attorneys have achieved results like these in misdemeanor cases across Texas:

In one case, a client faced assault charges enhanced by a previous conviction. Our attorney Tiffany Burks investigated the case and secured a complete dismissal (Case No. 1839896). In another matter, a client charged with DWI in Tarrant County had their case reduced to Obstruction of Highway with 12-month deferred adjudication, avoiding a DWI conviction on their record.

We’ve also helped clients accused of theft enter deferred prosecution programs that led to case dismissals, and we’ve secured early termination of probation for clients who demonstrated compliance with court requirements.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but these examples illustrate our commitment to pursuing every available avenue for our clients.

What to Expect From Varghese Summersett

When you hire our firm for your Fort Bend County misdemeanor case, you get a team that treats you with respect and fights for your future. We’ll review all the evidence in your case, identify every possible defense, and explain your options in plain language so you can make informed decisions.

We maintain open communication throughout the process. You’ll have direct access to your attorney and regular updates on your case. We know that a criminal charge is stressful, and we’re here to guide you through every step.

Our goal is always the best possible outcome for your situation, whether that’s a dismissal, reduction, acquittal, or minimizing the consequences of a conviction.

Have more questions? Watch our video series where our attorneys answer common questions: Fort Bend County Criminal Defense FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Misdemeanors in Fort Bend County

Will a misdemeanor show up on a background check?

Yes. Misdemeanor convictions appear on criminal background checks and can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing. This is why fighting for a dismissal or pursuing expunction after completing deferred adjudication is so valuable.

Can I get a misdemeanor expunged in Texas?

It depends on the outcome of your case. If your case was dismissed or you were acquitted, you may be eligible for expunction. If you completed deferred adjudication, you may be eligible for an order of nondisclosure, which seals your record from most public access. Our attorneys can evaluate your eligibility.

What’s the difference between jail and prison for misdemeanors?

Misdemeanors are punishable by time in county jail (Fort Bend County Jail), not state prison. State prison sentences are reserved for felonies. The maximum jail sentence for a Class A misdemeanor is one year; for a Class B, it’s 180 days.

How long does a misdemeanor case take in Fort Bend County?

Case timelines vary significantly depending on the complexity of the charges, the evidence involved, and court schedules. Simple cases may resolve in a few months, while more complex matters can take longer. Your attorney will give you realistic timeline expectations based on your specific situation.

Should I just plead guilty to get it over with?

No. Before entering any plea, you should consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. There may be defenses you’re not aware of, or opportunities to have charges dismissed or reduced. A guilty plea creates a permanent criminal record that can affect you for years.

Don’t let a misdemeanor charge derail your future. Call Varghese Summersett at (281) 805-2220 today to schedule your free consultation with a Fort Bend misdemeanor lawyer who will fight for you.