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A Class A misdemeanor is Texas’ top misdemeanor charge

It is not a felony, but a Class A misdemeanor can bring up to a year in jail, a $4,000 fine, or both after a person is adjudged guilty.

Deshawn Carter

By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer

2 min read

A Class A misdemeanor in Texas is the highest of the state’s three misdemeanor categories. It is still a misdemeanor, not a felony.

Under the Texas Penal Code, an individual adjudged guilty of a Class A misdemeanor may face a fine of up to $4,000, jail confinement for up to one year, or both. Those are maximum penalties, not an automatic sentence.

Where Class A fits

Texas divides offenses into felonies and misdemeanors. The misdemeanor categories, ranked by relative seriousness, are Class A, Class B and Class C, according to the Texas Penal Code.

  • Class A: up to one year in jail, a fine up to $4,000, or both.
  • Class B: up to 180 days in jail, a fine up to $2,000, or both.
  • Class C: a fine up to $500.

Class A is the top misdemeanor tier. Felonies are a separate classification.

The offense statute controls

The Class A label describes the punishment category. Whether a particular alleged offense is classified that way depends on the law defining that offense and the facts alleged.

Harris County’s Managed Assigned Counsel lists burglary of a vehicle and carrying a gun without a permit as Class A misdemeanor examples. That list is a guide, not a case assessment.

What the maximum means

If an offense is charged and results in an adjudication of guilt as a Class A misdemeanor, Texas Penal Code Section 12.21 authorizes jail up to one year, a fine up to $4,000, or both.

For a case-specific answer, review the cited offense statute and speak with a qualified Texas criminal-defense lawyer.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Class A misdemeanor a felony in Texas?

No. Texas law treats felonies and misdemeanors as separate offense classifications. Class A is the highest of Texas’ three misdemeanor categories.

What is the maximum sentence for a Class A misdemeanor in Texas?

For an individual adjudged guilty, Texas Penal Code Section 12.21 permits a fine of up to $4,000, jail confinement for up to one year, or both. These are maximum penalties.

What is the difference between a Class A, B and C misdemeanor in Texas?

Class A carries up to one year in jail and/or a $4,000 fine. Class B carries up to 180 days in jail and/or a $2,000 fine. Class C is punishable by a fine of up to $500.

What offenses can be Class A misdemeanors in Texas?

Harris County’s Managed Assigned Counsel gives burglary of a vehicle and carrying a gun without a permit as examples. The law governing the particular alleged offense controls its classification.

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