Stephenville Misdemeanor Defense Attorney

A Stephenville Native Defending Clients Across Erath, Somervell & Eastland Counties

A misdemeanor charge can follow you long after the courtroom appearance is over. Employment screenings, housing applications, professional licenses, and academic standing at Tarleton State University can all be affected by a conviction that many people assume is “minor.” At Law Offices of Brady L. Pendleton, we represent clients facing misdemeanor charges in Stephenville and throughout Erath, Somervell, and Eastland Counties. Acting quickly gives us the best opportunity to review evidence, identify procedural issues, and build a defense before your case advances.

Brady L. Pendleton is a Stephenville native who has practiced in Erath County courts for years, served on the Stephenville City Council and as Mayor Pro-Tem from 2012 to 2023, and has been recognized as a SuperLawyers Rising Star every year since 2019. That depth of local knowledge shapes every decision we make. We’ve handled thousands of cases, we’re available 24/7, and we offer free initial consultations. Spanish-speaking representation is available. Clients receive one-on-one attention at every stage, and we respond promptly so you’re not left waiting for answers.

Call Law Offices of Brady L. Pendleton today at (888) 246-6869 or contact us online to request a consultation with our misdemeanor lawyer in Stephenville.

What Is a Misdemeanor in Texas?

Under the Texas Penal Code, misdemeanors fall between infractions and felonies and are divided into three classes, each carrying different maximum penalties. Class C misdemeanors are handled in the Stephenville Municipal Court. Class A and B matters are processed through the Erath County Court at Law at the Donald R. Jones Justice Center in Stephenville.

Common misdemeanor offenses include petty theft, simple assault, public intoxication, first-offense DWI, minor drug possession, and certain property damage offenses.

Misdemeanors in Texas are classified into three categories:

• Class A misdemeanors: The most serious misdemeanor level, carrying up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
• Class B misdemeanors: Punishable by up to 180 days in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
• Class C misdemeanors: Punishable by a fine of up to $500, with no possibility of jail time.

Penalties & Collateral Consequences in Erath County

Fines and potential jail time are only part of the picture. A misdemeanor conviction creates a permanent criminal record that affects employment background checks, rental applications, and educational opportunities long after the case closes. For students at Tarleton State University, a conviction can trigger scholarship restrictions or program consequences that outlast the legal proceeding itself.

Brady L. Pendleton has been recognized as Best Attorney in Erath County on multiple occasions, and that familiarity with how local courts approach sentencing directly informs the guidance we give clients. We look at the full picture, not just the immediate charge.

Beyond fines and potential jail time, a misdemeanor conviction can affect:

• Criminal record: A permanent record that surfaces in employment, housing, and educational screenings.
• Driver’s license: DWI and drug-related offenses can result in suspension; an occupational driver’s license may preserve essential driving privileges in qualifying cases.
• Probation: A judge may impose probation in lieu of jail time, typically requiring regular check-ins, possible counseling, and strict compliance conditions.
• Future penalties: Repeat misdemeanor convictions under Texas law can trigger escalated penalties, including longer jail time and higher fines.
• Professional licensing: Fields such as nursing, teaching, and law enforcement carry strict criminal history requirements that a misdemeanor conviction can jeopardize.

Defense Strategies for Misdemeanor Charges in Erath County

No two misdemeanor cases are the same, and we don’t treat them as if they were. Brady L. Pendleton’s hands-on experience with Erath County prosecutors and judges allows us to identify which defense approaches are realistic for a given case rather than applying a one-size-fits-all strategy. In one documented client matter, Brady reduced a charge from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class B by filing a motion to suppress and securing judicial review of video evidence.

Common defense strategies in Erath County misdemeanor cases include:

• Lack of evidence: When the evidence is insufficient to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, we work to have charges reduced or dismissed.
• Unlawful search and seizure: Evidence obtained in violation of Fourth Amendment protections may be inadmissible, and we scrutinize how evidence was gathered in every case.
• Self-defense: Texas law recognizes justification when a person was protecting themselves or others; we present that argument when the facts support it.
• Mistaken identity: Thorough review of arrest records, witness accounts, and available footage can surface exculpatory material when misidentification is a factor.
• Procedural errors: Mistakes at any stage of the arrest or charging process can result in reduced penalties or dismissed charges, and we review every step.