State Charges
Providing the Defense You Need
West Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers
Fighting State Charges Throughout Midland-Odessa
When it comes to disputing criminal charges, it’s important to understand the distinction between state and federal offenses. Federal charges are crimes that involve multiple states, have to do with interstate affairs, or are otherwise in violation of federal law. These are subject to prosecution in federal courts. On the other hand, state offenses are generally crimes that have been committed within a particular state’s jurisdiction and, as such, are prosecuted by that state. Though tried in state courts, these charges can be just as serious as federal offenses. People who violate state laws may receive misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the circumstances of their alleged crime.
We are a criminal defense firm dedicated to empowering the communities in and around Midland-Odessa through effective legal services. We accept clients from Ward County to Howard County, and everywhere in between. Our experienced attorneys can help you defend yourself against state charges and work toward an outcome that preserves your future.
Contact Wolf, Stallings & Mayo today to schedule a free consultation with our West Texas criminal defense attorneys.
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If you need a good criminal attorney I would definitely look into hiring Wolf, Stallings & Mayo.
John and Andrew's hard work spared us the trauma, time, humiliations and yes, money, that a trial would have brought. They are still doing some work on expungement for me on my case, and there is absolutely nobody I would trust more.
- Kristy M. -
I'm glad I chose them to help me with my case!
Andrew van der Hoeven is such an awesome attorney! He helped me get my brother-in-law's case done in less than a month. He is an awesome person, he is patient with you, he works with you, and he explains what's going on.
- Gelasia M. -
I recommend this firm to anyone, regardless how big or small your case is.
Nothing serious, just a traffic ticket but as a CDL holder it was worth it to fight the ticket. Tyler Mayo did an exceptional job and I was found Not Guilty!
- Rodney S.
State-Level Misdemeanors and Felonies in Texas
Texas law describes a wide range of criminal offenses that can be charged at the state level. State misdemeanor charges are broken down into Class A, Class B, and Class C offenses. Examples of the least serious category, Class C misdemeanors, are common traffic violations, petty theft (unarmed), public intoxication, and first-time DWI offenses. Class A charges, which are the most serious misdemeanors, include second DWI offenses, assault causing bodily injury, domestic violence, possession of marijuana (2-4 ounces), and more.
State misdemeanors receive the following penalties:
- Class A: Incarceration (county) up to but less than 1 year, fines up to $4,000 (TPC §12.21)
- Class B: Incarceration (county) up to but less than 180 days, fines up to $2,000 (TPC §12.22)
- Class C: No jail time, fines up to $500 (TPC §12.23)
Common Traffic Citations in West Texas
There are many kinds of traffic citations that people may receive. The two main categories are parking and moving violations. While minor parking violations are typically civil offenses, which do not go on one’s criminal record and are punishable through fines, many moving violations can result in criminal charges. It’s also important to know that certain offenses, such as assault with a motor vehicle and driving while intoxicated, are treated separately from other traffic violations in the Texas Penal Code. DWI offenses may carry sentences as short as 3 days or as long as several years, varying based on past violations, BAC level, whether or not you caused an accident, and other factors surrounding the alleged offense.
Parking violations include:
- Blocking a fire hydrant or fire zone
- Obstructing an intersection or crosswalk
- Parking in a “No Parking” or loading zone (except when loading/unloading)
- Parking outside of the lines
- Parking in a handicapped space without a permit (can carry misdemeanor charges)
The following are common moving violations:
- Speeding (charges differ based on speed, >/< 10% over the designated limit)
- Speeding through a school zone
- Driving while intoxicated (DWI)/driving under the influence (DUI)
- Failure to use turn signals
- Running red lights and disregarding blinking yellow lights
- Disregarding traffic signs (yield signs, stop signs, railroad crossings, etc.)
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Driving without a license or permit
- Driving while license invalid (DWLI)
- Driving without wearing a seatbelt
- Following too closely behind another driver
- Racing
- Reckless driving
- Hauling offenses (e.g., failing to stop at a RR crossing while hauling flammable materials)
The Importance of Disputing Traffic Tickets
Although it may seem simplest just to pay a traffic ticket, it’s important to dispute them when possible. Paying your fine is a way of admitting guilt. Even minor violations could lead to higher insurance rates and impact your driving history in various ways, especially when you already have other minor or major violations on your record. By not disputing traffic citations now, you could risk losing your license or facing jail time down the road.
At Wolf, Stallings & Mayo, we are committed to helping West Texans fight traffic tickets. With experiences in law enforcement and prosecution, you can be sure that our lawyers have what it takes to help you investigate the circumstances of the alleged violation, scrutinize the “cause” of your traffic stop or arrest, and represent you throughout any court proceedings if necessary. Outcomes depend on your specific circumstances, but it may be possible to have your charges reduced or dismissed, or to negotiate lighter penalties.
If you’ve been issued a traffic citation in or around Midland-Odessa, call our Midland traffic violation attorneys today at (432) 237-3530.
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