The statistics connected with the number of people in jail who have not yet been convicted of a crime are alarming. Most of these men and women are there because they cannot afford bail. Many live in states that do not allow bail bonds, an option for people to arrange for a surety bond in lieu of jail. They may have been charged with an offense as minor as a Petty Misdemeanor in Tyler TX. Fortunately, Texas does allow bail bond agencies to do business there. Low-income individuals can seek their freedom with the assistance of these agencies.
Misdemeanors and Felonies
Criminal offenses are broadly categorized by types of misdemeanors and felonies, which are more serious offenses. Yet even a misdemeanor can result in jail time, depending on the circumstances. In fact, in Texas, some misdemeanors can lead to a sentence of a full year in jail.
What Is a Misdemeanor?
Misdemeanors do not involve serious violent activity or the theft of highly valuable property. Some of the more common misdemeanor charges include disorderly conduct, possession of a controlled substance and certain types of theft. Perhaps the most common form of petty theft is shoplifting items that are not high in value.
Nevertheless, stealing items with a total value ranging from $50 to $500 bumps the offense from a class C to a class B misdemeanor. A judge can sentence a person convicted of that offense to 180 days in jail.
A Repeat Offense
A Petty Misdemeanor in Tyler TX usually would not result in a sentence of jail time, but rather a steep fine. However, if the person had previously been convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony, the situation changes because this is not the first offense. This individual may be arrested and now must figure out how to pay bail or obtain a bond from an agency like Strike Three Bail Bonds. Waiting in jail often feels unacceptable because the person is supposed to be at work within the next day or two. There may be essential family obligations as well.
