In Texas, misdemeanors are categorized into three classes: A, B, C

In Texas, misdemeanors are categorized into three classes

In Texas, misdemeanors are categorized into three classes based on their severity, with Class A misdemeanors being the most serious. Here’s a brief overview:

Class A Misdemeanors: These carry the harshest penalties among misdemeanors, with potential punishments of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. Examples include assault, violating a protective order, criminal trespass of a home, perjury, and burglary of a vehicle. Ma will result in the second instance of the same offense – DWI is the most common one I see.

Class B Misdemeanors: Conviction can result in up to 180 days’ jail time and a $2,000 fine. Indecent exposure, criminal mischief, and obstructing a roadway are some examples. DWI and POM (possession of Marijuana are the Mb charges I see most often.

Class C Misdemeanors: These are fine-only offenses with no jail time, carrying a maximum fine of $500. Public intoxication, petty theft under $100, and disorderly conduct offenses fall into this category.

Enhanced penalties may apply for repeat offenses or if the misdemeanor involves a vulnerable or protected individual, or is committed in a declared disaster or evacuation area. In some cases, misdemeanors can escalate to felonies based on prior convictions or the level of harm involved.

Understanding these distinctions can help you navigate rental criteria, or for simplification, contact an apartment locator that specializes in helping people with criminal issues. 

 

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Can a TX Apartment ban me because of my Criminal Issues? Isn't that Discrimination?

In Texas, apartment management companies have the discretion to establish their own rental criteria, which can include background checks for criminal history. 

While some misdemeanors may not automatically disqualify a potential tenant, others might, depending on the nature of the offense and the policies of the individual apartment complex.

It’s important to note that the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status. However, this federal law does not protect individuals with criminal records from being denied housing based solely on their criminal history.

Each apartment complex may have different policies regarding misdemeanors. Some may be more lenient, especially if the misdemeanors are non-violent, older, or if the individual has shown evidence of rehabilitation1. It’s advisable to check with various apartment complexes to understand their specific policies. Additionally, some legal resources may provide assistance or advice on how to approach renting with a misdemeanor on one’s record.

If you believe your rights under the Fair Housing Act have been violated, you can file a complaint with the appropriate authorities. For more detailed information, it would be best to consult with a legal professional or a tenant’s rights organization in Texas or look into an Apartment Locator that specializes in helping people with criminal issues. Copyright 2024, 24x7 Apartment Find and its associated web sites. 

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Why don't I guarantee your acceptance into the Apartments?

 

5188729 © Janaka Dharmasena | Dreamstime.com

I start with the Information you give me, then:

• I look up the criminal but only where you tell me to search. If you tell me you were convicted in Texas, then I don't look in Indiana or Florida (or any other state)

• I depend on the amount of income you indicated, if it's low, I ask you if it was the GROSS (or pre-tax income) and not the NET (or paycheck income) but that's all

• Unless you tell me, I don't know if you had any Rental History problems like a broken lease or an eviction. I do tell you to run your credit report and will provide you how to run it, but it's up to you.

• I don't research a roommate or girlfriend or boyfriend or spouse unless you tell me

• I don't control the timeframe. What I mean is if I check out the place in February and you take that information and don't apply until June - the information I gave you in February will probably not be valid in June

I control only one part of the pie. You control most of it. I count on you to follow the steps I give you, including getting back to me on a timely basis.

That's why I can't guarantee acceptance.