What category does a Class A misdemeanor fall under in Texas law?

A Class A misdemeanor in Texas law is categorized specifically as a misdemeanor offense. Misdemeanors are less severe than felonies and encompass various criminal activities that are typically punishable by fines and/or confinement in city or county jail, as opposed to prison. Class A misdemeanors are the most serious type of misdemeanor, carrying potential penalties which can include up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000.

Understanding this classification is important because it helps distinguish the severity of offenses within the Texas criminal justice system, where felonies represent more serious crimes with harsher punishments compared to misdemeanors. Other categories like criminal offenses provide a broader classification which includes both felonies and misdemeanors, but a Class A misdemeanor specifically falls under the category of misdemeanors.