List the three classifications of misdemeanors.

• A. Class A, Class B, and Class C misdemeanors
• B. Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 misdemeanors
• C. Minor, Moderate, and Serious misdemeanors
• D. Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary misdemeanors

Answer: (A)

Texas law categorizes misdemeanors into three classes: Class A, Class B, and Class C. This system sets the severity and penalties for each offense. A Class A misdemeanor is the most serious, with potential jail time of up to one year and a fine of up to $4,000. A Class B misdemeanor can bring up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $2,000. A Class C misdemeanor carries a fine only, up to $500, with no jail time. This graduated scale helps ensure penalties fit the offense and provides a clear framework for courts to follow. Other naming schemes like numerical 1–3 or descriptors such as Minor/Moderate/Serious are not used for Texas misdemeanor classifications, so they don’t reflect the official structure.