The Misdemeanor Division of the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office handles all Class A and B Misdemeanor offenses that occur in Dallas County. There are thirteen courts that handle over 40,000 cases per year.
The Misdemeanor Division consists of 36 prosecutors and three supervisors — a Chief and two deputies. These supervisors train all new prosecutors, conduct office wide training, and facilitate the intern program. Each court has a legal assistant and the division has two investigators.
Two of the misdemeanor courts specialize in violence between intimate partners. The cases assigned to those courts are assigned to both a prosecutor and a victim advocate. The victim advocates assist victims in navigating the criminal justice system, providing information regarding resources, and doing safety planning.
Class A Misdemeanors are punishable by a sentence of up to one year in the county jail and/or a fine not to exceed $4,000. The sentence may be probated up to two years. Burglary of a Motor Vehicle, Theft (with loss over $750 but less than $2,500), Driving While Intoxicated 2nd, and Assault are all examples of Class A offenses.
Class B Misdemeanors are punishable by a sentence of up to 180 days in the county jail and a fine not to exceed $2,000. The sentence may be probated up to two years. Criminal Mischief, Theft (with loss over $100 but less than $750), Criminal Trespass, Terroristic Threat, and Driving While Intoxicated are examples of Class B offenses.
