Should I Pay the Fine for a Misdemeanor Charge?

 Posted on July 31, 2025 in Criminal Defense

If you have received a citation for a Class C misdemeanor like public intoxication or disorderly conduct, you might be tempted to simply pay the fine. A penalty of a few hundred dollars may not seem like much, but the consequences can follow you for years to come. 

To protect your future, the best thing you can do is to seek out legal representation. A Denton County, TX criminal defense lawyer can go over your options to fight a public intoxication or disorderly conduct charge. At Magaña & Van Dyke, we have defended clients against a wide range of offenses, ranging from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. When you work with our firm, we will do everything in our power to mitigate the charges against you.

Is Paying a Fine an Admission of Guilt in Texas?

When you pay the fine for a Class C misdemeanor without jail time, you are essentially admitting that you committed that crime. This is treated as an immediate guilty plea, and you waive your right to a trial.

Taking the path of least resistance is rarely the best option in a criminal case. Instead, if you choose not to pay the ticket, you can fight the charge in court and potentially get the sentence reduced or dismissed. Our criminal defense lawyers can explore your options to avoid a conviction, such as pretrial diversion for a first offense.

What Are the Consequences of a Misdemeanor Conviction?

A Class C misdemeanor does not disappear after you pay the fine. Your criminal record will be accessible to anyone who runs a background check on you, including employers, universities, and landlords. The stigma of your conviction can adversely affect your future opportunities, even if it was just a small infraction from a long time ago.

The conviction will remain on your criminal record indefinitely unless you petition for a nondisclosure, which is a difficult process in itself. In many cases, you are better off contesting the charge rather than simply accepting a conviction.

What Should I Do if I Have Been Charged With a Class C Misdemeanor?

When you are charged with disorderly conduct or public intoxication, the citation will include a court date. This gives you time to prepare your defense and seek out legal representation. 

While your case is still ongoing, refrain from saying anything about your charges to anyone but your attorney. Any statements to police you make could be used as ammunition against you in court, no matter how well-meaning. At Magaña & Van Dyke, we can meet with you in private to discuss your strategy to fight the charge in court. We can also advise you of what to say in court and how to present yourself.

Since our firm was established, we have received numerous positive reviews praising our aggressive and persistent defense. You can rest assured that we will fight for the best possible outcome to your case, keeping your best interests in mind.

Contact a Denton County, TX Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with public intoxication or disorderly conduct, paying the fine could result in a lasting blemish on your record. At Magaña & Van Dyke, our Cooke County, TX criminal law attorneys can stand up for you in court to protect you from the collateral consequences of a conviction. Call us at 940-382-1976 to set up a free consultation.