August 06, 2004, 03:08
brownman40Criminal records (regarding Class C misdemeanors)
I have always been under the impression that Class C offenses do not appear on someone's DPS criminal record. I believe the two relevant statutes relating to this come from the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Penal Code.
*******************
Criminal Procedure Art 60.05
Types of information collected
The criminal justice information system must contain but is not
limited to the following types of information for each arrest for a
felony or a misdemeanor
not punishable by fine only:
...
Penal Code 12.03 (c)
Conviction of a Class C misdemeanor does not impose any legal disability or disadvantage.
*******************
If the class C misdemeanor is a moving citation, it appears on the DPS driving record for 5 years, but I'm certain it does not appear on a criminal record. But do cases like an Fail to Appear (FTA) for a traffic ticket, DUI, PI, or Disorderly Conduct appear on a criminal record if an arrest is made? The statutes lead me to believe that since Class C misdemeanors are defined as misdemeanors that are punishable by fine only, they would not. However, I am not confident enough to state this as fact. Also, if my interpretation is indeed correct, how does the DPS determine if a CCH applicant has been convicted of disorderly conduct in the past 5 years?
[This message was edited by brownman40 on 08-06-04 at .]