The Misdemeanor Section serves two main functions: to prosecute all Class A and B misdemeanor cases filed in Tarrant County and to train and educate prosecutors to be effective and ethical attorneys. Twenty-four misdemeanor attorneys handle cases assigned to the ten misdemeanor courts. Three misdemeanor attorneys assist in prosecuting juvenile offenders. The attorneys are supervised by a chief and a deputy chief. The attorneys are assisted by four investigators and nine support staff.

The county criminal courts hearing misdemeanor cases are the busiest criminal courts in Tarrant County in terms of caseload. They handle about 27,000 cases per year. The cases are divided between the prosecutors assigned to each court.

Class A or B misdemeanors in Texas are punishable by a fine and/or confinement in the county jail. For a Class A misdemeanor, jail time is up to one year; for a Class B misdemeanor, it is up to 180 days. Cases classified as misdemeanors range from burglary of a motor vehicle to shoplifting. Two of the most common misdemeanor offenses are driving while intoxicated and family violence assault cases. Family violence cases are handled by a special Family Violence Unit and court.

The Misdemeanor Section aggressively prosecutes DWI cases in order to make Tarrant County’s streets and residents as safe as possible. In cooperation with many Tarrant County police agencies, we have a firm "no tolerance" policy in these cases. Each DWI case is carefully evaluated and handled in a way designed to best protect the residents of Tarrant County. In 2000, 95 percent of all disposed DWI cases were handled through a guilty plea or by a guilty verdict after a contested trial.

The Misdemeanor Section trains prosecutors to try major criminal cases. Because this is such an important responsibility, we place great emphasis on education and ethics. Prosecutors receive on-the-job training every day in the courtroom and in the office. The deputy chief of the Misdemeanor Section coordinates an extensive in-house legal education program that brings in national, state, and local speakers on topics ranging from improving courtroom skills to understanding and using DNA and other technology in trial. These seminars allow Tarrant County prosecutors to stay informed on current legal issues and to improve their trial skills.