The Misdemeanor Trial Division of the Collin County Criminal District Attorney’s Office is charged with the prosecution of all Class A and Class B misdemeanor offenses filed within Collin County. Misdemeanor prosecutors in Collin County aggressively prosecute cases with a particular emphasis on Driving While Intoxicated cases. Collin County has taken a progressive approach toward prosecuting DWI cases using blood search warrants in cases where defendants refuse to provide a breath or blood specimen.
Newly elected Criminal District Attorney Greg Willis instituted a Felony Training Program that allows misdemeanor-level attorneys to cross-train in the felony district courts, Appellate Division, and Grand Jury/Intake Division. All attorneys are required to undergo this type of training before being promoted to misdemeanor court chief.
There are seven county courts at law in Collin County with each court disposing of approximately 1,500 cases per year. There were 243 cases tried in the misdemeanor courts in 2010. There are two prosecutors assigned to each court, along with an investigator and legal secretarial support.
The most common Class A misdemeanor offenses include Burglary of a Motor Vehicle, Theft over $500 but less than $1,500, Assault (not involving serious bodily injury or a deadly weapon), and DWI 2nd (allegation includes a prior conviction for DWI). Class A misdemeanor offenses are punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
The most common Class B misdemeanor offenses include DWI, Terroristic Threat, Criminal Mischief over $50 but less than $500, Criminal Trespass, and Theft over $50 but less than $500. Class B misdemeanor offenses are punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
