Fine-only offenses outside the Penal Code are Class B misdemeanors if the fine is more than $500.

Fine-only offenses outside the Penal Code are Class B misdemeanors if the fine is more than $500.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only if a jury is demanded
• D. Depends on the city

Answer: (A)

In Texas, how a fine-only offense created outside the Penal Code is classified depends on the maximum fine allowed. If the maximum fine exceeds 500, the offense is treated as a Class B misdemeanor (even though it’s a fine-only offense); if the maximum is 500 or less, it stays a Class C misdemeanor. This rule exists to align municipal, fine-only penalties with the broader misdemeanor framework while acknowledging higher fines can carry more serious consequences. Since the fine in this scenario is more than 500, the offense is correctly classified as Class B. The other factors mentioned—such as whether a jury is demanded or which city created the offense—do not change this statewide rule.

In Texas, how a fine-only offense created outside the Penal Code is classified depends on the maximum fine allowed. If the maximum fine exceeds 500, the offense is treated as a Class B misdemeanor (even though it’s a fine-only offense); if the maximum is 500 or less, it stays a Class C misdemeanor. This rule exists to align municipal, fine-only penalties with the broader misdemeanor framework while acknowledging higher fines can carry more serious consequences. Since the fine in this scenario is more than 500, the offense is correctly classified as Class B. The other factors mentioned—such as whether a jury is demanded or which city created the offense—do not change this statewide rule.