FELONIES AND MISDMEANORS
Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code outlines thepunishment range for Texas criminal offenses. What follows is a summary of those punishments ranges. To gain more information on punishments under the Texas Penal Code, read the full text of Texas Penal Code Chapter 12 Punishments.
FELONY LEVEL OFFENSES IN TEXAS
What is a Capital Felony in Texas?
What is a Capital Felony in Texas?A Capital Offense is the most serious offense under Texas law. A person convicted of a Capital Felony in Texas may be punishable by a death (if the State seeks the death penalty), life on prison without the possibility of parole, or life in prison (if the offense was committed prior to the person’s 18th birthday).
What is the Punishment for a First Degree Felony in Texas?
What is the Punishment for a First Degree Felony in Texas?A 1st Degree Felony is the most serious offense in Texas short of a capital crime. A person convicted of a 1st Degree Felony in Texas is punished by a prison term between 5 and 99 years and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
Some of the more common 1st Degree Felonies that we handle in Tarrant County involve Continuous Sexual Abuse, high value Thefts, and certain White-Collar Crimes.
What is the Punishment for a SecondDegree Felony in Texas?
What is the Punishment for a SecondDegree Felony in Texas?A 2ndDegree Felony is aserious offense in Texas. A person convicted of a 2ndDegree Felony in Texas is punished by a prison term between 2and 20years and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
Some of the more common 2nd Degree felonies that we handle in Tarrant County are sexual offenses, Robbery, and Burglary of a habitation.
What is the Punishment for a ThirdDegree Felony in Texas?
What is the Punishment for a ThirdDegree Felony in Texas?A 3rd Degree Felony is aserious offense in Texas. A person convicted of a 3rdDegree Felony in Texas is punished by a prison term between 2and 10years and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
Some of the more commons 3rd Degree Felonies that we handle in Tarrant County are Possession of a Controlled Substance (1-4 grams), Domestic Violence (Impeding Breath), and DWI (3rd offense).
What is the Punishment for a State JailFelony in Texas?
What is the Punishment for a State JailFelony in Texas?A State Jail Felony is the lowest level of felony in Texas. A person convicted of a State JailFelony in Texas is punished by a term in a State Jail facilitybetween 180 days and 2 years and a fine not to exceed $10,000. Confinement time in a Sate Jail facility is different from County Jail or Prison because the State does not offer any credit for good time. State Jail time is served on a day-for-day basis.
Some of the more common State Jail felonies that we handles in Tarrant County are Possession of a Controlled Substance (less than 1 gram), Burglary of a Building, DWI (with Child passenger), and Theft (under $2500 w/2 prior thefts).
What is a Class A Misdemeanorin Texas?
What is a Class A Misdemeanorin Texas?A Class A Misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor offense under Texas law. A person convicted of a Class A Misdemeanorin Texas may be punishable by confinement in the County Jail for up to 365 days and a fine not to exceed $4,000.
Some of the more common Class A Misdemeanors that we handle in Tarrant County are Assault (Family Violence), DWI (Repeat Offense), and Theft (from $750-$2500).
What is a Class B Misdemeanorin Texas?
What is a Class B Misdemeanorin Texas?A Class B Misdemeanor is the leastserious misdemeanor offense under Texas law, with the exception of Class C citations. A person convicted of a Class B Misdemeanorin Texas may be punishable by confinement in the County Jail for up to 180days and a fine not to exceed $2,000.
Some of the more common Class B Misdemeanors that we handle in Tarrant County are Possession of Marijuana (Less than 2 oz), DWI, and Theft (less than $750).
What is a Class C Misdemeanorin Texas?
What is a Class C Misdemeanorin Texas?A Class C Misdemeanor is the leastserious misdemeanor offense under Texas law. A person convicted of a Class C Misdemeanorin Texas may be punishable by fine only,not to exceed $500. The most common form of a Class C citation is a traffic ticket, like speeding.
Some of the more common Class C Misdemeanors that we handle in Tarrant County are Simple Assault, Public Intoxication, and Theft (under $100).
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James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
I've got a solid foundation in criminal law, especially in the context of Texas statutes. The Texas Penal Code is comprehensive, and Chapter 12 specifically delineates the punishment ranges for various criminal offenses. Now, diving into the concepts outlined in that article:
Felony Level Offenses in Texas
Capital Felony in Texas
This is the most severe offense, potentially carrying the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole, especially if committed before turning 18.
First-Degree Felony
Considered very serious, with penalties ranging from 5 to 99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Crimes like Continuous Sexual Abuse fall into this category.
Second-Degree Felony
Slightly less severe than first-degree, with imprisonment from 2 to 20 years and a fine up to $10,000. Offenses like certain sexual offenses and burglary of a habitation are examples.
Third-Degree Felony
These offenses carry a punishment of 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Possession of a Controlled Substance (1-4 grams) and DWI (3rd offense) are some examples.
State Jail Felony
The least severe felony, punishable by 180 days to 2 years in a State Jail facility and a fine up to $10,000. Examples include possession of a controlled substance (less than 1 gram) and theft under $2500 with two prior thefts.
Misdemeanor Level Offenses in Texas
Class A Misdemeanor
The most serious misdemeanor, punishable by up to 365 days in the County Jail and a fine up to $4,000. Offenses like Assault (Family Violence) and certain types of DWI fall under this category.
Class B Misdemeanor
Less serious than Class A, with penalties of up to 180 days in County Jail and a fine not exceeding $2,000. Possession of Marijuana (Less than 2 oz) and Theft (less than $750) are common examples.
Class C Misdemeanor
The least serious misdemeanor, carrying a fine not exceeding $500. Common instances include Simple Assault, Public Intoxication, and minor theft (under $100).
The detailed breakdown of offenses, their severity, and corresponding penalties in Texas is vital for legal practitioners, ensuring appropriate representation and understanding for those accused or affected by such legal matters.
