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CRIMINAL LAW IN TEXAS

The Texas criminal justice system is based on laws that define crimes and offenses, and the laws that specify what penalty is appropriate for those crimes and offenses. There are two types of crimes defined by Texas law: misdemeanor crimes and felony crimes. Because each carries with it different punishment ranges and fines, it is important to know exactly what you are being charged with so you may understand what the minimum and maximum penalties are if convicted at trial.

Felony Offenses

Felonies are the most serious types of offenses. In Texas, felony offenses are separated into four different types: state-jail felony, 3rd degree felony, 2nd degree felony, 1st degree felony, and capital felony. If convicted of a felony offense, an individual may spend time in the state prison or in the county jail. Fines for felony offenses are also much more substantial that those that may be imposed if convicted of a misdemeanor offense. See the chart below for a brief reference guide:

Examples of Felony Offenses:

First Degree Felonies

First Degree felonies carry a punishment range of 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Sometimes, an individual may be eligible for community supervision depending on the charge, facts, and circumstances of the case. Some of the most common first degree felony offenses include:

Second Degree Felonies

Second Degree felonies carry a punishment range of 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Sometimes, an individual may be eligible for community supervision depending on the charge, facts, and circumstances of the case. Some of the most common second degree felony offenses include:

Third Degree Felonies

Third Degree felonies carry a punishment range of 2 to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Sometimes, an individual may be eligible for community supervision depending on the charge, facts, and circumstances of the case. Some of the most common third degree felony offenses include:

State-Jail Felonies

State-jail felonies carry a punishment range of 180 days to 2 years in the state jail and up to a $10,000 fine. Sometimes, an individual may be eligible for community supervision depending on the charge, facts, and circumstances of the case. Some of the most common state-jail felony offenses include:

Misdemeanor Offenses

Misdemeanors are typically a less serious crime but still require the same aggressive defense. In Texas, misdemeanors are classified into three different classes: class A, class B, and class C. Each different class carries with it different ranges of confinement and fines. See the chart below for a brief reference guide:

Examples of Misdemeanor Offenses:

Class A Misdemeanor

Class A misdemeanors carry a punishment range of up to 1 year in the county jail and up to a $4,000 fine. An individual may be eligible for up to 2 years of community supervision or 3 years with an extension. Some of the most common class A misdemeanor offenses include:

Class B Misdemeanor

Class B misdemeanors carry a punishment range of up to 180 days in the county jail and up to a $2,000 fine. An individual may be eligible for up to 2 years of community supervision or 3 years with an extension. Some of the most common class A misdemeanor offenses include:

Class C Misdemeanor

Class C misdemeanors carry a penalty of up to a $500 fine. Some of the most common class A misdemeanor offenses include:

CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY IN HOUSTON, TEXAS