How Are Crimes in Texas Classified?

In Texas, criminal offenses in the state’s Penal Code are classified as misdemeanors and felonies, with felonies being the more serious of the two. Misdemeanors for example, are broken down into: Class A, Class B and Class C, with Class A misdemeanors being the most serious of the three.

Misdemeanors in Texas

  • Class A misdemeanor: punishable by a maximum fine of $4,000, and by up to one year in jail, or a fine and imprisonment.
  • Class B misdemeanor: punishable by a maximum fine of $2,000, and by up to six months in jail, or by a fine and imprisonment.
  • Class C misdemeanor: punishable by a maximum fine of $500.

Felonies in Texas are broken down into: capital felonies, first-degree felonies, second-degree felonies, third-degree felonies, and state jail felonies. Of these, capital felonies are the most severe and they involve: murdering a peace officer, or murder while committing arson, burglary, robbery, aggravated sexual assault, or murder for hire.

Capital felonies also include committing murder while incarcerated, murdering more than one person, murdering a child under the age of six, or murdering a judge.

Felonies in Texas

  • Capital felony: death penalty if 18 or older when committed the offense, or life without the possibility of parole.
  • First-degree: 5 to 99 years in prison, or life, plus a possible fine up to $10,000.
  • Second-degree: 2 to 20 years in prison, and a possible fine up to $10,000.
  • Third-degree: 2 to 10 years in prison, and a fine up to $10,000.
  • State jail: 6 months to 2 years in state jai, and a fine up to $10,000.

Are you facing misdemeanor or felony charges in Plano, Dallas or Fort Worth? If so, we urge you to contact The Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC to start orchestrating your defense. Don’t risk your freedom and your future, put our team to work for you!

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