If you’re facing felony charges in Texas, you have something to be concerned about. Of all the states, Texas is known for being particularly hard on criminals, not so much fine-wise (our fines are reasonable compared to some states), but in regards to sentencing.
In Texas, felonies are classified into five categories:
- capital felonies
- first degree felonies
- second degree felonies
- third degree felonies
- state jail felonies
Of these, capital felonies are the most serious, while state jail felonies are the least serious.
Let’s take a look at the penalties for felonies in Texas:
Capital Felonies:
- If the state sought the death penalty and the defendant was found guilty, the punishment is life without the possibility of parole, or death.
- If the state did not seek the death penalty and the defendant was found guilty, the punishment is life without the possibility of parole; however, if the defendant was a minor at the time of the offense and he or she was a certified juvenile, they are not eligible for life without parole.
First Degree Felonies:
- Life imprisonment, or
- 5 to 99 years in prison, except in the case of aggravated sexual assault, which tacks on a minimum of 25 years if the victim was under the age of 6, or under the age of 14 and the offense involved threats of serious injuries or death, or a deadly weapon was used.
- Additionally, the offender may be fined up to $10,000.
Second Degree Felonies:
- 2 to 20 years in prison.
- Additionally, the offender may be fined up to $10,000.
Third Degree Felonies:
- 2 to 10 years in prison.
- Additionally, the offender may be fined up to $10,000.
State Jail Felonies:
- 180 days to 2 years in a state jail.
- Additionally, the offender may be fined up to $10,000.
To learn more about felony sentencing in Texas, click here. To fight your criminal charges, contact The Zen Law Firm at once. We’re here to help.