You strive to never get on the wrong side of the law. However, there are times when no matter how hard you work, you might find yourself facing criminal charges in Texas. It could be a simple misunderstanding, or you might have violated a law without even realizing it. If you’ve already been charged with a crime, you want to know more about the offense and possible penalties that you might be facing. The penalty for the offense is usually related to the seriousness of the crime and the category of the crime. You could benefit from a list of crimes and the possible penalties if you’re convicted. We’ve put together more information for you.
How Criminal Offenses Are Classified in Texas: Misdemeanors vs. Felonies
Criminal offenses in Texas fall into one of two categories. They are either misdemeanors or felonies. A misdemeanor is a minor offense and is often seen as less serious than a felony. While you can still receive a prison sentence and fine, it probably isn’t going to be as severe as it would be for a felony.
A felony is a crime of greater magnitude than a felony, and the attached term of imprisonment is typically a year or longer. If you’ve been arrested on a felony charge, your bail will also be higher to ensure you appear in court.
Some criminal offenses arise from driving, and these laws are also broken into misdemeanors or felonies. While getting a speeding ticket isn’t a criminal charge, driving on a suspended driver’s license is.
Texas Misdemeanor Charges and Penalties: Class A, B, and C
Misdemeanor criminal charges in Texas are the less serious of the two types of charges. However, you can face jail time and fines. Here are a few to give you an idea:
- Class A misdemeanors have a potential jail time of up to one year and a fine of up to $4,000. These include:
- Assault with bodily injury
- Cruelty to animals
- 2nd DWI
- Perjury
- Evading arrest on foot
- Class B misdemeanors have a potential jail time of up to 180 days and a fine of up to $2,000. These include:
- Criminal Trespass
- DWI
- Harassment
- Possession of 2 ounces or less of marijuana
- Prostitution
- Class C misdemeanors have a fine of up to $500. These include:
- Assault by threat
- Disorderly conduct
- Leaving the child in a vehicle
- Minor in possession of alcohol
- Possession of alcoholic beverage in motor vehicle
An attorney can represent you throughout your legal troubles.
Texas Felony Charges and Penalties: First, Second, and Third Degree
We wanted to share with you a list of felony charges in Texas. Some of them are:
- First-degree felonies can include up to life in prison with sentences between five and 95 years and a fine of up to $10,000. These include:
- Aggravated assault of public servant, kidnapping, robbery, or sexual assault
- Causing serious bodily injury to a senior citizen, child, or disabled person
- Murder and solicitation of capital murder
- Trafficking of persons under the age of fourteen
- Second-degree felonies can include between two and 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000. These include:
- Aggravated assault
- Arson
- Manslaughter
- Possession of fifty to 2000 pounds of marijuana
- Robbery
- Sexual assault
- Third-degree felonies can include between two and 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000. These include
- Aggravated perjury
- Bail jumping of a felony arrest
- Intoxication assault
- Possession of a firearm by a felon
- DWI (third offense)
- Tampering with evidence
Your attorney can provide you with more detailed information.
Facing Criminal Charges in Texas? Contact a Houston Criminal Defense Attorney
Whether you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or one of the items on the list of felony charges in Texas, you need an experienced attorney who is ready to help you mount a defense and navigate the legal system. SKJ Law Firm can partner with you to guide you through the legal system, answer all your questions, and help you get the best outcome possible. Contact us for immediate help.
