A Guide to Texas Felony Classifications and Punishments

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass || 30-May-2012

Though all felonies are serious offenses, Texas organizes them into several categories based on the sentencing guidelines they are subject to. Read on to find out more about Texas’s system of felony classification and sentencing, and how a criminal defense attorney can help you:

• Capital Murder

Capital murder is the only crime that makes a person eligible for Texas’ death penalty. To qualify as capital murder, a murder must fit one of several qualifications, such as being committed during the commission or attempted commission of a felony or if the victim was under ten years old. Punishment is either life in prison without parole or the death penalty.

• First Degree Felonies

First degree is the most serious classification of felonies, and it includes crimes like arson of a home or church and burglary with intent to commit a felony. If convicted of one of these crimes, a defendant faces five to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

• Second Degree Felonies

Among second degree felonies are crimes like arson, manslaughter, robbery, sexual assault, indecent contact with a child, and an improper relationship between teacher and student. These offenses carry a sentence of two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

• Third Degree Felonies

This category of felony includes bail jumping of a felony offense, indecent exposure to a child, kidnapping, possession of a firearm by a felon, and third DWI convictions. Sentencing for these crimes can range from two to ten years in prison and a fine of $10,000.

• State Jail Felonies

Crimes that count as state jail felonies include custodial interference, criminally negligent homicide, burglary, identity theft, and witness tampering. Anyone convicted of these crimes can face 180 days in jail and a $10,000 fine.

In Texas, felonies are taken very seriously and given heavy sentences. If you’ve been charged with one of these offenses, consider the Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass to defend you. To speak with a lawyer, schedule a free initial consultation by calling .