Degrees of Texas Criminal Charges

Differences Between Texas Felonies & Misdemeanors

Courts recognize various levels of crimes, from Class B misdemeanors, all the way up to Capital Felonies. The categories are as follows:

Class B Misdemeanor: Punishable by up to 180 days in county jail and/or $2,000 in fines. Includes such offenses as driving while intoxicated, evading arrest, theft by check of $50 to $200.
Class A Misdemeanor: Punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or $4,000 in fines. Includes such offenses as burglary of a vehicle, a second charge of driving while intoxicated, carrying a weapon unlawfully.
State Jail Felony: Punishable by up to two years in state jail and/or $10,000 in fines. Includes such offenses as reckless injury to a child, credit card fraud, unauthorized vehicle usage.
Third Degree Felony: Punishable by up to ten years in prison and/or $10,000 in fines. Includes such offenses as a third charge of driving while intoxicated, kidnapping, indecency with a child, possession of a firearm by a felon.
Second Degree Felony: Punishable by up to twenty years in prison and/or $10,000 in fines. Includes such offenses as arson, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault or kidnapping (if the kidnapping victim was released unhurt).
First Degree Felony: Punishable by up to 99 years in prison and/or $10,000 in fines. Includes such offenses as sexual assault, robbery, kidnapping, murder.
Capital Felony: Punishable by life in prison or the death penalty. Includes murder while in the act of committing another felony such as robbery, rape, or kidnapping.

If you need help with a legal matter contact the Dallas criminal attorneys at Grossman Law Offices today.

Related articles:
Dallas Felony Cases
Plea bargains

Questions answered in this article:
What are the punishments for criminal offenses?

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