Are All Texas Felonies Created Equal? A Look at Crime Degrees

In Texas, felonies are crimes that are punishable by a term in a state jail or prison. Felonies are considered more serious than misdemeanor offenses. But not all felonies are created equal. They will typically fall within one of the following categories.

As the name suggests, state jail felonies are those that are punishable by six months to two years in a state jail and a fine up to $10,000. State jails are an answer to the overcrowding in Texas state prisons and typically house nonviolent felons. But, unlike in terms in county jails or state prisons, felons in state jails are not eligible for early release due to good behavior. Examples of Texas state jail felonies include possession of a controlled substance under 1 gram and unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Third degree felonies are punishable by a prison term of between two and 10 years, and the judge may also impose a fine of up to $10,000. Examples of third degree felonies include intoxication assault and third offense DWI.

Second degree felonies are punishable by a prison term of between two and 20 years and potentially a fine of up to $10,000. Examples of second degree felonies include aggravated assault and robbery.

First degree felonies are punishable by a prison term of between five and 99 years or life in prison and potentially a fine of up to $10,000. Examples of first degree felonies include aggravated kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault.

Capital felonies are punishable by a prison term of life without parole or the death penalty. Examples of capital felonies include murder of a peace officer on duty or murder of multiple people during the same criminal episode.

Any felony charge should be taken seriously. With potentially long terms of incarceration and steep fines, no one can afford to plead guilty to a Texas felony. Whenever facing felony charges, it’s absolutely essential you work with a skilled Dallas-Fort Worth criminal defense attorney. Involve an attorney in your case as soon as you can. An attorney can explain the penalties you could face and the important elements in your case the prosecution must prove to convict you. From there, you can develop a plan of action to fight your charges. Naturally, any person will want any criminal charge dismissed, but you really have to assess the evidence against you along with the plea bargain being offered by the State. Being that the sentences for some types of felonies can result in a punishment that can cost the better part of your life, it is imperative that you select an experienced attorney who can weigh all the options when deciding how best to fight and/or resolve the case.

If you need help fighting your felony charges in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, JBabb – Criminal Defense Attorneys is here to help. JBabb – Criminal Defense Attorneys will advise you on the best course of action to fight your charges. With law offices in Dallas and Denton, our attorneys provide compassionate legal services to Dallas, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Rockwall and Tarrant counties. Our experienced attorneys handle a wide variety of criminal cases including DWI/DUI , assault/family violence, and other misdemeanors and felonies. Call (214) 329-9433, email team@jbabblaw.com, or fill out our confidential online form to schedule a consultation with a Dallas-Fort Worth criminal defense attorney.

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