Punishment Ranges

In Texas, there are two types of categories for punishment: misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors are broken into classes, while felonies are broken into degrees, state jail, and capital. The ranges of punishments listed below are for first time offenders. If an individual has been convicted of the same crime before or other crimes, the punishment may be enhanced to a more severe range. Additionally, the list below does not include crime specific punishments which can alter the standard range of punishments.

Misdemeanors            Confinement                                                   Optional Fine

Class C                         None                                                                $500 Max

Class B                         Up to 180 days in county jail                          $2,000 Max

Class A                         Up to 1 year in county jail                              $4,000 Max

Felonies                       Confinement                                                   Optional Fine

State Jail                      180 days to 2 years in state jail                      $10,000 Max

3^rd Degree                   2 to 10 years in prison                                    $10,000 Max

2^nd Degree                  2 to 20 years in prison                                    $10,000 Max

1^st Degree                   5 to 99 years or life in prison                          $10,000 Max

Capital                         Death or life in prison without parole            None

The exact language of the laws dealing with punishment and further details can be found in chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code. None of this information can take place of the information, knowledge, and expertise provided from a licensed attorney.