Texas Felony Laws

Study Notes

In Texas, misdemeanors are crimes punishable by imprisonment for one year or less
Misdemeanors are divided into three categories:
1. Class A Misdemeanors: punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment and/or fines up to $4,000
2. Class B Misdemeanors: punishable by up to 180 days imprisonment and/or fines up to $2,000
3. Class C Misdemeanors: punishable by fines up to $500
Examples of misdemeanors in Texas include:
- DWI (first offense)
- Possession of marijuana (small amounts)
- Disorderly conduct
- Theft (small amounts)

In Texas, punishment ranges vary depending on the crime and the defendant's criminal history
Sentencing options include:
- Imprisonment
- Probation
- Fines
- Community service
- Deferred adjudication
Judges have discretion in sentencing, but must consider:
- The severity of the crime
- The defendant's criminal history
- Any aggravating or mitigating circumstances

In Texas, criminal procedure involves:
1. Investigation: gathering evidence and identifying suspects
2. Arrest: taking the defendant into custody
3. Booking: processing the defendant into jail
4. Arraignment: the defendant's initial court appearance
5. Pre-trial proceedings: motions, hearings, and negotiations
6. Trial: the prosecution presents evidence to prove guilt
7. Sentencing: the judge imposes punishment
Defendants have rights during criminal procedure, including:
- The right to remain silent
- The right to an attorney
- The right to a fair and speedy trial
- The right to confront witnesses

In Texas, felonies are crimes punishable by imprisonment for more than one year
Felonies are divided into five categories, including capital felonies punishable by death or life imprisonment without parole
First-Degree Felonies carry a punishment of 5-99 years imprisonment and/or fines up to $10,000
Second-Degree Felonies carry a punishment of 2-20 years imprisonment and/or fines up to $10,000
Third-Degree Felonies carry a punishment of 2-10 years imprisonment and/or fines up to $10,000
State Jail Felonies carry a punishment of 180 days to 2 years imprisonment and/or fines up to $10,000
Examples of felonies in Texas include murder, aggravated assault, robbery, burglary, and drug offenses

In Texas, misdemeanors are crimes punishable by imprisonment for one year or less
Misdemeanors are divided into three categories, including Class A Misdemeanors punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment and/or fines up to $4,000
Class B Misdemeanors carry a punishment of up to 180 days imprisonment and/or fines up to $2,000
Class C Misdemeanors carry a punishment of fines up to $500
Examples of misdemeanors in Texas include DWI (first offense), possession of marijuana (small amounts), disorderly conduct, and theft (small amounts)

In Texas, punishment ranges vary depending on the crime and the defendant's criminal history
Sentencing options include imprisonment, probation, fines, community service, and deferred adjudication
Judges consider the severity of the crime, the defendant's criminal history, and any aggravating or mitigating circumstances when sentencing

In Texas, criminal procedure involves investigation, arrest, booking, arraignment, pre-trial proceedings, trial, and sentencing
Defendants have rights during criminal procedure, including the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, the right to a fair and speedy trial, and the right to confront witnesses