Understanding the Classification of Crimes in Texas

[Adam Alford]

In every state, the way of charging crimes and the punishments for them can vary greatly. This depends on the severity of the crime, the defendant's criminal history, and even the circumstances surrounding the case. Since the process of criminal sentencing in Texas is determined according to the classification of the offense, it is necessary to understand the different classifications of crime. To help you out, a criminal lawyer in Houston, Texas, can explain the different classes well.

Crime is classified into three major categories in Texas:

1. Felony

Felonies or ‘true crimes’ include the most severe criminal offenses. These are punishable by jail time, hefty fines and can even be charged with a death penalty for extremely serious cases. Generally, felonies constitute violent crimes that are characterized by the use of a deadly weapon or cause extreme harm to other people.

These include money laundering, fraud, larceny, theft, tax evasions, and other severe financial damages. In the state of Texas, the felonies are classified into the following five main categories:

• State Jail Felony – These are punishable by either a fine of maximum $10,000, or jail time in state jail for 180 days – 2 years. Petty thefts are generally included in this class.
• Third Degree Felony – Crimes like possession of controlled substances are included in this category, punishable by two to 10 years of jail time or fines up to $10,000.
• Second Degree Felony – The crimes that classify as a second-degree felony are punishable by a prison sentence of 2 to 20 years, or hefty fines up to $10,000. Domestic assault and violence fall under this classification.
• First Degree Felony – Severe Crimes like child sexual assault are sentenced by imprisonment for life or by elongated jail sentence for 5 – 99 years.
• Capital Felonies – The most severe of crimes, including homicide and murder, are punishable by death. In the case of juvenile offenders, they can be sentenced to life imprisonment.

2. Misdemeanors

Crimes that are less violent in nature than felonies are classified as misdemeanors. Crimes like theft, assault, intoxication offenses, prostitution, traffic violations, trespassing, and indecent exposure are regarded as misdemeanors. These are divided into three classes:

• Class C – These are punishable by simple fines of up to $500. A property theft of less than $50 is classified as a Class C misdemeanor.
• Class B – Crimes like possession of marijuana, less than 2 ounces are punishable by fines up to $2,000 or 180 days of county jail time.
• Class A – Such crimes are sentenced by up to a year of prison time or up to $4,000 fines. For instance, possession of a gun without a license is a Class A misdemeanor.

3. Minor Offenses

Crimes that are less serious than misdemeanors and felonies are classed as minor crimes.

While these are the general classifications of different kinds of crimes in Texas, the exact charges will depend upon the circumstances of each case. Only a criminal lawyer in Houston Texas will be able to tell you the exact charges that you are going to face for your specific offense.