If you’re facing felony charges in Texas, you have something to be concerned about. Of all the states, Texas is known for being particularly hard on criminals, not so much fine-wise (our fines are reasonable compared to some states), but in regards to sentencing.
In Texas, felonies are classified into five categories: 1) capital felonies, 2) first degree felonies, 3) second degree felonies, 4) third degree felonies, and 5) state jail felonies. Of these, capital felonies are the most serious, while state jail felonies are the least serious.
Let’s take a look at the penalties for felonies in Texas:
Capital Felonies:
- If the state sought the death penalty and the defendant was found guilty, the punishment is life without the possibility of parole, or death.
- If the state did not seek the death penalty and the defendant was found guilty, the punishment is life without the possibility of parole; however, if the defendant was a minor at the time of the offense and he or she was a certified juvenile, they are not eligible for life without parole.
First Degree Felonies:
- Life imprisonment, or
- 5 to 99 years in prison, except in the case of aggravated sexual assault, which tacks on a minimum of 25 years if the victim was under the age of 6, or under the age of 14 and the offense involved threats of serious injuries or death, or a deadly weapon was used.
- Additionally, the offender may be fined up to $10,000.
Second Degree Felonies:
- 2 to 20 years in prison.
- Additionally, the offender may be fined up to $10,000.
Third Degree Felonies:
- 2 to 10 years in prison.
- Additionally, the offender may be fined up to $10,000.
State Jail Felonies:
- 180 days to 2 years in a state jail.
- Additionally, the offender may be fined up to $10,000.
To learn more about felony sentencing in Texas, click here. To fight your criminal charges, contact The Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC at once. We’re here to help.