Felonies

Felony crimes are serious criminal offenses that bring stiff consequences in the state of Texas. Punishments may include imprisonment, fines, life without parole, and the death penalty. If you or a loved one has been charged with a felony, it is critical that you understand the gravity of this offense and what it means for you going forward. The criminal defense team at The Lady Law fights for the rights of those accused of felony crimes, successfully advocating on their behalf and protecting their rights under the law. Harris County criminal lawyer Alisa A. Woodward has the knowledge and savvy you need when facing life-changing criminal charges. Don’t risk your freedom and your future, contact an attorney with firsthand knowledge of how the criminal process works.

Felonies are serious offenses

Felonies are crimes that often involve inflicting serious harm to others or threatening physical harm to another. White collar crimes are also considered felonies, as are fraud schemes. In some cases, misdemeanors can be classified as felonies for second time offenders. The state of Texas classifies felony crimes into categories: capital felony, first degree felony, second degree felony, third degree felony, and state jail felony.

Capital Felonies

Capital felonies are the most serious felony offenses and they bring the harshest punishment -- death or life without parole. If a juvenile commits a capital felony, the prosecutor may choose not to seek the death penalty. In this scenario, the capital felony is then punishable by life imprisonment.

First Degree Felonies

In terms of the level of seriousness of a felony crime, first degree felonies follow capital felonies. In Texas, a sexual assault that is committed against a child is considered a first degree felony. Punishments for a first degree felony may include:

• life imprisonment
• 5 – 99 years’ imprisonment
• Monetary fine of up to $10,000

Second Degree Felonies

Less serious than first degree felonies, second degree felonies may bring the following penalties:

• Imprisonment for a period of 2 to twenty years
• 5 – 99 years’ imprisonment
• Monetary fine of up to $10,000

In the Lone Star state, it is considered a second degree felony to inflict serious injury to a family member.

Third Degree Felonies

Third degree felonies include possession of marijuana in an amount of five to 50 pounds. In Texas, third degree felonies bring punishments of:

• Imprisonment for a period of 2 to ten years
• Monetary fine of up to $10,000

State Jail Felonies

Felonies that have not been designated as a particular kind of felony or do not have a specific sentence assigned are considered state jail felonies. Penalties for state jail felonies in Texas include:

• Jail time of 180 days to two years
• Monetary fine of up to $10,000