No matter what kind of crime you are being accused of in Texas, it is a very serious manner. People are aware that crime is typically categorized into two separate titles, depending on how serious the crime in question is. These titles are “misdemeanor” and “felony.” However, it is important to know that there are some differences between Texas state law, federal law, and the laws of other states. According to the University of Texas, there are five different degrees of felony you can be charged with in Texas.
The five different degrees of felonies include capital Felony, first degree felony, second degree felony, third degree felony, and a state jail felony. The most serious felony is a capital felony, and this felony comes with a maximum punishment of execution. An example of a capital felony would be capital murder.
The next most serious felony, first degree felony, can come with a sentence of between 5 and 99 years or potentially life. Examples include aggravated sexual assault or theft of property worth more than $200,000.
Second degree felony carries a penalty of between 2 and 20 years in prison. Reckless injury of a child would be considered a second degree felony, as would theft or property worth more than $100,000 but less than $200,000.
A third degree felony can carry a prison sentence of between 2 and 10 years. A drive-by shooting with no associated injuries would be considered a third degree felony.
Finally, a state jail felony carries a sentence of between 180 days to 2 years in prison. These felonies could include theft valued at more than $1,500 but less than $20,000 as well as debit card or credit card abuse.
