(Newswire.net — July 21, 2022) — Crimes and offenses in Texas vary depending on their specific nature and severity. Texas’s different criminal classifications, crimes, and categories help keep records and penal codes organized. A criminal offense is a violation of state and federal laws, punishable by law. The Texas legislature classifies crimes as felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions.
Felony Crimes
Felonies are the most serious criminal acts punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty. The various types of felonies include:
Capital Felonies
These are the most serious offenses that fall under the classification of felony crimes and result in a possible death sentence and life sentence for juveniles upon conviction. Some crimes include:
- Murder
- Sexual assault
- Aggravated kidnapping
- Aggravated robbery
- Arson
First-Degree Felonies
These crimes include possession of marijuana, burglary, and domestic assault. The crimes are punishable by 5-99 years in prison or life imprisonment and a fine not exceeding $10,000.
Second-Degree Felonies
These crimes include possession of a firearm, burglary, and aggravated battery. The crimes are punishable by 2-20 years in prison and a fine not exceeding $10,000.
State Jail Felonies
These crimes are punishable by up to 180 days to 2 years in a state jail. Some of the felonies in this category include animal cruelty, check forgery, burglary of a building, and driving while intoxicated.
Third-Degree Felonies
These crimes include illegal possession of weapons, drug possession, burglary, and certain violent acts. These felonies can result in a fine of up to $10,000 and 2-10 years in a state jail.
Misdemeanor Crimes
Misdemeanors are offenses punishable by a fine or a short period of less than one year of confinement in county jail. Misdemeanors are further categorized into specific classes, which are:
Class A Misdemeanor
Class A misdemeanors are the most severe type of misdemeanor in the state and include offenses such as:
- Trespassing
- Disorderly conduct
- Public intoxication
- Solicitation of prostitution
- Shoplifting
- Resisting an officer
These crimes can result in up to 1 year in county jail and a fine not exceeding $4,000.
Class B Misdemeanor
A Class B misdemeanor is generally considered a misdemeanor punishable by 180 days and a fine not exceeding $2,000. Offenses within this class include indecent exposure, providing alcohol to a minor, shoplifting, and minor drug possession.
Class C Misdemeanor
A Class C misdemeanor is a catchall for minor offenses that are punishable by a fine only of up to $500. The offense includes driving while intoxicated, traffic violations, theft of less than $50, and disorderly conduct.
Minor Offenses
Minor offenses are less severe than misdemeanors and felonies. They include traffic violations and other crimes punishable by a small fine, simple warning, or imprisonment of three months or less.
What Is Considered a Mitigating Factor?
Every criminal case is investigated by the police and the district attorney’s office. This investigation includes gathering evidence, such as fingerprints, footprints, and photographs. These records are used to build a case against the accused and help decide if they are eligible for bail.
Mitigating factors are characteristics, circumstances, or facts that reduce a defendant’s culpability and therefore reduce the potential punishment. In some cases, these factors may also allow a defendant to receive a lower classification.
Who Is Eligible for Bail?
The difference between a conviction and a plea deal is the severity of the charge. If a defendant is accused of a felony but does not pose a threat to society, they are eligible for bail.
Hiring a lawyer will help you navigate the legal system and can help you negotiate plea deals and agreements. A criminal defense lawyer in McKinney can help clients understand the criminal justice process, their rights, and how to prepare for their case.
Seek Legal Representation
A conviction can have far-reaching consequences, from your job prospects to your access to housing and credit. A lawyer is best suited to help you articulate your defense and communicate it effectively to the court.
Attorneys are often very well-versed in the legal system and have a wide range of understanding of the court system to help you navigate it more effectively.
About the author: Leland D. Bengtson
As a journalist, Leland D. Bengtson dedicated most of his career to law reporting. His greatest satisfaction is to convey legal matters to the public in a language that they can understand. He is active on various platforms and media outlets, writing about common legal issues that people confront with every day. While medical malpractice is his strong suit, Leland covers plenty of other topics, including personal injury cases, family law, and other civil and even criminal legal matters.