Misdemeanor vs Felony Crimes

What’s the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?

Behind bars

In Texas, crimes are divided into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. A misdemeanor is a crime for which a sentence could result in confinement in the county jail. A felony is a crime for which the sentence could result in confinement in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Felony Crime Punishment

There are five classifications or “degrees” of felony punishment. The degrees are based on the severity of the type of offense. Felony offenses from lowest to highest are classified as follows: state jail felony, third degree felony, second degree felony, first degree felony and capital. The range of punishment for felony offenses are listed below:

  • A state jail felony is punishable by a minimum of 180 days and maximum of 2 years in a state jail facility and up to a $10,000 fine
  • A third-degree felony is punishable by a minimum of 2 years and maximum of 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine
  • A second-degree felony is punishable by a minimum of 2 years and maximum of 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine
  • A first-degree felony is punishable by a minimum of 5 years and maximum of 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine
  • Capital is punishable by life in prison without parole, or the death penalty

Misdemeanor Crime Punishment

Misdemeanor offenses fall into three classifications which are Class C, Class B and Class A. The misdemeanor punishment ranges are below:

  • Class C cases are punishable by a $500 fine.
  • Class B cases are punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or up to a $2,000 fine.
  • Class A cases are punishable by up to a year in jail and/or up to a $4,000 fine.

Serious Consequences

If a person has previously been convicted of a crime, that conviction may serve to enhance the range of punishment. In addition, there are collateral consequences in addition to a conviction for a crime that should be considered. If you have been charged with a crime, it is important to fully understand the range of punishment and the impact of a conviction. Call Criminal Defense attorneys Linzer and Gaines Attorneys at Law at 936-283-7676 for a consultation today.

Client Reviews

Just want to tell Jo Ann that she really helped my son. She got his case dismissed and I know it wouldn’t have happened without her. It gave him a second chance. I’m just so thankful for her. She took the time to talk with us about everything we had questions...

H.R.

VERY professional, informative and communicates with his clients quickly. I'm blessed to have found Mr. Gaines and feel that he's not missing a step when it comes to the hard work and tenacity he puts into his client's wellbeing and peace of mind. I would...

E.M.

Ms. Linzer is an amazing defense lawyer. I got a PCS and she got my case dismissed. I am so grateful that she was my lawyer. Just listen to her and whatever she wants you to do, just do it. That’s what I did and my case got dismissed. Thank you Jo Ann Linzer...

G. R.

Get in Touch

  1. 1 Free Consultation
  2. 2 Decades of Experience
  3. 3 We Fight for You!
Fill out the contact form or call us at (936) 283-7676 to schedule your free consultation.

Leave Us a Message