What are Crime Classifications in Texas?

Felony charges, also known as “true crimes” in traditional common law, are the most serious criminal offenses and typically punishable by a year or more in state prison, heavy fines (often in the amounts of thousands of dollars) or even the death penalty in the most severe cases. Felonies often involve particularly violent crimes involving a deadly weapon or causing a large amount of harm to another person.

While most felony charges involve the use of violence, this is not always the case. Nonviolent felonies, such as larceny, tax evasions, money laundering, theft and fraud, are determined based on the financial damage committed.

Felonies are further divided into different “degrees,” with each degree resulting in harsher punishments as dictated by the state’s criminal justice system. In Texas, felony crimes are classified in one of five categories:

Misdemeanor charges in Texas are less serious than felonies, and penalties include fines of up to $4,000 and county jail time of less than one year. Misdemeanors may include some of the same crimes listed under felony law; however, misdemeanors are less violent or involve lower levels of harm than felonies. The main difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is the incarceration time a person can face if convicted.

Like the five degrees of felonies, misdemeanors are further divided based on the severity of the offense. There are three “classes” of misdemeanors in Texas:

• Class A Misdemeanor – Punishable by up to 1 year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000 (i.e. pimping or carrying a gun without a license).
• Class B Misdemeanor – Punishable by up to 180 days in county jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000 (i.e. possessing up to 2 ounces of marijuana).
• Class C Misdemeanor – Punishable by a fine of up to $500 – no jail time (i.e. property theft totaling less than $50).

Minor Offenses

A minor offense refers to a crime or infraction that is less serious than felonies and misdemeanors. Punishments for a minor offense can range from a simple warning or small fine to imprisonment of three months or less. Class C misdemeanors and some less serious state jail felony cases qualify as minor offenses.

While this page provides a general overview of crime classifications in Texas, each charge can vary greatly depending on the unique circumstances that apply to the case – such as the degree of harm done and what county or local laws can be applied.

If you’ve been charged with a criminal offense in Texas, it’s imperative that you contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately in your area to discuss your legal options.

Houston criminal defense attorney Neal Davis has over 25 years of experience defending clients in high profile state and federal cases across Texas and the country.