Texas Criminal Penalties

In the state of Texas, all crimes are taken seriously. Those accused of relatively minor crimes may not believe they have cause for concern. However, even misdemeanors can have harsh penalties, such as up to a year spent in jail and fines of up to $4,000. If you have been charged with a crime of any kind, it is important to know the Texas criminal penalties that you could face upon conviction. Further, knowing the possible consequences of a crime can aid in negotiating a fair sentencing offer.

As a Texas criminal defense lawyer, Ned Barnett has years of experience defending good people from false and unfair accusations. Attorney Barnett will work tirelessly to effectively handle your charges, ensuring that you are treated fairly by the justice system. With the stress of being accused of a crime, you and your loved ones have enough to worry about. You need a skilled lawyer with a proven track record of helping people regain their freedom.

Call (713) 222-6767 now to see how your rights can be protected.

Crimes and Penalties in Texas

Misdemeanors are a group of crimes that are less serious and less harshly punished when compared to felonies. Penalties often include up to $4,000 in fines and up to 1 year in county jail. Unlike some serious felonies, being charged with some misdemeanor does not lead to the loss of civil rights. Examples of misdemeanors include simple assault, possessing small amounts of marijuana, theft, and a DWI.

The three misdemeanor classes and the penalties associated with each class are listed below:

• Class A: Up to 1 year in county jail and up to $4,000 in fines
• Class B: Up to 180 days in jail and up to $2,000 in fines
• Class C: A fine of up to $500

Unlike misdemeanors, the penalties for felonies vary greatly. A sentence might range from six months to life in prison, and fines are often unpredictable. In addition, being convicted of a felony can lead to the loss of certain rights, such as voting, owning a firearm, and carrying certain employment licenses. Common felony crimes include a third DUI offense, aggravated assault, manslaughter, and murder.

There are five felony levels in the state of Texas. These include:

• State Jail Felony: Between 180 days and two years in state jail and a fine of up to $10,000
• Third-Degree Felony: Between two and 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000
• Second-Degree Felony: Between two and 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000
• First-Degree Felony: Between 5 and 99 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000
• Capital Felony: Life in prison without parole or the death penalty

Let Our Houston Criminal Defense Attorneys Defend Your Rights

Being convicted of any crime can devastate your life. If you are sent to jail or prison, your professional career may be cut short. What’s more, your family may struggle to survive without you. Fortunately, there is a way to increase your chances of having your charges reduced or dismissed in court. With an experienced criminal defense lawyer, your chances of mounting a successful defense will skyrocket. A lawyer can guide you through the Texas court process, ensuring you understand your options at every turn. They can also provide you with invaluable legal advice, such as whether a settlement offer is reasonable.

At the Law Offices of Ned Barnett, we know how difficult these situations can be. You may have been falsely accused of a crime, or perhaps your rights have been violated by law enforcement. With years of experience as a criminal defense lawyer, Ned Barnett has the knowledge and resources to help you handle the charges against you. Once he knows the whole story, he can present it to the court in the best possible light.

Call (713) 222-6767 today to discuss your case in a free and confidential consultation.