Criminal Sentencing Guidelines
Texas criminal law contains standard sentencing guidelines that must be used when assigning punishments to people who are convicted of crimes. However, there are many ways a penalty can be aggravated or increased due to prior offenses and/or the circumstances of the offense. Additionally, the statutes for some offenses require a higher level of punishment than the standard sentencing guidelines.
The chart below shows the standard criminal sentencing guidelines in Texas. However, if you’ve been charged with a crime, you should seek the advice of a criminal defense attorney to explain exactly what penalties you could be facing under the specific circumstances of your case.
Classification | Minimum Sentence | Maximum Sentence | Maximum Fine | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Standard | Class C Misdemeanor | N/A | None | $500
|
Class B Misdemeanor | N/A | 180 days | $2,000
| |
Class A Misdemeanor | N/A | 1 year | $4,000
| |
State Jail Felony | N/A | 2 years | $10,000
| |
Third Degree Felony | 2 years | 10 years | $10,000
| |
Second Degree Felony | 2 years | 20 years | $10,000
| |
First Degree Felony | 5 years | 99 years | $10,000
| |
Capital Felony (Adult) | Life Without Parole | Death Penalty | N/A
| |
Prior Conviction for Felony or Class A or Class B Misdemeanor | Class B Misdemeanor | 30 days | 180 days | $2,000
|
Prior Conviction for Felony or Class A Misdemeanor | Class A Misdemeanor | 90 days | 1 year | $4,000
|
Two Prior Convictions for State Jail Felony | State Jail Felony | 2 years | 10 years | $10,000
|
Two Prior Convictions for First, Second, or Third Degree Felony | State Jail Felony | 2 years | 20 years | $10,000
|
One Prior Conviction for First, Second, or Third Degree Felony | Third Degree Felony | 2 years | 20 years | $10,000
|
Second Degree Felony | 5 years | 99 years | $10,000
| |
First Degree Felony | 15 years | Life | $10,000
|