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.
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| 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 |