Texas

Second degree felonies are a type of serious crime in Texas. Convictions for second-degree felony offenses carry a minimum of 2 years in jail. The prison sentence can last as long as 20 years. Fines of up to $10,000 are also possible. Offenses can be elevated to first degree felonies in some cases. These carry …

Class C misdemeanors are a type of crime in Texas. They are the least severe type of misdemeanor. However, they are still more serious than infractions. Convictions for Class C misdemeanors carry up to $500 in fines. Unlike other criminal offenses, there is no jail time for a Class C misdemeanor. Examples of Class C …

Felony probation is an alternative to a jail sentence. Felony probation is an alternative to a jail sentence. It is available in certain felony cases in Texas. In others, it is not an option. Depending on the case, probation can be issued by either the judge or the jury. Defendants who receive a probation sentence either …

Sex offender registration is a requirement imposed on people convicted of certain sex crimes. The registry is accessible to the public. The people listed often experience stigmatization. They can lose a job or be kept from living where they want to live. Sex offenders have to verify their record at least once a year. Certain …

The age of consent in Texas is 17 years of age. This means anyone who is 16 or younger cannot legally consent to sexual intercourse. It does not matter that they agreed to have sex or even if they initiated the encounter. Anyone who has sex with someone who is under 17 can be charged …

Misdemeanor probation in Texas is when a defendant is convicted of a misdemeanor, but the court imposes probation rather than the maximum jail sentence. Probationers still have to abide by some very strict terms, though. If they break any of the conditions of their probation, it can be revoked. If this happens, they can be sent …

The only capital felony offense in Texas is capital murder Capital felonies are the most severe type of felony in Texas. They are the only offenses that can be punished with the death penalty. Even if the prosecutor does not pursue the death penalty, a conviction can come with life in jail without parole. The …

In Texas, a bail bond is money required by a court for a criminal defendant to be released after an arrest. If the bail is paid, or posted, the defendant can be released from custody pending trial. If it is not posted, he or she will most likely remain in custody while awaiting trial. The …

State jail felonies are a type of crime in Texas. As a felony, they belong to the most severe type of criminal offense. However, state jail felonies are the least severe of all felonies. The penalties of a conviction, though, are still significant. They can carry between 180 days and 2 years in prison. Fines …

Class B misdemeanors are a class of criminal offense in Texas. They are midrange misdemeanors. They are not as severe as felony offenses. A conviction for a Class B misdemeanor carries up to 180 days in county jail. Defendants can also be made to pay a fine of up to $2,000. These penalties can increase …

Most first degree felony convictions come with a minimum of 5 years in jail. First degree felonies are the second-most severe type of crime in Texas. Most convictions come with a minimum of 5 years in jail. Convictions can carry up to a life sentence. Some examples of first degree felonies are: aggravated robbery (Penal Code …

In Texas, probation violations happen when the rules of probation are broken. A violation can lead to probation being revoked. A judge can also make the terms of probation even stricter. The decision is made during the revocation hearing. There, the prosecutor has to show that probation was violated. In Texas, even minor violations can …

Third degree felonies are a type of crime. In Texas, they are the second-least severe type of felony. However, they are still more serious than any misdemeanor. A conviction for a third degree felony carries between 2 and 10 years in jail. It also carries a fine of up to $10,000. Some of them can …

In Texas, a motion for a new trial is a request by a convicted defendant that the court rehears the case. There are only a few grounds for a new trial. If the judge grants the motion, a new jury will be impaneled. Another trial date will be set. The new trial will rehear the …

In Texas, entrapment is a legal defense to a crime. It absolves people of criminal liability when the police lured them into committing the offense. If the police conduct would have induced a reasonable law-abiding person to commit the crime, it can be entrapment. The defense is based in Texas Penal Code 8.06. Under this section, a …

Expunging criminal records in Texas is a post-conviction process that makes them inaccessible to the public. Expungement (also referred to in the statutes as expunction) is available when the person was arrested but not convicted, or for class C misdemeanors where the person successfully completes deferred adjudication. Criminal records that have been expunged will generally not …

Official Flag of the State of Texas All Cases A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A Age of Consent B Bail Bench Warrant C Capital Felonies Community Supervision D Deferred Adjudication E Entrapment Expungement F …

Parole is a discretionary release from prison. Most prisoners in Texas become eligible for parole before their sentence ends. Once eligible, inmates can be released on parole. After release, the inmate is put on community supervision. People can then spend the rest of their sentence on parole. If the terms of parole are violated, however, the parolee …

Penalties for misdemeanor convictions in Texas include jail time and fines. When a person is charged with a crime in Texas, it will be at either a misdemeanor or a felony level. Misdemeanor offenses normally fall under less serious crimes, that do not typically involve serious violence or high levels of property loss. In spite of …

A Texas bench warrant is a court order for someone’s arrest. It is most often issued when a defendant has failed to appear for a court date. Police with a bench warrant seek out the defendant for arrest. The defendant will be held in custody pending a bench warrant hearing. He or she can face another criminal …