In the Great State of Texas, like most states, there are two types of criminal cases, Misdemeanors, and Felonies. Both types can have serious irreparable consequences on one’s life. But of the two, Misdemeanors are the least severe.

In Texas, Misdemeanor cases are broken down into three categories, Class A, Class B, and Class C. Of the three Classes, a Class C Misdemeanor is the least severe with respect to punishment. Those who are charged with a Class C offense are subject to a fine not to exceed $500.00. Those persons accused of a Class B Misdemeanor are subject to incarceration in the County Jail of up to 180 days and or a fine not to exceed $2,000.00. Lastly, those persons accused of  a Class A Misdemeanor are subject to incarceration in the County Jail of up to 1 year and or fine not to exceed $4,000.00

For Felonies, we here in Texas break those down into four categories, 1st Degree Felony, 2nd Degree Felony, 3rd Felony, and State Jail Felony. State Jail Felonies are the least severe in punishment and are reserved for non-violent crimes. Persons charged with a State Jail Felony are subject to a minimum term of confinement for 180 days and a maximum term of 2 years in a State Jail Facility, and a potential fine not to exceed $10,000.00. The punishment for persons accused of a 3rd Degree Felony is confinement in the Texas Departments of Corrections (TDC) at a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 10 years, and a potential fine not to exceed $10,000. Persons charged with a 2nd Degree felony are subject to confinement for a minimum term of 2 years and a maximum term of 20 years, and a potential fine not to exceed $10,000.00. Persons charged with a 1st Degree Felony are subject to confinement for a minimum term of 5 years and a maximum term of 99 years, and a potential fine not to exceed $10,000.00.