Author:
Kris Seago
Subject:
Political Science
Material Type:
Module
Level:
Community College / Lower Division
Tags:
  • Crime
  • Punishment
  • Texas
  • License:
    Creative Commons Attribution
    Language:
    English
    Media Formats:
    Graphics/Photos, Text/HTML

    Criminal Law Penalties

    Criminal Law Penalties

    Overview

    Criminal Law Penalties

    Learning Objectives

    By the end of this section, students will be able to

    • Distinguish the difference between misdemeanors and felonies
    • Understand the gradation of criminal penalties in Texas

    By the end of this section, you’ll be able to

    • Distinguish the difference between misdemeanors and felonies
    • Understand the gradation of criminal penalties in Texas

    Misdemeanors, Felonies, and Penalties

    Misdemeanors, Felonies, and Penalties

    There are two types of crime: misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors are considered crimes of a less serious nature, and felonies are defined as serous crimes.[1]

    OffensePunishmentCourt
    Capital Murder (Capital Felony)– Examples: Murder of a law enforcement official, prison guard, or firefighter on duty; commits murder with other types of felonies; murder for hire; mass murder; murder of someone under the age of 10 Life or Death PenaltyDistrict Court
     First degree felony– Examples: Murder; theft of property worth over $200,0005-99 years in prison, maximum fine of $10,000District Court
     Second degree felony– Examples: Manslaughter; theft of property worth between $100,000-200,0002-20 years in prison, maximum fine of $10,000 District Court
     Third degree felony– Examples: Impersonating someone online; theft of property worth $20,000-100,0002-10  years in prison, maximum fine of $10,000District Court
     State jail felony– Examples: Possession of 4 ounces to 1lb of marijuana; theft of property worth $15,000-20,000 180 days-2 years in prison, maximum fine of $10,000 District Court
     Class A Misdemeanor– Examples: Resisting arrests; theft of property worth $500-1,500 1 year in prison, maximum fine of $4,000County Court
    Class B Misdemeanor– Examples: Terroristic threat; theft of property worth $20-500180 days in prison, maximum fine of $2,000County Court
    Class C Misdemeanor– Examples: Theft of property worth less than $20Maximum fine $500Justice of the Peace or Municipal Courts
    1. Texas Penal Code http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/?link=PE