What Are Examples of Major Felonies in Texas

Felonies are the most severe type of crimes in Texas. They are punishable by more than one year of jail time and steeper fines, so they’re normally reserved for violent crimes.

Crimes that endanger public safety are major felonies. These include:

• Child pornography
• Hate crimes
• Kidnapping
• Carjacking
• Bank robbery
• Extortion
• Environmental crimes
• Civil rights abuse
• Human trafficking or smuggling
• Certain drug crimes

Non-violent crimes that are considered major felonies in Texas can include:

• White collar crimes
• Wire and mail fraud
• Corporate fraud
• Public corruption

Classification of Felonies in Texas

These are the five types of felony classifications in Texas, from least serious to the most severe.

State Jail Felonies in Texas

Common state jail felonies are:

• Child endangerment DWI
• Theft of property worth $2,500 up to $30,000
• Check forgery
• Delivery or possession of drug paraphernalia
• Criminally negligent homicide
• Sexual coercion
• Interference with child custody
• Other felonies that don’t specify which degree under TX law

Being the least serious felony crimes in Texas, the jail sentences for state jail felonies can range from 180 days to two years. Fines can also be as high as $10,000.

Third-Degree Felonies in Texas

Common third-degree felonies are:

• Stalking
• Assault
• Evidence tampering
• Indecent exposure to minors
• Deadly conduct
• Failing to comply with the sex offender program requirements
• False reports of child neglect or abuse
• Smuggling of persons

A conviction for a third-degree felony can result in two up to 10 years of jail time and a fine not exceeding $10,000.

Second-Degree Felonies in Texas

Common second-degree felonies are:

• Manslaughter
• Arson
• Robbery
• Aggravated assault
• Human trafficking
• Sexual assault
• Organized theft

A second-degree felony conviction carries two up to 20 years of jail time and fines not exceeding $10,000.

First-Degree Felonies in Texas

Common first-degree felony crimes are:

• Attempted murder
• Arson leading to death
• Aggravated robbery
• Continuous trafficking of people
• Aggravated sexual assault

First-degree felony crimes typically involve severe injury or death and repeat offenders. A conviction can lead to five years of jail time or life in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Capital Felonies in Texas

Capital murder is the only crime that is considered a capital felony in TX. The penalties for a capital penalty conviction varies based on the offender’s age and whether the prosecution is seeking the death penalty. Otherwise, the offender will face life in prison without parole.

Talk to an Experienced Texas Criminal Defense Attorney Now

Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a major felony in TX, you can turn to the Texas criminal defense attorney at Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda PLLC for legal advice. We can guide you through the complex criminal justice system and ensure that you get a chance at a fair trial. Depending on your situation, our Texas criminal defense attorney can also secure a dismissal, plea bargain, or negotiate for lesser criminal charges.

Send us a message online or call our office at 210-222-9132 to schedule your case consultation with our Texas criminal defense attorney today.