Houston Criminal Lawyer

PUNISHMENT RANGES

Felonies

     Habitual Offender: Where one is charged with a felony (other than a state jail felony) and has had two prior felony convictions (other than state jail felonies) with the second offense of the priors occurring after release from prison on the first prior offense.  25 years to Life.

     First Degree Felony: Serious offenses such as Murder, Aggravated Robbery and Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child (under 14).  5 years to Life.

     Second Degree Felony: Such as Aggravated Assault, Burglary of a Habitation and Sexual Assault.  2 years to 20 years.

     Third Degree Felony: Such as Auto Theft, Burglary of a Building and DWI (Third Offense).  2 years to 10 years.

     State Jail Felony: This is a fairly new type of offense created by the legislature for smaller felony offenses such as forgery, possession or delivery of less than one gram of cocaine and Evading Arrest in a Motor Viehicle.  180 days to 2 years in a state jail.

*Penalties for drug offenses vary by the amount and type of drugs.  For theft and damage to property offenses, by the value of the property.  Prior convictions will generally raise the range of punishment to the next higher level.

Misdemeanors

Class A: Such as DWI (second offense) and Carrying a Weapon: Up to 1 year in jail.

Class B: Such as DWI and Possession of less than 2 ounces of Marijuana: Up to 6 months in jail.

Class C: Such as Traffic Tickets and Public Intoxication are handled in Justice and Municipal Courts: Fine only.

Houston Criminal Lawyer