In Texas, like any other state in the United States (U.S.), charges for crimes, as well as their respective punishments tend to vary greatly. Undoubtedly, the difference witnessed in the outcome of cases results from the circumstances surrounding the case, the very nature of the offense, and the defendant’s criminal history.
Criminal Charge Classification
Texas Sentencing Guidelines & Fines
Sentencing for crimes in the state of Texas depends a great deal on the offense category. Identified and listed in a systematic or ascending order, an individual has the much-needed capacity to understand, acknowledge, appreciate where their crime belongs to. Essentially, residents can determine whether the offense is serious or not.
The least serious crimes fall under Class C misdemeanor. Offenses in this group include most traffic violations, which often attract fines of up to $500. Once fined, the court enjoys the discretion of letting the defendant go without necessarily serving jail time. Additionally, Texas has defined Class B misdemeanor as offenses, which can involve 180 days behind bars. The party involved can also be fined $2,000. Given the scale of the misdemeanor, the court can ensure that the defendant under two-year probation. In most cases, an Austin criminal justice attorney can help their clients get around cases which could be seen as questionable.
Other crimes, based on seriousness, include Class A misdemeanor, state jail felonies like habitual Texas DWI offenses, third-degree felony, a second-degree felony, a first-degree felony, and capital felony. For instance, third-degree felonies refer to offenses with more severe charges when compared to different categories of misdemeanors or state jail felonies. According to Texas Law, people engaged in the third-degree felony can serve a prison time of between 2 and ten years. At the same time, the punishment often includes a fine of $10,000, as well as community supervision.
Punishment & The Penal System
Texas has since adopted and integrated determinate sentencing into its punishment system. The approach used with the sole purpose of rewarding crime means that the state has a set of concise and clear standards and guidelines, which define rational, change-driven, and consistent sentencing practices. The criteria align perfectly well with a particular jurisdiction, which, in turn, helps judges and other responsible stakeholders in law enforcement and judicial systems to determine the most appropriate punishment or corrective method for a given crime.
Texas Law – Narcotics & Dangerous Drugs
Texas has strict laws tasked with the responsibility of fighting substance abuse and misuse. For instance, you risk serving a jail term of two years for possessing less than 1 gram of cocaine. In Texas, a person who possesses narcotics, especially cocaine and heroin is often charged with a felony. When you engage in cocaine trafficking or related offense, you can land in state prison for approximately 99 years. For instance, Ruben Rodriguez and Abraham Rodriguez, two Texas men, risk staying in jail for life after the court convicted them of smuggling five kilograms of the controlled substance.
Facing Criminal Charges in Texas?
Retain an Criminal Justice Attorney
Undoubtedly, it is evident that Texas law remains designed in such a way that it assigns mild to severe penalties based on the severity of the crime. If you’re in a situation in which your freedom is on the line after suffering a felony arrest, contact a skilled criminal justice attorney as soon as possible.
