Summary:
- Texas classifies crimes as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on severity.
- Misdemeanors carry lighter penalties, but still affect your record and future.
- Felonies can lead to years in prison, large fines, and loss of civil rights.
- A criminal record, misdemeanor or felony, can impact jobs, housing, and more.
- Legal guidance helps reduce charges, protect your rights, and avoid harsh outcomes.
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Texas, one of the first things you’ll hear is whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony. That single word carries weight; it shapes everything from your possible sentence to how a conviction might follow you for years to come.
Let’s break down the difference between the two, what the penalties look like, and how having a criminal defense attorney can help protect your future.
What Is A Misdemeanor In Texas?
Misdemeanors are considered less serious than felonies, but that doesn’t mean they’re minor or harmless. Even a misdemeanor can lead to jail time, fines, and a criminal record that affects your job, license, or reputation.
Texas divides misdemeanors into three classes:
Class A Misdemeanors
The most serious misdemeanor level. A conviction can bring:
- Up to 1 year in county jail.
- Fines up to $4,000.
Examples: Theft between $750 and $2,500, resisting arrest, or carrying a weapon unlawfully.
Class B Misdemeanors
Mid-level misdemeanors with penalties of:
- Up to 180 days in jail.
- Fines up to $2,000.
Examples: First-time DWI, criminal trespass, possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Class C Misdemeanors
The least serious criminal charges, punishable by:
- A fine of up to $500.
- No jail time.
Examples: Traffic tickets, public intoxication, disorderly conduct.
Even if you avoid jail, any misdemeanor conviction can appear on background checks and create future complications.
What Is A Felony In Texas?
Felonies are the most serious crimes under Texas law. These offenses often involve violence, large financial harm, or repeated illegal activity. A felony conviction can mean years, or even life, in prison, steep fines, and permanent consequences like loss of voting or firearm rights.
Texas breaks felonies into five categories:
Capital Felony
- Penalty: Life without parole or the death penalty
- Example: Capital murder
This is the most severe offense level in Texas.
First-Degree Felony
- Penalty: 5 to 99 years in prison, fines up to $10,000
- Examples: Aggravated robbery, arson resulting in death, sexual assault of a child
Second-Degree Felony
- Penalty: 2 to 20 years in prison, fines up to $10,000
- Examples: Manslaughter, robbery, aggravated assault
Third-Degree Felony
- Penalty: 2 to 10 years in prison, fines up to $10,000
- Examples: DWI with a child passenger, possession of a firearm by a felon, certain drug charges
State Jail Felony
- Penalty: 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility, fines up to $10,000
- Examples: Check forgery, credit card fraud, theft of property between $2,500–$30,000
Even the lowest-level felony can turn your life upside down. Unlike jail sentences for misdemeanors, felony convictions carry longer prison time and far-reaching consequences.
How Can A Criminal Record Affect You?
Whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony, a conviction creates a permanent criminal record, and that can affect your life long after the case ends.
Here’s how:
Employment
Most employers run background checks. A criminal record could limit job opportunities or make you ineligible for certain professions or licenses.
Housing
Many landlords deny rental applications based on criminal history, especially for felonies.
Education
Some colleges or financial aid programs consider criminal records in their admissions decisions.
Civil Rights
Felony convictions can lead to losing your right to vote, serve on a jury, or legally own firearms.
A conviction today could affect your options for the next 10, 20, or 30 years. That’s why early legal help matters; you may be able to reduce or avoid these outcomes entirely.
What’s The Role Of A Defense Attorney In These Cases?
A skilled criminal defense attorney helps you fight back, whether you’re facing a Class B misdemeanor or a first-degree felony.
Here’s how legal representation helps:
- Reviewing the evidence to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Negotiating with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges.
- Building a strong defense for trial, if needed.
- Helping you avoid jail, where possible, through diversion programs or deferred adjudication.
Even if the evidence looks stacked against you, don’t assume the outcome is set in stone. Every case has room to fight, and a good defense strategy can mean the difference between a criminal record and a clean slate.
Get Help When Facing Criminal Charges
Whether you’re dealing with a misdemeanor that could damage your reputation or a felony that could cost your freedom, you don’t have to go through this alone.
At Arlington Criminal Attorneys, we guide you through every step, from arrest to resolution, with clarity, compassion, and focus.
We’ll take the time to:
- Explain what you’re charged with and what it means.
- Analyze the case from every angle.
- Advocate for a reduced sentence or dismissal where possible.
- Keep you informed and involved at every stage.
We understand what’s at stake, and we’re here to help you protect your future.
Talk With A Defense Attorney Today
If you’ve been charged with a crime, misdemeanor, or felony, now is the time to act. The earlier we get involved, the more options we have to defend you.
Call Arlington Criminal Attorneys today to schedule a confidential case evaluation. We’ll help you understand your charges, build a strong defense, and move forward with confidence.
