Criminal cases in Texas involve the government (prosecution) accusing a defendant of committing a crime listed in the Texas Penal Code. The Texas Penal Code outlines two categories of crimes: misdemeanors and felonies.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are minor crimes punishable by a fine or up to one year of incarceration in local or county jail. Misdemeanor offenses are divided into three classifications: Class A misdemeanors, Class B misdemeanors, and Class C misdemeanors.
The Texas Penal Code establishes sentencing ranges and specifies which courts will exercise original jurisdiction in criminal cases for Class A, Class B, and Class C misdemeanors.
| Classification of Offense | Sentencing Range | Trial Court |
|---|---|---|
| Class A Misdemeanor Examples: resisting arrest; theft of $500- $1,500 |
|
County-level trial court |
| Class B Misdemeanor Examples: driving while intoxicated; theft of $20-$500 |
|
County-level trial court |
| Class C Misdemeanor Examples: Traffic violations; theft <$20 |
|
Local Trial Courts |
Felonies
Felonies are more serious crimes punishable by incarceration for more than one year in a state jail or prison or by death. Felony offenses are divided into five classifications: capital felonies, first-degree felonies, second-degree felonies, third-degree felonies, and state jail felonies.
The Texas Penal Code establishes sentencing ranges for capital felonies, first-degree felonies, second-degree felonies, third-degree felonies, and state jail felonies. District courts exercise original jurisdiction over all felony cases, regardless of classification.
| Classification of Offense | Sentencing Range |
|---|---|
| Capital Felony Capital murder |
|
| First Degree Felony Examples: murder; theft of >$200,000 |
|
| Second Degree Felony Examples: manslaughter; theft of $100,000-$200,000 |
|
| Third Degree Felony Examples: impersonation; theft of $20,000-$100,000 |
|
| State Jail Felony Example: possession of 4 oz. – 1 lb. of marijuana; theft of $1,500-$20,000 |
|
As you may have noted when reviewing the table above, only capital felonies (i.e., capital murder) may be punishable by the death penalty. Capital murder includes offenses such as:
- murder of a public safety officer
- intentionally committing murder while committing/attempting to commit aggravated kidnapping, burglary, robbery, aggravated sexual assault, arson, etc.
- committing murder for compensation
- committing murder while incarcerated for murder
- committing murder while escaping/attempting to escape jail or prison
- murder of an employee of a penal system while incarcerated
- murdering more than one person at the same time or at different times if following the same scheme or course of conduct (for instance, serial killers)
- murdering someone under 15 years old
- murdering a state or local judge in retaliation for or on account of their service as a judge
Criminal Justice Process in Texas
Arrest, arraignment, bail, & indictment
Once an individual suspected of committing a crime is arrested, the defendant is arraigned (formally charged and made aware of his rights), and bail may be set. Bail is not guaranteed by the Texas Constitution.
Felony cases in Texas require an indictment before proceeding to trial. A grand jury reviews evidence gathered by prosecution to determine if the case should proceed to trial. If nine out of 12 members of the grand jury agree that the process should continue, a true bill, or indictment, is issued; if not, no bill is issued. Grand juries and indictments are intended to prevent abusive prosecutions.
Plea bargaining
Plea bargaining occurs when a defendant and a prosecutor negotiate a deal prior to going to trial. Due to overcrowded court dockets, most criminal cases in Texas are resolved through plea bargaining. Plea bargains are intended to save both time and money. However, many have criticized the use of plea bargaining because it removes the defendant’s right to a trial by jury and ability to appeal the case to higher courts for review and because judges are not always required to follow a plea bargain agreement when sentencing.
Trial
If the defendant chooses not to enter a plea bargain, the case will be brought to trial. The defendant may choose whether to have a trial by jury, which is guaranteed by the Texas Constitution’s bill of rights, or waive that right and choose to be tried by a presiding judge.
If the defendant chooses to have a trial by jury, the trial jury (or petit jury) is responsible for determining guilt or innocence and, in the case of capital felonies, may take part in sentencing.
Post-Trial Sentencing
If the defendant is found guilty of committing a crime, he or she will be sentenced by the judge. Judges exercise some discretion and latitude within the sentencing framework and guidelines established within the Texas Penal Code.