Every state has various degrees of criminal charges. That includes felonies. In most states, there are three degrees of felonies – first-, second-, and third-degree. First-degree felonies are the worst crimes and carry the most severe punishments. Texas has a category of felonies that is a little unusual, however. The Texas criminal code includes crimes designated as “state jail felonies.” These crimes are subject to more serious penalties than misdemeanors, but carry less severe punishments than do other felony charges. They are a sort of bridge between misdemeanor charges and more serious felony charges. State jail felonies are, nonetheless, felony charges, and you would do well to avoid conviction on even a state jail felony.
‘Minor’ Felonies are Not Really Very Minor
A state jail felony might seem like a minor charge compared to more serious felony charges in Texas, but do not kid yourself: all criminal charges are bad, including misdemeanors, and any felony charge is even worse. The penalties for a state jail felony in Texas – at least 180 days and no more than two years in prison, with a fine as high as $10,000 – are less than other felony charges. For instance, the penalties for a third-degree felony, the next highest class of felony above a state jail felony, are at least two years in prison but up to 10 years, with a fine of up to $10,000. The penalties for second-degree, first-degree, and capital felonies get much more severe from there. On the other hand, two years in prison is not exactly a stroll in the park. Further, state jail felonies can be elevated to third-degree felonies, depending upon circumstances. State jail felonies include criminally negligent homicide, theft if the amount is at least $2,500 up to $30,000, or possession of at least four ounces of marijuana but less than five pounds. There are, of course, many other offenses that qualify as state jail felonies.
The consequences of a state jail felony conviction go far beyond the jail time and fines. Conviction of any felony, including a state jail felony, can cost you your right to vote or to own a firearm, although you can get those rights back five years after completing your sentence with a court ruling. You also could be ineligible for federal student loans and other education programs. Your ability to find work and housing also are likely to be negatively affected. Your ability to obtain or keep a professional license also might be impaired. You might be barred from driving for a ride-share service, such as Uber or Lyft, among many other jobs that would no longer be open to you, including jobs requiring some kind of security clearance. You really do not want to have a felony conviction on your record.
If You Have Been Charged With a State Jail Felony, Talk to Madrid Law Firm
Being charged with a state jail felony might seem like a good thing compared to being charged with a more serious felony, but a felony charge is still a felony charge. You can lose the right to vote, to own a firearm, and suffer other life-altering consequences if you are convicted. If you find yourself facing state jail felony charges in the Houston area, get in touch with the Madrid Law Firm to see what we can do for you.
