Felony in Texas
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Texas defines felonies as crimes punishable by at least two years in prison, with capital murder eligible for death penalty.
How Texas treats Felony
Texas categorizes felonies into five groups (first, second, third degree, state jail, and capital felonies), with sentences ranging from two years to life or death. Capital murder is the only offense punishable by death in Texas. Felony convictions result in loss of voting rights during incarceration and suspension of certain professional licenses.
The general definition of Felony
A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.
A felony is the most serious category of crime in the US criminal system. The key distinction is punishment: if a conviction can result in more than one year of imprisonment, it's a felony. Felonies include crimes like murder, rape, robbery, and drug trafficking. A felony conviction carries long-term consequences, including loss of voting rights, gun ownership restrictions, and difficulty finding employment.
Read the full Felony entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Texas.