Texas Crimes: Laws & Penalties

Texas Misdemeanor Crimes by Class and Sentences

Misdemeanors in Texas are crimes punishable by up to one year in local or county jail.

Texas Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences

In Texas, felonies are crimes punishable by terms that must be served in state prison or state jail.

Expunging or Sealing Adult Criminal Records in Texas

In Texas, the process of expunging a criminal record is often called “expunction.” In addition, some criminal records may be sealed by court order, called an “order of nondisclosure.”

What to Know When Charged With a Crime in Texas

Every criminal case begins with an investigation. Law enforcement officers investigate an alleged crime and make a report. This report might be very brief or it might be detailed.

How to Handle a Bench Warrant or Failure to Appear in Texas

What should you do if you fail to appear for court or learn a bench warrant has been issued for your arrest?

Texas Criminal Statute of Limitations

Texas' statutes of limitations set time limits for bringing charges in a criminal case. If the prosecution charges someone after the applicable time period has passed, the person charged can have the case dismissed.

Driving on a Suspended License in Texas

Like all states, Texas may suspend or revoke your license for many reasons. The state takes a suspension or revocation seriously and may charge you with a crime if you drive when your license is not valid.

Texas Minor in Possession of Alcohol Laws

A minor in Texas may not buy, possess, or consume alcohol; or knowingly provide false information to obtain alcohol. It is also illegal for adults to purchase alcohol for, sell to, or otherwise provide alcohol to minors.

Texas Public Intoxication Laws

Texas penal code 49.02 was enacted in 1993, and makes public intoxication illegal in the state. An officer can make an arrest for public intoxication if an individual poses a threat to themselves or others.

Intoxication Manslaughter in Texas

In at least one state, Texas, lawmakers have created a category of homicide that applies to situations where a drunk or intoxicated person operates a motor vehicle and causes the death of someone else.

Possession of a Controlled Substance in Texas

All states regulate the possession of controlled dangerous substances (CDS), though each differs in its exact definition of CDS and the penalties for illegal possession. Texas classifies not only well-known drugs like marijuana, heroin, and cocaine as CDS, but also the compounds used to manufacture them.

Texas Marijuana Laws

The possession and sale of any amount of marijuana is illegal in Texas, and potential penalties vary by the amount possessed or sold.

Texas Misdemeanor and Felony Theft and Shoplifting Laws

Like most states, Texas classifies its theft offenses according to the value of the property or services stolen—and, in some cases, by the type of property involved in the theft.

Burglary and Home Invasions in Texas

Each state has its own laws defining burglary, attempted burglary, home invasion (the burglary of a dwelling), and trespass. And penalties vary according to the circumstances of the crime, as described below. In Texas, burglary is defined as unlawfully entering or remaining in any structure.

Forgery Laws in Texas

In Texas, the crime of forgery consists of making, altering, or using any falsified written item with the intent to defraud or harm another. Written items include any document but also coins, badges, credit cards and seals. Under Texas law, to forge means to:

Auto Theft Laws in Texas

A person convicted of vehicle theft, carjacking, or joyriding can face state jail or prison time.

Texas Embezzlement Laws

Embezzlement is a type of property theft. It occurs when a defendant, who was entrusted to manage or monitor someone else’s money or property, steals all or part of that money or property for the defendant’s personal gain.

Texas Gun Laws on Open and Concealed Carry

Learn who may or may not carry a gun in Texas—and the few places guns are prohibited.

Stun Gun Laws in Texas

Texas doesn't regulate the possession or carrying of stun guns and Tasers, but these electronic weapons must be used in a legal way.

Simple Assault in Texas

A conviction for assault becomes part of your permanent criminal record. If you are convicted later of another crime, the court can consider your prior conviction and impose a harsher sentence in the new case.

Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking Laws in Texas

A person who commits cyberbullying or cyberstalking in Texas can face serious criminal penalties, including substantial incarceration time and hefty fines.

Texas Family Violence Crimes and Penalties

A person who commits an act of family violence in Texas can face serious criminal penalties, including lengthy imprisonment terms, hefty fines, restrictions on firearm possession, and immigration consequences.

Aggravated Assault and Deadly Conduct in Texas

Aggravated assault and deadly conduct carry serious felony penalties, including time behind bars and substantial fines.

Texas Family Violence Protective Orders

Texas law allows victims of family violence to ask the court for an order—called a family violence protective order or restraining order—that prohibits the alleged abuser from contacting or harming the victim. Violators of family violence protective orders can face time in jail or even prison.

Texas Sexting Laws for Teens and Minors

In Texas, “sexting”—sending nude or sexually suggestive photos electronically—with a minor can be a crime.

Prostitution, Pimping, and Pandering Laws in Texas

Prostitution (exchanging sex for money or other items of value) and patronizing (paying someone for sex) are both illegal in Texas. This is true even if you are caught merely offering to buy or sell sex. These activities are Class B misdemeanors.

Texas Statutory Rape Laws

A person who commits statutory rape or a related crime in Texas can face serious criminal penalties, including lengthy terms of imprisonment and substantial fines.

Transmitting an STD in Texas

In Texas, people who know that they are infected with HIV/AIDS and expose other people to the disease can be charged with assault with a deadly weapon, or even attempted murder. People who know they are infected with other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) could also possibly be charged with assault.