Will You Go to Jail if Convicted?

Your specific charge determines if you will go to jail after being convicted. Any charge that qualifies as a Class B misdemeanor or greater may result in jail time. You may face consequences beyond those assessed by the court. 

A Texas conviction can also wreck your finances. It can cause problems at home and at work, too.

What Are Sentencing Ranges for Crimes in Texas?

Per the Texas Attorney General (p.2-3), you may face jail time for three offense classifications: 1) state jail felony, 2) Class A misdemeanor, and 3) Class B misdemeanor. The potential confinement periods for each classification are:

• State jail felony: up to two years in a state jail
• Class A misdemeanor: up to one year in jail
• Class B misdemeanor: up to 180 days in jail

Each of these classifications also have financial consequences. You may be fined up to $10,000, $4,000, and $2,000 for each respective offense. Sentencing for more serious crimes may involve prison time rather than jail time. Prison sentencing ranges include:

• Third-degree felony: up to ten years in prison
• Second-degree felony: Up to 20 years in prison
• First-degree felony: up to life in prison

A capital felony is punished by life in prison without parole or, when the State seeks it, the death penalty. Felony charges also come with hefty financial penalties. You may receive a fine of up to $10,000 for a felony conviction. 

What Types of Crimes May Result in Jail Time?

The Texas Politics Project details crimes according to their classification. Examples of crimes in each classification include:

• Capital felony: capital murder
• First-degree felony: aggravated sexual assault, theft of property valued at $300,000 or more
• Second-degree felony: aggravated assault, injury to a child, theft of property valued at $150,000 or more (but less than $300,000)
• Third-degree felony: drive-by shooting with no injury, theft of property valued at $30,000 or more (but less than $150,000)
• State jail felony: credit card or debit card abuse, theft of property valued at $2,500 or more (but less than $30,000)
• Class A misdemeanor: burglary of a vehicle, assault causing bodily injury
• Class B misdemeanor: driving while intoxicated, making terroristic threats, possession of 2 ounces or less of marijuana

Our team will review your case and figure out how your offense is classified. Texas law isn’t always simple. The State can treat two similar charges in very different ways. You need to know exactly what a conviction would mean for you. We’ll walk you through every part of the charge against you.

What Are Additional Consequences of a Conviction in Texas?

Legal sanctions may only be the start of your problems. Whether or not you face jail time, a conviction may:

Result in Termination and Loss of Future Employment Opportunities

A conviction may appear on your public record. Even if the record can be sealed later, your employer may become aware of a conviction. They may have the right to fire you for it, and they may choose to. Prospective employers may choose not to hire you because of a criminal conviction. These consequences may:

• Put immense financial strain on you and your dependents
• Alter your retirement plans
• Derail your odds of receiving promotions, pay increases, and other professional benefits
• Force you to change careers

A conviction may disqualify you for certain professional licenses, essentially barring you from certain lines of work. 

Affect Child Custody Arrangements

If you have sole custody of your children or share custody, then a conviction could change that. Courts may view a criminal conviction as an indictment of your character.

You may lose custody or end up with reduced parental rights. That can do real damage to your relationship with your kids, and it can hurt them in more ways than one.

Alter Your Immigration Status

If you’re in Texas on a conditional basis, then a conviction can be devastating. You may face:

• Revocation of a visa
• Denial of a green card
• Deportation
• Other immigration-related problems

Changes in your immigration status may affect your entire family. 

Diminish Every Aspect of Your Life

A conviction has all-encompassing effects. Your mental health may suffer. Your identity may take a hit, and your personal relationships may change for the worse. 

Securing housing may be difficult, and life may be much harder because of your conviction. Understand these potential consequences and get the legal help you need.

Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help If You’re Facing Criminal Charges in Texas?

Yes, a criminal defense lawyer in Houston may help in ways that no other person can. A lawyer from our office will:

• Gather all facts and evidence relevant to your case: We will be especially alert to any evidence that suggests your innocence.
• Develop a clear strategy for your defense: Based on your circumstances, we’ll set a target outcome for your case.
• Execute your case strategy: We fight for the best possible plea deal or push for full dismissal of your charges. Your case details will determine our approach.
• Defend your rights: Criminal defense is, first and foremost, about protecting the defendant. We make sure you get due process and a fair trial. The same goes for every other right the law gives you.
• Handle any necessary appeal: We handle every step of the legal process.

When this much of your life is on the line, you want a law firm you can count on. Let Blass Law help you.

Call Blass Law Today for Criminal Defense

We believe that everyone facing criminal charges deserves a defense. Considering the consequences of a conviction, now is no time to take chances. The team at Blass Law will fight for your future. See how we’ve previously helped clients facing significant criminal charges.

Call Blass Law today at (713) 664-4000 to discuss your case. No person should be defined by a mistake and should certainly not be convicted wrongfully. Our team will fight for the best possible outcome for your case.