3rd Degree Felony – Texas Criminal Laws

3rd Degree Felony Texas Overview

If you have been charged with a 3rd degree felony in Texas, you are likely feeling scared and alone. You may be wondering what will happen to you and if you will go to jail. It is important to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty and that there are many ways to defend against a felony charge. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you navigate the criminal justice system and fight for your rights. Contact a lawyer today to learn more about your options.

What is a 3rd degree felony in Texas?

A 3rd degree felony in Texas is a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Examples of 3rd Degree Felony

Crimes classified as 3rd degree felonies include possession of certain controlled substances, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and certain sex offenses. It’s essential for anyone facing criminal prosecution for a 3rd degree felony to consult an experienced criminal defense lawyer with knowledge of the laws in Texas and the potential consequences associated with a conviction. A skilled attorney can provide professional advice and help individuals understand their legal rights and options under the law.

List of 3rd Degree Felonies in Texas

• Unlawful Restraint – Texas Penal Code 20.02
• Kidnapping – Texas Penal Code 20.03
• Smuggling of Persons – Texas Penal Code 20.05
• Indecency with a child – Texas Penal Code 21.11
• Sexual coercion – Texas Penal Code 21.18
• Assault – Texas Penal Code 22.01
• Injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual – Texas Penal Code 22.04
• Abandoning or endangering a child – Texas Penal Code 22.041
• Deadly conduct – Texas Penal Code 22.05
• Terroristic Threat – Texas Penal Code 22.07
• Tampering with a consumer product – Texas Penal Code 22.09
• Harassment by persons in certain facilities; harassment of a public servant – Texas Penal Code 22.11
• Bigamy – Texas Penal Code 25.01
• Prohibited sexual conduct – Texas Penal Code 25.02
• Enticing a child – Texas Penal Code 25.04
• Violation of certain court orders or conditions of bond in a family violence, child abuse or neglect, sexual assault or abuse, stalking, or trafficking – Texas Penal Code 25.07
• Violation of protective order preventing offense caused by bias or prejudice – Texas Penal Code 25.071
• Repeated violation of certain court orders or conditions of bond in a family violence, child abuse or neglect, sexual assault or abuse, stalking, or trafficking case – Texas Penal Code 25.072
• Sale or purchase of a child – Texas Penal Code 25.08
• Unregulated custody transfer of an adopted child – Texas Penal Code 25.081
• Advertising for placement of a child for adoption – Texas Penal Code 25.09
• Continuous violence against the family – Texas Penal Code 25.11
• Arson – Texas Penal Code 28.02
• Criminal Mischief – Texas Penal Code 28.03
• Interference with railroad property – Texas Penal Code 28.07
• Graffiti – Texas Penal Code 28.08
• Burglary – Texas Penal Code 30.02
• Burglary of a vehicle – Texas Penal Code 30.04
• Theft – Texas Penal Code 31.03
• Theft of service – Texas Penal Code 31.04
• Theft of trade secrets – Texas Penal Code 31.05
• Organized retail theft – Texas Penal Code 31.16
• Cargo theft – Texas Penal Code 31.18
• Theft of a petroleum product – Texas Penal Code 31.19
• Forgery – Texas Penal Code 32.21
• Trademark counterfeiting – Texas Penal Code 32.23
• Credit card or debit card abuse – Texas Penal Code 32.31
• False statement to obtain property or credit or in providing an appraisal – Texas Penal Code 32.32
• Hindering secured creditors – Texas Penal Code 32.33
• Fraudulent transfer of a motor vehicle – Texas Penal Code 32.34
• Credit card transaction record laundering – Texas Penal Code 32.35
• Illegal recruitment of an athlete – Texas Penal Code 32.441
• Misapplication of fiduciary property or property of a financial institution – Texas Penal Code 32.45
• Securing execution of a document by deception – Texas Penal Code 32.46
• Fraudulent use or possession of identifying information – Texas Penal Code 32.51
• Breach of computer security – Texas Penal Code 33.02
• Online solicitation of a minor – Texas Penal Code 33.021
• Electronic Data Tampering – Texas Penal Code 33.023
• Unlawful decryption – Texas Penal Code 33.024
• Tampering with a direct recording electronic voting machine – Texas Penal Code 33.05
• Unauthorized online impersonation – Texas Penal Code 33.07
• Unauthorized use of telecommunications service – Texas Penal Code 33A.02
• Manufacture, possession, or delivery of an unlawful telecommunications device – Texas Penal Code 33A.03
• Theft of telecommunications service – Texas Penal Code 33A.04
• Unlawful publication of a telecommunications access device – Texas Penal Code 33A.05
• Money Laundering – Texas Penal Code 34.02
• Insurance fraud – Texas Penal Code 35.02
• Medicaid fraud – Texas Penal Code 35A.02
• Coercion of a public servant or voter – Texas Penal Code 36.03
• Obstruction or retaliation – Texas Penal Code 36.06

There are actully SEVERAL more 3rd degree felonies in Texas but my plane just landed and I have to quit typing. For a more exhaustive list of 3rd degree felonies in Texas, check out 18R 31 Inventory of Texas Felony Offenses.

3rd Degree Felony Punishment

A 3rd degree felony in the state of Texas carries stiff potential punishments upon conviction. Depending on the individual circumstances surrounding the case, a 3rd degree felony is punishable by a range of two to 10 years in prison, as well as up to a $10,000 fine.

Not only can defendants face significant jail time, but they may also experience probation or community supervision which can include mandatory classes or counseling sessions and consist of strict rules for living that must be followed for a pre-defined period of time. Additionally, being convicted of a 3rd degree felony can have lasting consequences including job loss or hindrance when seeking employment opportunities. It is paramount to have an experienced criminal lawyer who can analyze your particular case and provide you with knowledgeable counsel to protect your rights and present the best possible defense in court.

Possible Punishments for 3rd Degree Felony In Texas

• 2-10 years in prison
• $10,000 fine
• probation
• community service
• counseling
• job loss, license revocation

Texas Penal Code Section 12.34

Texas Penal Code Section 12.34 is one of the most serious laws on the books in the Lone Star state, creating a Third Degree Felony charge for committing certain types of offenses. Enforced by Texas state law enforcement, the penalties imposed for breaking this penal code may include up to 10 years in prison with a fine up to $10,000. It is important for anyone accused or arrested under this section of the Penal Code to understand their rights and work with an experienced criminal lawyer who can provide guidance through this difficult time.

Sec. 12.34. THIRD DEGREE FELONY PUNISHMENT. (a) An individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the third degree shall be punished by imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for any term of not more than 10 years or less than 2 years.

(b) In addition to imprisonment, an individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the third degree may be punished by a fine not to exceed $10,000. Full statute here.

Different Types of Felonies in Texas

1st Degree Felony – Most Severe

In the state of Texas, felonies are Penal Code offenses that are typically categorized according to their level of severity. The most serious type is 1st Degree Felony, which is punishable by 5 years to life in prison and fines up to $10,000.

2nd Degree Felony

Next, there is the 2nd Degree Felony. This type of felony is still quite severe and can result in 2-20 years in jail and hefty fines of up to $10,000.

Third Degree Felony

Last but not least is the 3rd Degree Felony; though it’s considered the least serious out of the three felony types, it’s punishable by a maximum prison term of 10 years and possibly additional monetary fines up to $10,000 as well. In all situations a Texas 3rd degree felony conviction will appear on criminal records into perpetuity unless it’s successfully expunged or pardoned.

Texas Felony Punishment Ranges

More 3rd Degree Felony Examples

A 3rd degree felony in Texas is generally seen as the most severe punishment outside of involvement with capital charges. Crimes that fall under this category may include theft of property valued at over $2,500, aggravated assault resulting in serious physical injury, any form of violent sexual assault causing serious bodily harm to an individual, and burglary. Being charged with a 3rd degree felony carries a penalty of 2–10 years in prison and an accompanying $10,000 fine. It’s important to remember that the defendant may also face additional criminal penalties alongside these listed ones. If you have been charged with a 3rd degree felony in Texas it is crucial to seek out legal counsel as soon as possible.

Texas Felony Defense Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been charged with a 3rd degree felony in Texas, it is important to seek legal advice from an experienced criminal lawyer right away. The consequences of a conviction can follow you long after the trial is finished and may include hefty fines, incarceration, and loss of certain rights, such as voting. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help build your case and explain any legal process that will be involved—like filing appeals or post-conviction motions—so that you have the best chance of success. Don’t delay—contact an experienced criminal lawyer today for help!

When it comes to the law, it is important to understand how serious a 3rd degree felony charge can be in the state of Texas. With up to 10 years of prison time and fines reaching up to $10,000, the stakes can be high. Thankfully, with an experienced criminal lawyer on your side, you may be able to successfully navigate the complex Texas court system and put yourself in the best possible position. If you or someone you know has been charged with a 3rd degree felony in Texas, contact an experienced criminal lawyer today for help understanding what statutes or penalties may apply under the Texas Penal Code Section 12.34 and how these laws could potentially impact your life if convicted. With an understanding of how felonies are classified by Texas courts, as well as some common examples of 3rd degree felonies in Texas, an experienced lawyer may be able to help provide clarity and build a defensible case on your behalf. Don’t wait until it’s too late – get legal assistance today!