What are the Most Serious Felony Charges in TX?

A felony is a serious criminal charge. In Texas, all felonies carry a potential sentence of at least one year in prison—with many felony charges carrying the risk of far more time behind bars. Notably, there are actually several different “classifications” of felony charges. The Texas Legislative Council publishes a comprehensive list of felony classifications. What is the most serious felony charge in TX? A capital felony. Capital felonies can be death penalty cases. Here, our Fort Worth criminal defense lawyer provides an overview of the most serious felony charges in Texas.

Capital Felonies are the Most Serious Classification of Felony Charge in Texas

In Texas, the most serious criminal charges are categorized as capital felonies. This classification, under Texas law, represents the most severe crimes committed and, accordingly, carries the gravest penalties. Crimes that fall under this category typically include intentional and premeditated murder, espionage, treason, and in certain cases, aggravated sexual assault.

• With a capital felony, the maximum penalty is execution (death penalty).

To be clear, the death penalty is a risk in Texas for defendants who have been charged with a capital felony offense. According to data from Statista, Texas executed 576 people between 1976 and 2022. For reference, that is far more than any other U.S. state, with Oklahoma, Virginia, Florida, and Missouri being the next highest-ranked states.

A More Detailed Overview of Capital Felony Penalties in Texas

For capital felonies in Texas, the consequences upon conviction are either life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. Unlike many other jurisdictions in the United States, Texas retains the death penalty as a viable form of punishment. The penalty is determined at a separate proceeding after the guilt or innocence of the defendant has been established. In cases involving a minor defendant (under the age of 18), life imprisonment without the possibility of parole is the maximum sentence.

All Felony Allegations are Serious, Require a Proactive Defense

While capital felonies are at the peak of seriousness, it is important to recognize that any felony charge in Texas should be taken extremely seriously. This includes crimes classified under first-degree, second-degree, third-degree, and state jail felonies. Penalties for these charges may range dramatically based on the specific circumstances of the case. You should never take on police and prosecutors alone when facing a felony criminal charge in Texas. Consult with a Fort Worth, TX, criminal defense attorney for immediate help with your case.

Set Up a Confidential Consultation With a Top Fort Worth Defense Attorney Today

At The Law Office of Kyle Whitaker, our Fort Worth criminal defense attorney is an aggressive and experienced advocate for justice. If you or your loved one was arrested and charged with a felony, we can help. Contact our criminal defense team today for your fully private, no strings attached case review. From our Fort Worth law office, we defend felony charges throughout the entire Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.