Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

Re: crminal convictions

Misdeamenors are generally punishable by a fine not to exceed $4,000 and/or jail time not to exceed one year. In contrast, felonies are punishable by up to life in prison or the death penalty.

Some people like to say that misdemeanors are not "serious" crimes, but that may not be true. Some misdemeanors can have devastating effects on a person's life, depending on the type of crime. For example, a misdemeanor conviction for assaulting a family member (or any crime involving domestic violence) would, under federal law, prevent the convicted person from ever owning or possessing a firearm. Also, some sex offenses are "misdemeanors," yet can destroy a person's ability to get a job. Even petty theft can label a person as a "thief" and as being "dishonest," which would be a difficult burden to overcome in a job interview.

Hope this answers your question.