What is a Level 2 felony in Texas?

Asked by: Orion Weissnat DVM  |  Last update: April 11, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (24 votes)

Crimes in Texas are classified as either a felony or misdemeanor. Felonies are divided into four degrees based on their severity. One of these is called a second-degree felony, which is reserved for serious crimes such as arson or robbery. A second-degree felony can result in serious fines and possible prison time.

How bad is a 2nd degree felony in Texas?

A Second Degree Felony is punishable by a minimum of two years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in prison. “Prison” means confinement in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Institutional Division. In addition to prison, a person may also be fined $10,000.

How serious is a class 2 felony?

Non-dangerous class 2 felonies carry harsh sentences typically ranging from four to ten years, along with large fines that can be financially devastating.

What is a felony 2 charge in Texas?

Second-Degree Texas felony charges can result in two to twenty years in prison. Examples of second-degree felony charges include arson, sexual assault, bribery, human trafficking, indecent contact with a child, as well as other forms of conduct.

How much time do you get for a Level 2 felony?

For a first-time offender (with no aggravating factors), the general sentencing range for a class 2 felony is 4 to 10 years. However, dangerous and repetitive offenders can receive sentences upwards of 21 or 35 years. Kidnapping and sex trafficking are examples of class 2 felonies.

How to Get Felony Charge Reduced to Misdemeanor

27 related questions found

Which is worse felony 2 or 3?

In criminal law, a first-degree offense is the worst felony. It's worse than a second-degree offense, which is worse than a third-degree offense, and so on. So the higher the degree, the lesser the crime.

Can you pass a Level 2 background check with a felony?

Potentially disqualifying offenses for a Level 2 background check include serious criminal convictions such as violent crimes like murder, assault, and kidnapping; sexual offenses like sexual assault and child molestation; and major drug-related crimes such as drug trafficking and drug manufacturing.

Do first time felony offenders go to jail in Texas?

So you could be sentenced to jail even if you have no prior record. However, the state of Texas has developed programs specifically for first-time criminal offenders to keep them out of jail and to keep the focus on rehabilitation.

What is a Class 2 A felony?

Class B/Class 2.

These felonies could include involuntary manslaughter, larceny, and assault. Punishment could involve a prison sentence of up to ten years and/or a fine of up to $20,000 or more.

How to avoid jail time for felony?

5 strategies for lessening or avoiding jail time in felony cases
  1. #1: Negotiating plea bargains. Pleading out can be a strategic move. ...
  2. #2: Rehabilitation and counseling. ...
  3. #3: Character references. ...
  4. #4: Diversion programs. ...
  5. #5: Demonstrating remorse.

What is the difference between a felony 1 and a felony 2?

Whatever type of classification system the state uses, the lower the number or letter is, the higher the offense severity is. For instance, Class A or 1 is typically the most serious felony level, Class B or 2 is the next serious and so on.

What is a level 2 crime?

Level 2 offense means possession of four ounces or more, but less than eight ounces, or distribution of one ounce or more, but less than two ounces, of a specified illegal drug, or possession of four pounds or more or 50 plants or more, but less than eight pounds or 75 plants, or distribution of more than one pound, ...

What level of felony is most serious?

Felony offenses are the most serious type of crime. They are often classified by degree, with a first-degree felony as the most serious and a third-degree felony as the least serious.

Can a felony be dropped in Texas?

Fortunately, being charged with a felony does not necessarily mean you will be convicted. In fact, your charges may be dismissed or dropped before your trial even begins. Judges can dismiss a case either on the motion of the defendant or on their own motion. In most cases, though, the prosecution will drop the charges.

What is the minimum sentence for a felony in Texas?

First Degree Felony: The maximum sentence here is 99 years with a mandatory minimum of five years. Courts can also impose a fine of up to $10,000. Second Degree Felony: Courts can impose a prison sentence of up to 20 years in these cases with a minimum of two years. The fine may also be as large as $10,000.

What is the most common felony in Texas?

These are the most common felony offenses:
  • Abandoning/Endangering a Child.
  • Aggravated Assault.
  • Aggravated Sexual Assault.
  • Aggravated Robbery.
  • Assault Bodily Injury Family Member.
  • Burglary of a Habitation.
  • Concealed Handgun Violation.
  • Counterfeiting.

What is a felony 2 in Texas?

Crimes in Texas are classified as either a felony or misdemeanor. Felonies are divided into four degrees based on their severity. One of these is called a second-degree felony, which is reserved for serious crimes such as arson or robbery. A second-degree felony can result in serious fines and possible prison time.

Is Class 2 felony worse than Class 3?

Yes, 2nd degree is worse than 3rd. Every state has different laws, but a 2nd degree felony carries a harsher sentence than a 3rd degree felony.

Can you get probation for a felony in Texas?

Most felons can get probation in Texas by negotiating a plea bargain with the prosecution. A defendant might be able to bypass the Texas indictment process with a grand jury by agreeing to a plea deal in which he or she pleads guilty to avoid prison time. Instead, the defendant will get a probation sentence.

How long does a felony stay on your record in Texas?

How long do felonies stay on your record in Texas? Under Texas law, criminal charges including felonies and misdemeanors stay on your record permanently. This is true even if the charges were dismissed, you were found not guilty, or you successfully completed deferred adjudication.

What is the 3 felony rule in Texas?

If you have been convicted of three felonies, or 'three strikes', the prison sentencing you face will be much longer, from 15 or 25 to life. Texas is one of many states to enact a 'three strike' law, enforcing harsher punishments for those who have committed numerous crimes and are likely to do so again.

What disqualifies you from a level 2 background check in Texas?

Some examples of offenses that might be disqualifying on a Level 2 background check include the following:
  • Aggravated assault/battery.
  • Arson.
  • Battery of a vulnerable adult or minor.
  • Child pornography.
  • Crimes of domestic violence.
  • Enticing/luring a child.
  • Aggravated child abuse.
  • Incest.

What does level 2 mean on a background check?

Level 2 background checks are more in-depth. The process for these checks will involve fingerprinting performed on a national scale rather than only within the state boundary. This screening level will provide insight into federal offenses and uncover any hidden or expunged records candidates may have.

What is a red flag on a background check?

A red flag in a background check is anything alarming or concerning about a person's past. This could be a history of breaking the law, lying about work experience or education, or other serious issues. However, not all red flags are the same. Some might be small and not that serious, depending on the job.