Punishment Range for a First Degree Felony in Texas
By Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyer Troy P. Burleson
According to the Texas Penal Code section 12.32, a first degree felony is punishable by:
a) Confinement in prison for life or a term from 5 to 99 years in prison; AND
b) An optional fine not to exceed $10,000
Community Supervision for a First Degree Felony
A citizen accused of a first degree felony in Texas MAY be eligible for community supervision probation. If a person is eligible for probation, he or she may be place on probation instead of imprisoned for:
a) Up to 10 years of deferred adjudication community supervision; OR
b) From 5 to 10 years of post conviction community supervision; AND
c) Up to 180 days in county jail as a condition of probation.
If a court authorizes community supervision for a person accused of a first degree felony, instead of prison, the generally the court will require the accused to spend up to 180 days in county jail as a condition of being placed on probation. Essentially, the person accused MUST go to county jail for a period of time up to 180 days then will be placed on probation from 5 to 10 years.
