FELONY: DELITO GRAVE MISDEMEANOR: DELITO MENOR PETTY MISDEMEANOR/OFFENSE: FALTA LEVE, OFENSA MENOR No todos los actos delictivos son iguales. En Texas, los delitos penales se clasifican en tres categorías: infracciones, delitos menores y delitos graves. Estas categorías se basan en la gravedad de la ofensa, y los castigos para cada tipo de delito varían. CRIME AND PUNISHMENT Listed below are the three types of criminal acts explained: Infractions. This is the least serious type of crime and is punishable by fines, tickets, or community service. If you are caught committing an infraction, you will not be arrested or receive jail time. Some of the most common types of infractions include speeding and parking tickets, jaywalking and public nuisance. Misdemeanors. This type of crime is more severe than an infraction but less so than a felony. In Texas, a misdemeanor is punishable by fines, imprisonment in a county jail or house arrest. Misdemeanors in Texas can be classified as A, B, and C, with Class A carrying the harshest punishments. Common misdemeanors include petty theft, a first conviction DUI and disorderly conduct charges. Repeat misdemeanors can carry harsher sentencing. Felonies. This is the most serious type of crime and can be punishable by heavy fines, jail time, and even death. Felonies can be classified into five categories with “capital felonies” being the most severe. Common felonies include violent crimes such as homicide, kidnapping, rape and armed robbery. Punishments for people convicted of felonies include long prison sentences, heavy fines, and in the most severe cases, death by lethal injection. Although an infraction will not stay on your criminal record, a misdemeanor or felony conviction likely will. This can have negative repercussions for the rest of your life, making things like finding a job much more difficult. That is why if you have been accused of a crime, it is important that you contact a criminal defense lawyer who knows how to handle your case.