Texas criminal law glossary
In short: This glossary defines common Texas criminal law terms in plain language and names the statute behind each one. Definitions are general information, not legal advice for a specific case.
- Aggregate weight
- The total weight of a controlled substance including adulterants and dilutants. Texas drug charges are graded by aggregate weight (Health and Safety Code Chapter 481). Read more
- ALR hearing
- An administrative license revocation hearing on a driver license suspension after a DWI arrest. It must be requested within 15 days of the notice (Transportation Code Chapter 524). Read more
- Bodily injury
- Physical pain, illness, or any impairment of physical condition (Penal Code 1.07(a)(8)). Read more
- Class A misdemeanor
- The highest misdemeanor level: up to 1 year in county jail and a fine up to $4,000 (Penal Code 12.21). Read more
- Class B misdemeanor
- Up to 180 days in county jail and a fine up to $2,000 (Penal Code 12.22). Read more
- Class C misdemeanor
- A fine-only offense, up to $500 (Penal Code 12.23). Read more
- Community supervision
- The Texas term for probation. The court suspends a sentence, or defers a finding of guilt, and sets conditions (Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 42A). Read more
- Deferred adjudication
- A form of community supervision in which the judge does not enter a finding of guilt. If completed, the case is dismissed (Code of Criminal Procedure 42A.101 and 42A.111). Read more
- Emergency protective order
- A magistrate's order for emergency protection issued after an arrest for family violence and certain other offenses (Code of Criminal Procedure 17.292). Read more
- Expunction
- A court order that erases records of an arrest in the situations the law allows, such as an acquittal or a dismissal that meets the statute (Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55A). Read more
- Family violence
- An act by a member of a family or household against another member that is intended to cause physical harm, bodily injury, assault or sexual assault, or a threat that reasonably causes fear of it, not including defensive measures (Family Code 71.004). Read more
- First-degree felony
- Punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and a fine up to $10,000 (Penal Code 12.32). Read more
- Second-degree felony
- Punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000 (Penal Code 12.33). Read more
- Third-degree felony
- Punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000 (Penal Code 12.34). Read more
- State jail felony
- The lowest felony level: 180 days to 2 years in a state jail and a fine up to $10,000 (Penal Code 12.35). Read more
- Habitual offender
- A person on trial for a felony with two sequential prior felony convictions, punished by 25 to 99 years or life (Penal Code 12.42(d)). Read more
- Intoxicated
- Not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties because of alcohol, drugs or another substance, or having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more (Penal Code 49.01(2)). Read more
- Magistrate warnings
- The rights a magistrate must explain after an arrest, including the right to counsel and to remain silent. The person must be brought before a magistrate within 48 hours (Code of Criminal Procedure 15.17). Read more
- Nondisclosure order
- An order that seals criminal history records from most public and private access. Many deferred adjudication cases qualify (Government Code 411.0725); family violence findings bar it (411.074). Read more
- Occupational driver license
- A restricted license that can let a person with a suspended license drive for essential needs (Transportation Code 521.242). Read more
- Penalty group
- The category a controlled substance is placed in under the Texas Controlled Substances Act, which sets the weight tiers and grades (Health and Safety Code 481.102 to 481.105). Read more
- Protective order
- A civil court order, often under Family Code Title 4 or Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 7B, that restricts contact. Violating it is a crime (Penal Code 25.07). Read more
- Serious bodily injury
- Bodily injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a bodily member or organ (Penal Code 1.07(a)(46)). Read more
How do I get started?
The first consultation is free. It is with a Director of Client Engagement, not an attorney. Clients who hire us work with an attorney. Call (214) 239-2013 or start a chat. Phones and chat are answered 24/7, with AI covering when no staff is free.
Last updated October 2026
Common questions
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Texas?
Misdemeanors are Class A, B or C and are punished by county jail or fines. Felonies are state jail, third, second, first degree or capital, punished by state jail or prison (Penal Code Chapter 12).
What does "intoxicated" mean under Texas law?
Not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties, or having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more (Penal Code 49.01).
Is community supervision the same as probation?
Yes. Community supervision is the term Texas law uses for probation (Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 42A).
Do not wait for your court date to get help. Call (214) 239-2013.
Phones and chat are answered 24/7, with AI covering when no staff is free.
This page provides general information about Texas law. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.