Under Texas law, what distinguishes a "misdemeanor" from a "felony"?

The distinction between a "misdemeanor" and a "felony" in Texas law is primarily based on the severity of the offenses. Misdemeanors are generally regarded as less serious violations of the law compared to felonies. This classification impacts the penalties associated with each type of crime, including the duration of imprisonment and the severity of fines.

Misdemeanors typically carry lighter penalties and can result in up to one year of incarceration in a county jail, while felonies can lead to much harsher consequences, including lengthy prison sentences in state correctional facilities or even life imprisonment.

While it is true that many felonies may involve violent conduct, not all felonies are violent crimes; there are numerous non-violent felonies, such as certain types of fraud or theft. Additionally, while a significant penalty associated with felonies is their potential for more severe punishment than misdemeanors, it is not accurate to say that misdemeanors are punishable by fines only, as some may carry potential jail time. Thus, the most comprehensive and clear distinction is that misdemeanors are indeed considered less severe offenses in the context of Texas law.