{"id":1037,"date":"2026-10-18T02:51:43","date_gmt":"2026-10-18T02:51:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/guides-aggravated-sexual-assault-charges-texas-accused-professionals\/is-jail-time-mandatory-for-a-felony-in-texas\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T16:26:59","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T16:26:59","slug":"is-jail-time-mandatory-for-a-felony-in-texas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/guides-aggravated-sexual-assault-charges-texas-accused-professionals\/is-jail-time-mandatory-for-a-felony-in-texas\/","title":{"rendered":"Probation and Sentencing Options for Sexual Assault and Aggravated Assault Charges in Texas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-dark chg-hero\" style=\"min-height:460px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-70 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(32,36,46,1) 0%,rgba(32,36,46,1) 55%,rgba(32,36,46,0.7) 100%)\"><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background\" alt=\"Interior of a police evidence processing facility with labeled storage shelves and documentation systems.\" src=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/interior-of-a-police-evidence-processing-facility-with-label-photo-1.jpg\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"chg-eyebrow has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Criminal Defense | Frisco, Texas<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Probation and Sentencing Options for Sexual Assault and Aggravated Assault Charges in Texas<\/h1><p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.625), 1.25rem);text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Barbieri Law Firm explains how community supervision and sentencing work in Texas cases, and how we review the options in your case.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+19724241902\">Schedule a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">Schedule a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.5rem\">By Heather Barbieri \u00b7 Published October 17, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n<h2>Is Jail Time Mandatory for a Felony in Texas?<\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-surface-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--surface,#f2f3f5);color:var(--wp--preset--color--contrast,#22252b);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If someone you love has been charged and the sentencing questions feel overwhelming, send the case details to our office and we will talk through them with you. Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+19724241902\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/two-officers-review-case-evidence-and-take-notes-during-an-i-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Two police officers review case files and take notes at a desk during an investigation.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>The short answer: not every Texas felony requires jail or prison time<\/h2>\n<p>No, jail or prison is not automatic for every Texas felony. The sentence depends on the degree of the offense, the statute charged, and whether a judge or jury can order community supervision (probation). Some charges carry bars on probation or longer minimum terms, so the answer changes from one charge to the next.<\/p>\n<p>Most people asking this question are really asking three things. What is the sentence range? Is probation legally possible? What happens before trial, while the case is still open? This page answers each one using Texas statutes. It does not predict how any specific case will end.<\/p>\n<h2>Texas felony punishment ranges by degree<\/h2>\n<p>The degree of a felony sets the outer limits of punishment. Each degree also allows a fine of up to $10,000 in addition to any time served.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>State jail felony:<\/strong> confinement in a state jail for not more than two years or less than 180 days, under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.12.htm#12.35\">Penal Code \u00a7 12.35<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Third-degree felony:<\/strong> imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for 2 to 10 years, under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.12.htm#12.34\">Penal Code \u00a7 12.34<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Second-degree felony:<\/strong> imprisonment for 2 to 20 years, under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.12.htm#12.33\">Penal Code \u00a7 12.33<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>First-degree felony:<\/strong> imprisonment for 5 to 99 years or life, under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.12.htm#12.32\">Penal Code \u00a7 12.32<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A range sets the limits. It does not predict the sentence in any case. In Texas, a judge or, if the defendant elects, a jury assesses punishment within the range, and the record in each case shapes where the sentence falls.<\/p>\n<h2>When probation (community supervision) may be available<\/h2>\n<p>Yes, probation is possible in many felony cases. Texas calls it community supervision. After a conviction or a guilty or no contest plea, a judge may suspend the sentence and place the defendant on community supervision, under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/CR\/htm\/CR.42A.htm#42A.053\">Code of Criminal Procedure art. 42A.053<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>That same article has limits. A defendant is not eligible if the sentence is more than 10 years, or if it is a state jail term under \u00a7 12.35. In most felony cases, the community supervision period runs at least as long as the minimum prison term and up to 10 years.<\/p>\n<p>Jurors may also recommend community supervision, but art. 42A.056 of the Code of Criminal Procedure bars it in certain cases, including when the sentence exceeds 10 years, a murder conviction, and certain sex offenses (such as indecency with a child, sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault) when the victim was younger than 14. The defendant must first file a sworn motion saying he or she has no prior felony conviction in Texas or any other state. The jury must find that statement true (<a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/CR\/htm\/CR.42A.htm#42A.055\">art. 42A.055<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>Deferred adjudication is a separate path. The judge defers further proceedings without entering a finding of guilt. If the period ends without an adjudication, the judge must dismiss the case and discharge the defendant (<a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/CR\/htm\/CR.42A.htm#42A.111\">art. 42A.111<\/a>). After deferred adjudication and discharge, the case generally does not count as a conviction for many purposes, but for a reportable sex offense it still counts for sex-offender registration (Code Crim. Proc. ch. 62), and art. 42A.111 lists other exceptions.<\/p>\n<p>Judge-ordered community supervision under art. 42A.053 is not available for certain offenses listed in art. 42A.054. That list does not by itself decide eligibility for deferred adjudication or for jury-recommended community supervision, which follow separate rules. Article 42A.054(a) lists offenses such as sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, and indecency with a child.<\/p>\n<p>Whether a judge can offer probation depends on the facts: the charge, any deadly weapon finding, and the prior record.<\/p>\n<h2>State jail felonies and the option to reduce the punishment<\/h2>\n<p>A state jail felony is served in a state jail, not a Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison. The range is 180 days to two years under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.12.htm#12.35\">\u00a7 12.35<\/a>. Art. 42A.053(c) excludes a defendant sentenced to a state jail term from judge-ordered community supervision under that article. Community supervision for state jail felonies is governed separately by art. 42A.551, so a state jail felony charge does not on its own rule out probation.<\/p>\n<p>A state jail felony can become a third-degree felony. Under \u00a7 12.35(c), this can happen in two situations. The first is when a deadly weapon was used or exhibited during the offense or the flight from it, and the defendant either used or exhibited it or, as a party, knew it would be. The second is when the defendant has a prior final felony conviction for an offense listed in art. 42A.054(a), for continuous trafficking or continuous sexual abuse, or with an affirmative deadly-weapon finding (<a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.12.htm#12.35\">\u00a7 12.35(c)<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>A court also has a reduction option. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.12.htm#12.44\">Penal Code \u00a7 12.44<\/a>, a court may impose the confinement allowed for a Class A misdemeanor. The court must find, after considering the gravity of the offense and the defendant&#8217;s history and rehabilitative needs, that this would serve the ends of justice. At the prosecutor&#8217;s request, the court may also let the prosecutor charge the case as a Class A misdemeanor.<\/p>\n<p>Here is the simple map. Misdemeanors are generally served in county jail. State jail felonies are served in state jail. Third-degree felonies and higher are served in TDCJ prison.<\/p>\n<h2>Sentence enhancements<\/h2>\n<p>Prior felony convictions can raise the range. Under Texas law, a prior final felony conviction can increase the punishment range for a later felony charge. For the \u00a7 12.42(a)-(b) enhancements, the prior cannot be a state jail felony, but under \u00a7 12.425, prior state jail felony convictions can enhance a later state jail felony. Under \u00a7 12.42(b), a second-degree felony can be punished in the first-degree range when the defendant has a prior felony conviction as described in that subsection, and \u00a7 12.42(d) provides a separate habitual-offender range.<\/p>\n<p>The stakes rise sharply at the top. A first-degree felony carries life, or 5 to 99 years, and a fine up to $10,000. The range for a first-degree felony is life, or 5 to 99 years (Penal Code \u00a7 12.32).<\/p>\n<p>Certain repeat sexually violent offense cases carry life without parole under \u00a7 12.42(c)(4), when the listed prior convictions are shown.<\/p>\n<p>Enhancement and minimum rules are offense-specific. Check the exact statute named in the charge. A general rule from one offense does not always carry over to another.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-surface-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--surface,#f2f3f5);color:var(--wp--preset--color--contrast,#22252b);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-contrast-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+19724241902\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Can someone be jailed while waiting for trial?<\/h2>\n<p>Community supervision and deferred adjudication come after a conviction or a guilty plea.<\/p>\n<p>For a family member, the first step is understanding where the case stands. Ask what the charge is, which court holds the case, and what the next court date is. Those facts guide every question that follows.<\/p>\n<h2>Age matters: juvenile court versus adult criminal court<\/h2>\n<p>Age is a threshold question, separate from sentencing.<\/p>\n<p>Ask about them early, because they can change which rules apply.<\/p>\n<h2>What to do next if a loved one has been charged with a felony<\/h2>\n<p>Start with the charging papers. Look for the exact statute named, the degree of the felony, and any deadly weapon or prior conviction allegation.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re reading this late at night, on someone else&#8217;s behalf, while they are in custody or facing a court date you didn&#8217;t expect, you&#8217;re not alone in that moment. Many families start here with the same questions.<\/p>\n<p>The initial consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation to continue. If you&#8217;re sorting through a charge for someone you love, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">send the case details through our contact page<\/a> or call (972) 424-1902. We&#8217;ll walk through the charge and the questions raised on this page. No honest lawyer can predict a result.<\/p>\n<p><strong>About the author<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Heather Jean Barbieri, Board Certified, Criminal Law &#8212; Texas Board of Legal Specialization<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/investigation-scene-with-evidence-photos-discussed-officers-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Police officers review evidence photos and case details at an investigation scene.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Related guides and common questions<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Is jail time mandatory for a felony in Texas?<\/strong> Not automatically. Probation (community supervision) is possible in many cases, but the charge and the record control the answer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Can a state jail felony be reduced to a misdemeanor?<\/strong> In some cases, a court may do so under Penal Code \u00a7 12.44.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Can aggravated sexual assault receive community supervision?<\/strong> Article 42A.054(a) excludes that offense from judge-ordered community supervision under art. 42A.053.<\/p>\n<p>Related guides:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"\/guides\/guides-aggravated-sexual-assault-charges-texas-accused-professionals\/\">Aggravated sexual assault charges in Texas<\/a>, the parent guide on this topic.<\/li>\n<li>What happens after a charge is filed, covering the steps that follow an arrest.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/guides\/guides-aggravated-sexual-assault-charges-texas-accused-professionals\/sexual-assault-of-a-child\/\">Sexual assault of a child<\/a>, for readers whose charge involves a minor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Attorney responsible for this site: Heather Barbieri, Barbieri Law Firm, Frisco, Texas.<\/p>\n\n<\/article>\n<footer class=\"disclaimer\"><em>Barbieri Law Firm, 17 Cowboys Way, Suite 175, Frisco, TX 75034. The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Results listed are not a guarantee or indication of future case results.<\/em><\/footer>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">How we review your options<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--shield\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">We review the evidence<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We examine the reports, witness statements, and records in the case so you understand the facts a judge or jury will weigh.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--lightbulb\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">We explain the possibilities<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We walk through the sentencing and supervision options, including the conditions that can come with each one, in plain language.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--chat\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">We discuss your goals<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your priorities, family, work, and questions guide how we approach negotiations and the sentencing hearing.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-surface-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--surface,#f2f3f5);color:var(--wp--preset--color--contrast,#22252b);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Probation and sentencing depend on the specific charge, the facts, the prior record, and the decisions of the judge or jury. General information on this page is not advice about your case. Contact us to discuss your situation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+19724241902\">Send us your case details<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">Send us your case details<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-surface-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">What to bring to your free consultation<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The charge and paperwork<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bring any charging papers, bond documents, and court notices you have, including the exact charge listed.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your prior record<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tell us about any prior arrests, convictions, or supervision, since these facts affect the options available.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What you remember<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Write down the timeline of events and the names of people involved, while the details are still fresh.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your questions and goals<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">List what matters most to you, whether that is your job, your family, or your future, so we can address it directly.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4d466591 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--primary,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color\">Talk with Heather Barbieri about your charge. Your first consultation is free, confidential, and without obligation.<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-0aa01211 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+19724241902\">Call (972) 424-1902<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">Call (972) 424-1902<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related practice areas<\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"\/guides\/guides-aggravated-sexual-assault-charges-texas-accused-professionals\/what-is-the-best-defense-against-sexual-assault-charges\/\">What is the best defense against sexual assault charges?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- chg:section-siblings -->\n<nav aria-label=\"More in this section\">\n<h2>More in this section<\/h2>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/guides\/guides-aggravated-sexual-assault-charges-texas-accused-professionals\/sexual-assault-of-a-child\/\">Sexual Assault of a Child<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/guides-aggravated-sexual-assault-charges-texas-accused-professionals\/what-is-the-best-defense-against-sexual-assault-charges\/\">What is the best defense against sexual assault charges?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/guides-aggravated-sexual-assault-charges-texas-accused-professionals\/what-kind-of-lawyer-does-sexual-assault-cases\/\">What kind of lawyer does sexual assault cases?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/guides-aggravated-sexual-assault-charges-texas-accused-professionals\/how-much-is-a-lawyer-for-aggravated-assault\/\">How much is a lawyer for aggravated assault?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/guides-aggravated-sexual-assault-charges-texas-accused-professionals\/how-much-jail-time-for-aggravated-assault-in-texas\/\">How much jail time for aggravated assault in Texas?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Jail isn&#8217;t automatic for every Texas felony. Learn how punishment ranges, community supervision and deferred adjudication work, and where the limits are.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":960,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"chg_review":"","chg_sendback":"","chg_canonical":"","chg_lang":"","chg_hreflang":"","chg_jsonld":"[{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Heather Barbieri\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/attorneys\/heather-barbieri\/\", \"jobTitle\": \"Founding Attorney, Board Certified in Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization\", \"sameAs\": [\"https:\/\/www.texasbar.com\/AM\/Template.cfm?Section=Update_My_Profile&Template=\/CustomSource\/AttorneySearch\/MainProfileView.cfm&CFID=16102400&CFTOKEN=de0a8b038ec3c7b5-2AB4B1CB-5056-9551-D4D5BC06D0A3DEE5\", \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/heather-barbieri-3880184\", \"https:\/\/www.avvo.com\/attorneys\/75034-tx-heather-barbieri-1771243.html\"]}, \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Barbieri Law Firm\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/\"}, \"reviewedBy\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Carrie Thomas\", \"jobTitle\": \"Managing Attorney\", \"sameAs\": [\"https:\/\/www.texasbar.com\/AM\/Template.cfm?Section=Update_My_Profile&Template=\/CustomSource\/AttorneySearch\/MainProfileView.cfm&CFID=16102400&CFTOKEN=de0a8b038ec3c7b5-2AB4B1CB-5056-9551-D4D5BC06D0A3DEE5\"]}, \"inLanguage\": \"en\", \"about\": [{\"name\": \"Texas felony punishment ranges\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"Community supervision (probation) in Texas\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"Deferred adjudication in Texas\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"Pretrial bond in Texas\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"Juvenile versus adult criminal court in Texas\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}], \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"Audience\", \"audienceType\": \"Adults charged with a felony in Texas and family members researching on their behalf\"}, \"headline\": \"Is Jail Time Mandatory for a Felony in Texas?\", \"description\": \"Jail isn't automatic for every Texas felony. 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