{"id":8007,"date":"2026-11-05T04:29:26","date_gmt":"2026-11-05T04:29:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/guides-aggravated-sexual-assault-charges-texas-accused-professionals\/what-is-a-second-degree-felony-in-texas\/"},"modified":"2026-11-06T08:41:07","modified_gmt":"2026-11-06T08:41:07","slug":"what-is-a-second-degree-felony-in-texas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/guides-aggravated-sexual-assault-charges-texas-accused-professionals\/what-is-a-second-degree-felony-in-texas\/","title":{"rendered":"Second Degree Felony in Texas: What the Penalties Are"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Criminal Defense | Frisco, Texas<\/p>

What a Second Degree Felony Means in Texas<\/h1>

Understand the prison range, the possible fine and what can change the penalty, then talk with a Barbieri Law Firm attorney about your case.<\/p>

Schedule a Free Consultation<\/a><\/div>
Schedule a Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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About Barbieri Law Firm<\/h2>\n

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All-Women<\/h3>

Criminal defense firm<\/p><\/div>

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Texas headquarters<\/p><\/div>

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And Dallas-Fort Worth and across Texas<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

By Heather Barbieri \u00b7 Published November 4, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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What is a second degree felony in Texas? It is a serious felony offense, ranked below first-degree felonies. If your loved one has been charged, this guide explains what those numbers mean and what they don’t.<\/p>\n

What is a second-degree felony in Texas?<\/h2>\n

A second-degree felony is a felony offense that Texas law places below first-degree felonies and above third-degree felonies. Texas Penal Code \u00a7 12.33<\/a> sets the punishment for a second-degree felony. A person convicted of this offense faces imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for not more than 20 years and not less than 2 years. A fine of up to $10,000 can be added to the prison term.<\/p>\n

Think of the range as a set of limits. The statute tells the court the lowest and highest sentence it may impose. It does not say what will happen in your loved one’s case.<\/p>\n

The degree also tells you how the law views the offense. It affects every step that follows, from bond to the discussions about how the case may be resolved.<\/p>\n\n

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If your loved one has been charged, you don't have to sort out the papers alone. Our team offers a free initial consultation that is confidential and carries no obligation. Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p>

Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div>
Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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How Texas ranks felonies by degree<\/h2>\n

Texas ranks felonies by degree, not by class. The state uses first, second and third degrees, plus a separate state jail felony category. Each level has its own range:<\/p>\n