Offense classifications
Texas classifies criminal offenses by severity. From least to most serious: Class C misdemeanor (fine only), Class B, Class A, State Jail Felony, 3rd-degree Felony, 2nd-degree Felony, 1st-degree Felony, Capital Felony (Tex. Penal Code §§ 12.21+).
Process: arrest to disposition
After arrest: magistration (within 48 hours), bond/bail, arraignment, discovery, pre-trial motions, plea negotiations, trial (jury or bench), sentencing. Most cases resolve via plea bargain.
Deferred adjudication
For many offenses, judges may grant deferred adjudication community supervision (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 42A.101+): the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, the judge defers a finding of guilt, and the defendant completes a probationary period. Successful completion means no final conviction — but the arrest record remains until sealed by a separate order.
Nondisclosure (sealing)
After successful deferred adjudication for many qualifying offenses, the defendant may petition for an order of nondisclosure (Tex. Gov't Code § 411.0735+), which seals the record from public access (law enforcement still has access).
Expungement
More restrictive than nondisclosure. Generally requires acquittal, dismissal, or pardon (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. ch. 55).
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