Copyright © Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 

Copyright © Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 

FederalU.S. ConstitutionU.S. Criminal CodesJudicial decisions interpreting codesExecutive orders

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Copyright © Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 

StateState constitutionState criminal codesCommon law

LocalCity and county chartersMunicipal and county ordinances or

violationsCommon law Judicial decisions interpreting the codes or

laws

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Copyright © Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 

Class C MisdemeanorFine up to $500 (ticket)Cannot be arrested

Speeding or Open Container

Class B MisdemeanorUp to 180 days in jail$2,000 fine

Class A MisdemeanorUp to 1 year in jail$4,000 fine

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State Jail Felony (SJF): 180 days to 2

years$10,000 fine

3rd Degree:2-10 years$10,000 fine

2nd Degree:2-20 years$10,000 fine

1st Degree:5-99 years$10,000 fine

Capital:Death Life without Parole

6Copyright © Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.

Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 

HAMMURABI’S CODE-MAGNA CARTAENGLISH BILL OF RIGHTSENGLISH COMMON LAWFEDERAL LAWS- CONSTITUTION,

CODES,JUDICIAL RULINGS, EXECUTIVE ORDER

STATE LAWS-STATE CONSTITUTION, CODES, Common law

LOCAL- City and county charters, Municipal and county ordinances or violations, Common law, Judicial decisions interpreting the codes or laws

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Class C Misdemeanor Fine up to $500 (ticket) Cannot be arrested

Speeding or Open Container

Class B Misdemeanor Up to 180 days in jail $2,000 fine

Class A Misdemeanor Up to 1 years in jail $4,000 fine

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State Jail Felony (SJF):

180 days to 2 years$10,000 fine

3rd Degree:2-10 years$10,000 fine

2nd Degree:2-20 years$10,000 fine

1st Degree:5-99 years$10,000 fine

Capital:Death Life without Parole