Offenses & punishment ranges
Most of the Family Code is civil, but some sections create criminal offenses. Each grade links to its punishment range in Chapter 12 of the Penal Code.
| Grade | Range |
|---|---|
| Capital felony | Death or life imprisonment without parole |
| First-degree felony | 5 to 99 years or life in prison; fine up to $10,000 |
| Second-degree felony | 2 to 20 years in prison; fine up to $10,000 |
| Third-degree felony | 2 to 10 years in prison; fine up to $10,000 |
| State jail felony | 180 days to 2 years in state jail; fine up to $10,000 |
| Class A misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail; fine up to $4,000 |
| Class B misdemeanor | Up to 180 days in jail; fine up to $2,000 |
| Class C misdemeanor | Fine up to $500 |
Family Code sections that create offenses
§ 2.004Application FormClass A misdemeanor, Class C misdemeanor
§ 2.005Proof of Identity and AgeClass A misdemeanor
§ 2.202Persons Authorized to Conduct CeremonyClass A misdemeanor, Third-degree felony
§ 2.403Proof of Identity and Age; OffenseClass A misdemeanor
§ 34.009PenaltyClass B misdemeanor
§ 45.102Requirements of PetitionClass C misdemeanor
§ 51.02DefinitionsFirst-degree felony
§ 52.03Disposition Without Referral to CourtClass C misdemeanor
§ 52.031First Offender ProgramClass C misdemeanor
§ 53.045Offenses Eligible for Determinate SentenceState jail felony
§ 54.011Detention Hearings for Status Offenders and Nonoffenders; PenaltyClass B misdemeanor
§ 54.02Waiver of Jurisdiction and Discretionary Transfer to Criminal CourtCapital felony, First-degree felony, State jail felony
§ 107.111Child Custody Evaluator Access to Investigative Records of Department; OffenseClass A misdemeanor
§ 107.1111Child Custody Evaluator Access to Other RecordsClass A misdemeanor
§ 107.163Adoption Evaluator Access to Investigative Records of Department; OffenseClass A misdemeanor
§ 151.002Rights of a Living Child After an Abortion or Premature Birth; Civil Penalty; Criminal OffenseThird-degree felony
§ 153.076Duty to Provide InformationClass C misdemeanor
§ 156.104Modification of Order on Conviction for Child Abuse; PenaltyClass B misdemeanor
§ 156.1045Modification of Order on Conviction for Family ViolenceClass B misdemeanor
§ 160.413Offense: Unauthorized Release of InformationClass A misdemeanor
§ 160.511Offense: Unauthorized Release of SpecimenClass A misdemeanor
§ 160.512Offense: Falsification of SpecimenThird-degree felony
§ 162.025Placement by Unauthorized Person; OffenseClass B misdemeanor
§ 162.107Offenses; PenaltiesClass B misdemeanor
§ 162.206PenaltiesClass B misdemeanor
§ 162.421Prohibited Acts; Criminal PenaltiesClass A misdemeanor, Second-degree felony, Third-degree felony
§ 203.007Access to Records; OffenseClass C misdemeanor
§ 261.104Contents of Report; NoticeState jail felony
§ 261.107False Report; Criminal Penalty; Civil PenaltyThird-degree felony, State jail felony
§ 261.109Failure to Report; PenaltyClass A misdemeanor, State jail felony
§ 261.302Conduct of InvestigationClass B misdemeanor
§ 261.3032Interference with Investigation; Criminal PenaltyClass B misdemeanor
§ 261.312Review Teams; OffenseClass C misdemeanor
§ 262.1015Removal of Alleged Perpetrator; OffenseClass A misdemeanor, Third-degree felony
§ 262.308ConfidentialityClass B misdemeanor
§ 264.7551Fraudulent Agreement; Criminal Offense; Civil PenaltyClass A misdemeanor, Class B misdemeanor, Class C misdemeanor, State jail felony