This chapter outlines some criminal law issues and focuses on misdemeanors, for which punishments are relatively less severe than for felonies.
Domestic abuse is covered in the Family Law Chapter.
Criminal procedure is covered in the Process of a Lawsuit Chapter, and private causes of action that result from criminal conduct are covered in the Personal Injury Law Chapters. Criminal Codes Criminal law defines conduct that is prohibited by the government and the range of penalties that can be imposed for violating these prohibitions. Persons who violate criminal laws incur penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment or, in some states such as Texas, execution. Punishment for an infraction does not include jail time. The law also allows authorities to seize property connected with the commission of a crime.