Sentencing - Standard Value Ladder

The Texas Penal Code uses a Standard Value Ladder in cases of theft, conversion, theft of service, criminal mischief, and many other property and economic crimes. When the theft occurs in conjunction with a serious felony like robbery, theft from a person, or burglary of a habitation, the Standard Value Ladder is not used. Penal Code Section 31.04 articulates the calculations:

An offense under the applicable penal code section is:

(1) Class C misdemeanor if the value of the property, service, or pecuniary interest is less than $20;

(2) Class B misdemeanor if the value of the property, service, or pecuniary interest is $20 or more but less than $500;

(3) Class A misdemeanor if the value of the property, service, or pecuniary interest is $500 or more but less than $1,500;

(4) state jail felony if the value of the property, service, or pecuniary interest is $1,500 or more but less than $20,000;

(5) felony of the third degree if the value of the property, service, or pecuniary interest is $20,000 or more but less than $100,000;

(6) felony of the second degree if the value of the property, service, or pecuniary interest is $100,000 or more but
less than $200,000; or

(7) felony of the first degree if the value of the property, service, or pecuniary interest is $200,000 or more.