Page 51 - Juvenile Practice is not Child's Play

The Disposition

Sanction Levels

Chapter 59 of the Texas Family Code contains a progressive sanction model. The purpose of this Chapter is to increase

uniformity in sentencing while still tying the sanction to the unique circumstances of each case. These sanction levels
are intended to be a guide to disposition of different types of cases. The application of the sanction levels is not
appealable (TFC § 59.014), and there is no liability for failure to provide services described under the sanction levels

(TFC § 59.013). Chapter 59 creates seven sanction levels. These sanction levels describe the various dispositions that
the court, or in some instances the probation department, may impose. All sanctions except for those involving TJJD
must end on the child’s 18th birthday. The court may modify any disposition except for commitment to TJJD. Review
TFC Chapter 59 for guidelines on sentencing guidelines for subsequent offenses.

The sanction levels are as follows:
• Level 1: Informal Disposition

• Level 2: Deferred Prosecution
• Level 3: Judicial Probation
• Level 4: Intensive Supervision Probation
• Level 5: Institutionalization at the Community Level

• Level 6: Indeterminate Sentence with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department
• Level 7: Determinate Sentence with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department