What is the punishment for Alex, who promises to pay for the abduction of their child?

Choosing state jail felony as the answer is correct because the crime of abducting a child, or making arrangements to pay for such an act, falls within specific criminal statutes that classify the offense according to the severity of the act and the intentions behind it. Under Texas law, the act of theft or abduction that involves a child, particularly when payment is involved for such an act, is generally treated with serious consequences, which typically escalate with the degree of involvement and intent.

In the context of the law, a state jail felony indicates a serious offense that requires imprisonment in a state jail facility, rather than a prison, and carries a potential sentence of 180 days to 2 years, along with possible fines. This reflects the significance of the crime while distinguishing it from less severe offenses, such as misdemeanors, which do not carry the same level of punishment or impact on an individual’s public record.

Understanding the classification of this crime highlights the legal system's approach to protecting children from harm and emphasizing the seriousness with which such acts are treated.