If you have been charged with a felony in the state of Texas, it is time to get serious. Felony cases are highly intricate legal matters that can take a long time to resolve, especially for those charged in the Lone Star state. Such a charge has the potential to drastically alter your life.
Felonies span a myriad of criminal offenses. A surprising number of defendants are under the impression that they have been arrested for a misdemeanor offense only to later find that the offense has been bumped up to a felony. Such a scenario unfolds when the defendant has a history of prior convictions. This is precisely why more defendants are now hiring attorneys who specialize in the felony defense legal niche. If you have been arrested for a felony, it is imperative that you hire a felony defense attorney who can reduce or eliminate your potential penalty.
Texas residents who are slapped with felony charges face hefty punishment. Certain felony cases are filed in Texas state courts, while others are sent to Federal courts. Surprisingly, the state of Texas often allows multiple misdemeanor offenses to be converted into a felony charge. Consider these examples of common felony charges:
- Aggravated Assault
- Sexual Assault
- Manslaughter
- Intoxication Manslaughter
- Murder
- Kidnapping
- Numerous Drug Offenses
- Endangering or Abandoning a Child
- Human Trafficking
- Robbery/Aggravated Robbery
- DWI Third Offender
- Theft Third Offender
- Family Violence Second Offender
- Family Violence by Choking
Felony punishments can vary from a shorter time in a state jail facility all the way up to life in prison and perhaps, even the death penalty. If you are found guilty of a:
- Capital felony, you face a punishment of either life in prison without parole or death.
- 1st degree felony, you might serve between 5 and 99 years in prison or the rest of your life in prison.
- 2nd degree felony, you could spend the next 2 to 20 years in prison.
- 3rd degree felony, you will face between 2 and 10 years in prison.
- State jail felony, prepare to spend at least the next 180 days or possibly up to 2 years in jail.
- State jail felony committed using or possessing a deadly weapon, the next 2 to 10 years of your life could be spent in prison.
Texas defendants should also be aware that each of these penalty categories ranges may include fines up to $10,000. The only exception is capital felonies. Take note that having previous felony convictions may enhance any current case you are facing to a higher penalty range: a 2nd degree felony can be enhanced to a 1st degree punishment range; and 2 prior sequential felony convictions can expose you to 25 years to life in prison, even if you are only facing a 3rd degree felony.
Defending an individual accused of a felony in the state of Texas can be a challenge. The state’s legal process is extremely difficult to navigate. Defendants who fail to hire an experienced defense attorney risk being found guilty and losing their freedom. Unbelievably, a substantial number of people accused of crimes make the grave mistake of going through the trial process alone without the assistance of an experienced felony defense attorney.
All it takes is a single procedural error and months of work can spiral down the drain. The bottom line is that your defense strategy must be flawless. Otherwise, you will likely be convicted of a felony that will stay on your record forever. A criminal record can prevent you from obtaining employment and deny you the right to vote or possess a firearm. Don’t let these nightmares become your reality. Team up with our felony defense lawyers today and you will enjoy the peace of mind you deserve.
Wayne Hill is here for residents in the greater Houston area who have been charged with a felony. He is an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands the complex nuances of the Texas legal system.
Mr. Hill will review the specifics of your unique case and tailor the appropriate defense strategy. He will work tirelessly to fight your felony charge and has represented numerous individuals charged with felonies, as well misdemeanors in the state of Texas. While other attorneys take on an excessive number of clients to maximize profits, Mr. Hill fully invests his time and effort into each individual case. This is the type of careful attention and consideration your case needs and deserves.
If you or anyone you know has been charged with a felony, the clock is ticking. Do not fight this battle alone. Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation. We will discuss the details of your case, educate you about Texas’s criminal laws and explain all the options that are available to you.
