Austin Felony Defense Lawyer
If you have been arrested or charged with a Felony in Texas, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. A conviction for even the least serious felony offense is punishable by up to two (2) years in State Jail and a $10,000 fine, with a possible probation term of up to five (5) years. In addition, a felony conviction on your permanent record could prevent you from obtaining employment, admission into college, from voting or owning a firearm, or from renting an apartment. As an aggressive and skilled Austin criminal defense attorney, I will help protect your rights and guide you through the felony process from the start to finish. As your criminal defense attorney, I will work hard to help get a positive resolution to your felony case.
What is a Felony?
All crimes in Texas are classified as either felonies or misdemeanors. A felony crime is the most serious level of offense in Texas. A felony is defined as any criminal offense generally deemed more serious than a misdemeanor offense. In Texas, felony charges are broken into several degrees as follows: (1) State Jail Felonies; (2) Third-Degree Felonies; (3) Second-Degree Felonies; (4) First-Degree Felonies; and (5) Capital Felonies. The most serious felony in the State of Texas is a Capital Felony which can carry life in prison or a sentence of death.
Common Examples of Felony Offenses in Texas
Felony Punishment Ranges in Texas
Penalties for felony convictions in Texas carry serious consequences, including but not limited to probation, lengthy time in State Prison, costly fines, community service, counseling and/or treatment, and a felony conviction on your permanent record.
State Jail Felony: Conviction of a State Jail Felony carries a punishment range of 180 days to up to two (2) years in the Texas Department of Corrections without parole and up to a $10,000 fine.
Third-Degree Felony: Conviction of a Third-Degree Felony carries a punishment range from two (2) to ten (10) years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
Second-Degree Felony: Conviction of a Second-Degree Felony carries a punishment range from two (2) to twenty (20) years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
First-Degree Felony: Conviction of a First-Degree Felony carries a punishment range from five (5) to ninety-nine (99) years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. The punishment may also include confinement to prison for life.
Capital Felony: Conviction of a Capital Felony carries a punishment of life in prison or the death penalty.
Enhancements: Prosecutors can sometimes enhance your felony charge to a more serious felony depending on the crime and your prior criminal record.