Common Consequences Of A Felony Conviction In Texas
Felony is defined as a serious crime in Webster’s dictionary. In old Common Law, felonies were grave crimes that usually included violence. Today, there are more non-violent felony charges than there are ones with violence. The term felony today is defined by the punishment attached to a crime.
If the charge has a punishment involving a state jail or prison, the word felony is attached. There is not a formula, equation, or list of factors that help one determine whether an offense is a felony, except the penal code’s punishment for the offense. The following is a list of potential consequences of a felony conviction in the Lone Star state:
- Prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm
- Prohibited from serving on a jury
- Automatic grounds for divorce
- Prohibited from voting in local, state, and national elections (can be reinstated)
- Denied loans or credit
- Denied employment
- Denied state licensing
This list is not exhaustive. Your best shot at protecting your right to due process under Texas’ tough criminal justice system is to engage an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. So park your Lexus and call Law Offices of Charles T. Ganz to make arrangements for a consultation.
Is It A Felony In Texas?
In English Common Law, it did not take a lawyer to figure out whether or not an offense was a felony. Felony offenses were obvious and included homicide, an assault with a weapon or serious injury, rape, burglary, or robbery.
The most common felony offense in Texas is possession of a controlled substance. Our firm has extensive experience with felony drug charges and can help explain drug classification and punishment associated with a certain drug.
Other Texas felonies include:
- Theft
- Homicide
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Criminally negligent homicide
- Rape
- Assault
- Evading arrest
- Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
- Robbery
- Burglary
Felonies are typically classified into different levels based on the severity of the crime. Here are the main levels of felonies in Texas:
- Capital felonies: Among the most serious crimes, capital felonies include treason, espionage, terrorism resulting in death, and killing a law enforcement official or firefighter in the line of duty. They carry severe punishments, including the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
- First-degree felonies: These felonies include crimes such as murder, aggravated robbery and sexual assault. They are punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Second-degree felonies: Felonies in the second degree encompass crimes like aggravated assault, arson and theft of property valued between $2,500 and $30,000. The associated penalties include two to 20 years in prison and a fine approaching $10,000.
- Third-degree felonies: Offenses such as burglary of a building, aggravated assault causing bodily harm and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute can lead to third-degree felony charges. These crimes carry a sentence of two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- State jail felonies: These are among the least severe felonies and include offenses like possession of a small quantity of drugs, theft of property valued between $50 and $500 and driving while intoxicated. Possible penalties can mean 180 days to two years in a state jail and thousands in fines.
Common Texas felonies include drug crimes, theft, aggravated assault, robbery and burglary. That means that depending on the severity of the offense, you could face penalties like those discussed above if convicted of a felony crime. A sound defense is paramount to avoid a worst-case outcome.
Defending Against Serious Felony Charges
All Texas felonies require as strong a defense as possible. Strategies to consider include challenging the evidence, arguing self-defense and negotiating plea bargains.
An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the legal system and develop a strong defense strategy based on your unique circumstances. They can assist further by investigating the incident, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and negotiating for reduced charges or sentences.
Of course, your lawyer should also be prepared to represent you in court and help safeguard your rights throughout your case. That is the level of experience and service you can expect from the Law Offices of Charles T. Ganz.
Avoiding The Highest Penalties After A Crime In Texas With An Experienced Felony Defense Attorney
When facing criminal charges in Texas, understanding how to avoid the highest penalties is vital. Texas enforces strict laws, including the “three strikes” rule and capital punishment, which can lead to severe consequences for repeat offenders and serious crimes.
The “three strikes” rule targets habitual felons, imposing harsher penalties on those with two prior serious criminal offenses. It can result in lengthy or life imprisonment sentences for repeat offenders, as these laws aim to protect the community by removing habitual criminals from the streets. However, opponents argue that these laws can be unfair and call for better rehabilitation programs to prevent recidivism.
Capital punishment in Texas is reserved for the most severe crimes, such as capital murder. The state leads the nation in executions, reflecting its commitment to deterring heinous offenses. Proponents of the death penalty believe it helps reduce noncapital crimes and frees up criminal justice resources.
To avoid these harsh penalties, working with a criminal defense attorney can help improve the outcome of your case. They can challenge evidence, present mitigating factors and negotiate plea deals to reduce charges, ultimately helping you avoid the most severe consequences.
Defense Options To Fight Felony Charges In Texas
When facing felony charges in Texas, it is crucial to understand your defense options. A key decision is whether to plead guilty or fight back. Pleading guilty might lead to a reduced sentence through a plea bargain, but it results in a criminal record and potential long-term consequences.
Fighting back involves challenging the prosecution’s evidence and presenting a strong defense. Common defenses include:
- Proving innocence
- Demonstrating a lack of intent
- Arguing self-defense
- Questioning the legality of the arrest and evidence collection
Each case is unique; a skilled attorney can tailor the defense strategy to your situation.
Defend Your Rights With A Strong Houston Felony Defense Attorney
Contact the Law Offices of Charles T. Ganz online or by calling 713-364-0953. Speak with an experienced felony defense lawyer for legal counsel and aggressive representation when it matters most.