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Facing any type of criminal charge is terrifying, but even more so when it’s a felony. Texas has five classes of felonies, ranging from state jail felonies all the way to capital felonies, and each has its own sentencing guidelines.
Unfortunately, all felonies include mandatory time in jail if convicted, so you need to take the charge seriously and mount a defense.
You probably feel terrified, overwhelmed, and confused, and it might seem like your world is spinning out of control. Fortunately, you can get some of your power back when you have a lawyer by your side. Our Austin felony lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case and explore defense strategies to represent you. You don’t have to go through this alone. Set up your consultation with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney today.
Texas has five felony classifications. You can be charged with a:
Since all felonies include steep penalties, reach out to our Austin felony lawyer for representation.
State jail felonies are the least serious of the categories. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t have strict penalties. If convicted, you will have to serve a minimum of 180 days in jail, but you could be sentenced to up to two years. Since you cannot be paroled on a state jail felony, you’ll likely have to serve the entire sentence. Also, the judge can set the fine at up to $10,000.
You can be charged with a state jail felony for a variety of reasons, including credit card fraud, filing a false report, forging checks, and criminally negligent homicide. Additionally, identity theft and a DWI when traveling with a child under the age of 16 fall into this category.
Third-degree felonies are a step above state jail felonies and have more significant penalties. If you are found guilty, you face 2-10 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. Some common third-degree felonies include intoxicated assault, deadly conduct with a firearm, and theft. In order to be a third-degree felony, the theft has to be for more than $30,000, but it must be less than $150,000, or you’ll face a more serious charge.
Second-degree felonies are next on the list and include penalties of up to 20 years in prison. You can also be fined as much as $10,000 if you’re found guilty. Manslaughter, sexual assault, and arson are just some of the reasons you can be charged with a second-degree felony. Additionally, this will be the charge if you’re accused of theft of $150,000 to under $300,000.
Fortunately, your Austin felony lawyer might be able to reduce the charges to a less serious offense or even get them dismissed altogether. Schedule a consultation to learn more.
While you cannot get the death penalty if convicted of a first-degree felony, you do face up to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted. Some examples of first-degree felonies include aggravated sexual assault, kidnapping, robbery, and attempted capital murder. If you have been charged with a first-degree felony, don’t try to defend yourself alone. The state will spend countless hours gathering evidence and building its case. Thus, you need an Austin felony lawyer at your side, doing the same. Then, you can mount a vigorous defense to the charges.
A capital felony is the most serious charge you can face in this state and is reserved for those accused of treason or capital murder. In some instances, the prosecutor pursues the death penalty for capital felony charges. In other instances, the state attempts to secure life without parole. As the most serious of the charges in the state, you need to mount a serious defense. An Austin felony lawyer can work to reduce the charges if possible. If not, your lawyer will go through the evidence and systemically look for ways to poke holes in the state’s case.
Reach out to an attorney today so you can begin working on your defense.
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