Felony Charges
A felony arrest in Texas carries serious consequences for the person charged. A simple definition of a felony is a crime committed that is punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. A felony conviction can have devastating consequences in terms of employment and education. To mitigate the damage a felony conviction causes, it is necessary to talk to a competent Texas felony defense attorney right away.
There are many questions and concerns when it comes to dealing with felony charges. There are so many different situations and scenarios so it is vital to talk to a felony defense lawyer to get these questions answered. Some common felony charges in Texas include:
- Felony Drug Charges
- Felony DWI Charges
- Felony Sexual Assault Charges
- Federal Assault and Battery Charges
- “Bail Jumping”
The above list is in no way comprehensive of all the different felonies that exist under the Texas Penal Code. The above list constitutes the main felony charges seen on a regular basis in Harris County and Montgomery County courts. If you are arrested and charged with any of the above felonies and you are still under the statute of limitations, it would be a good idea to get competent legal representation as soon as possible.
Houston Felony Defense Attorney
Attorney Matt Horak is a dedicated felony defense attorney committed to helping defend your felony case. Currently, Matt Horak is defending felony cases in the greater Houston area including Harris county and Montgomery county. Contact Mr. Horak immediately if you have a felony arrest or conviction at (713) 225-8000 to discuss your case.
Different Types of Felonies in Texas
A simple definition of a felony is a crime committed that is punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. Under the Texas Penal Code Section 12.04, it lays out the classification for felonies. There are five categories of felonies in Texas, and they are classified by the seriousness of the offense. The five categories are:
- State jail felonies
- Felonies of the third degree
- Felonies of the second degree
- Felonies of the first degree
- Capital felonies
Minimum and Maximum Penalties for Felonies in Texas
- State jail felonies — Texas Penal Code Section 12.35 states that a person guilty of a state jail felony can only be in jail for not more than two years or less than 180 days. In addition to the jail sentence, the person can be fined up to $10,000.
- Felonies of the third degree — Texas Penal Code Section 12.34 states that a person guilty of a third-degree felony will be imprisoned for a term of 2 to 10 years. In addition to the prison sentence, the person can be fined up to $10,000.
- Felonies of the second degree — Texas Penal Code Section 12.33 states that a person who is guilty of a second-degree felony will be imprisoned from 2 to 20 years. In addition to the prison term, the person may be charged a fine not to exceed $10,000.
- Felonies of the first degree — Texas Penal Code Section 12.32 states that a person guilty of a first-degree felony will be punished for a term of 5 to 99 years. In addition to the prison sentence, the person can be fined up to $10,000.
- Capital felonies — Texas Penal Code Section 12.31 states that a person guilty of a capital felony in which the state seeks the death penalty will be punished by imprisonment for life without parole or death. If the state does not seek the death penalty then the person will only be punished by imprisonment for life without parole.
Even though Texas classifies felonies by degrees, a lower level felony is still a serious matter that you should not handle by yourself. It is important to receive competent legal assistance to ensure a good result.
Horak Law | Texas Felony Defense Attorney
Attorney Matt Horak has the expertise and experience to defend you in a felony case. Matt Horak represents clients in Houston, Texas and the surrounding areas, including all of Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Waller, Galveston, and Liberty counties.
If you need a criminal defense attorney in Houston for felony charges, contact Matt Horak today at (713) 225-8000 to discuss your case.
