Felony Defense Lawyer in El Paso
What to Know If You Are Arrested for a Felony in Texas
In Texas, there are two major types of criminal offenses: misdemeanors and felonies. Felonies are considered more severe and come with stiffer penalties compared to misdemeanors. If you are convicted of a felony offense, you could be required to serve a state prison sentence and may lose certain rights.
If you are facing felony charges, you must take immediate steps to protect your rights and freedom. Contact our experienced team of felony defense lawyers in El Paso. Call the Aranda Law Firm today. (915) 996-9914
What Is a Felony in Texas?
A felony is a crime that can require a sentence of one year or more in prison. Pursuant to Texas Penal Code §12.04, felonies are classified into five different groups depending on their severity. Any felony offense, however, carries with it significant consequences, including fines of up to $10,000.
Types of felonies in Texas:
- Capital felony: A capital felony is punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty. If a person is convicted of a capital felony where the death penalty is not sought, they may be sentenced to life without parole if the offense was committed when they were 18 years of age or older.
- First-degree felony: A person convicted of a first-degree felony may be sentenced to imprisonment of 5 to 99 years and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
- Second-degree felony: If you are adjudged guilty of a second-degree felony, you may be punished by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
- Third-degree felony: A person convicted of a third-degree felony may face between 180 days and 2 years in jail and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
- State jail felony: If you are convicted of a state jail felony in Texas, you may face confinement in the state jail for 180 days up to 2 years and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
In addition to these penalties, a person convicted of a felony may also be required to complete treatment, pay restitution, or a number of other court-ordered punishments. Felony offenses are considered the most serious in the State of Texas and carry significant consequences. Even the accusation of a felony offense may affect your reputation and your standing in the community.
Common Felony Offenses in Texas
Felonies can be both violent and non-violent. Many crimes are designated as felonies because they are committed against a person, but not all. Some felonies are designated because of the amount of money involved in the criminal offense.
Common felony offenses include:
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Aggravated robbery
- Attempted murder
- Arson
- Assault and aggravated assault
- Stalking
- Check forgery
- Embezzlement
- Grand theft
- Drug crimes
- Sex crimes
Each of these crimes can carry a year or more in prison. While some may be charged as state jail felonies, the majority are punishable by imprisonment. A felony conviction may also affect your right to vote, own or carry a firearm, volunteer with certain organizations, or secure gainful employment and housing.
How Are Penalties for a Felony Conviction in El Paso?
Penalties for felonies in El Paso are generally determined by the type of offense, your criminal history, and the circumstances of the crime itself. For instance, a person charged with a second or subsequent offense will face harsher penalties compared to someone charged with their first offense who has a clean criminal record.
Will I Serve Jail Time for a Felony?
Under most circumstances, if you are convicted of a felony offense, you will serve jail time. If you are convicted of a state jail felony in Texas, you will face a minimum of 180 days in jail and up to 2 years, depending on the circumstances of the case. If you are convicted of a first, second, or third-degree felony, you could face a state prison sentence. A capital felony offense will result in life in prison.
While it can be overwhelming to be charged with a felony offense, you do have legal options. For instance, there may be defenses that arise in your case. In many instances, early intervention by an El Paso criminal defense lawyer can help ensure you receive the most favorable disposition in your case, including a reduction or dismissal of your charges.
What to Do If You Are Arrested for a Felony in El Paso, TX
If you are arrested for or charged with a felony offense in El Paso, Texas, you need to consult with a criminal defense attorney. A felony defense attorney can help determine the best course of action after an arrest, including whether you should enroll in a treatment program. Felony offenses carry with them significant penalties upon conviction. Trying to go it alone could result in the loss of your rights and your freedom.
By contacting a felony defense attorney immediately after the arrest, they can conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances of the case and have more time to collect evidence. It is essential to remember that an arrest for a felony does not have to result in a conviction. There are defenses applicable in many cases that can help prove your innocence or your side of events.
Contact The Aranda Law Firm Today
At the Aranda Law Firm, our experienced team of El Paso criminal defense lawyers is dedicated to protecting the rights of those accused of committing a crime. We will quickly and effectively take the measures necessary to get you the best possible outcome. Contact us online or call (915) 996-9914 to discuss your legal options with an attorney.
