Lawyer for Felony Criminal Charges in Plano, Texas

Collin County Law Firm for Clients Accused of Felony Offenses

While being accused of any crime can be an absolutely devastating experience, being accused of a felony crime is especially alarming. In Texas, many crimes can be prosecuted as misdemeanors or felonies depending on the circumstances of the alleged crime. If you are facing felony charges of any kind, you are highly advised to contact an attorney.

At The Crowder Law Firm P.C., we work diligently to help clients accused of felony crimes build a solid defense against their charges. Our objective is to get these charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible. We will work with you to learn your side of the story so that we can fight your criminal charges in the most effective way possible.

Differences Between a Misdemeanor and Felony in Texas

One of the biggest differences between a misdemeanor offense and a felony offense in Texas is that a misdemeanor conviction carries a maximum jail term of one year. Some misdemeanor convictions only carry a moderate fine and do not require imprisonment at all. Felonies, however, are punished much more severely.

Under Texas law, there are four categories of felony offenses, each with its own set of potential penalties:

State Jail Felony

If you are convicted of a state jail felony, you can be sentenced to a period of incarceration in a state jail facility for six months to two years. You will also face fines of up to $10,000. Common state jail felonies include possession of less than one gram of a controlled substance and burglary of a non-residential building.

Third-Degree Felony

A conviction on third-degree felony charges will lead to a sentence of up to two to ten years in state prison and fines of up to $10,000. There are many offenses that can be prosecuted as third-degree felonies, including online solicitation of a minor who is at least 14 years old and causing non-serious injury to a child when committed intentionally or knowingly.

Second-Degree Felony

A second-degree felony conviction carries a state prison sentence of up to 20 years, as well as fines of up to $10,000. Second-degree felonies include offenses such as manslaughter, sexual assault, and indecency with a child by sexual contact.

First-Degree Felony

If you are convicted on first-degree felony charges, you face the possibility of incarceration for the rest of your life. As an alternative to a life sentence, the court could sentence you to up to 99 years in state prison. If the offense is aggravated sexual assault, certain conditions could trigger a minimum sentence of 25 years. You will also face fines of up to $10,000. In addition to aggravated sexual assault, first-degree felony offense include murder, child trafficking, and aggravated assault against a police officer or public servant.

Capital Felony

According to the Texas Penal Code, capital murder is the only offense recognized as a capital felony. If you are convicted on capital murder charges, the state of Texas could seek the death penalty. Alternatively, you could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Fines of up to $10,000 also apply.

How a Qualified Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

Throughout her distinguished career, Attorney Darlina Crowder has handled nationally-recognized criminal cases including capital felony cases. She knows how to respond under pressure and has secured more than 300 acquittals and not guilty verdicts for her clients. If you are facing felony charges, you need a law firm capable of tackling difficult cases. The Crowder Law Firm P.C. will stand by your side and help you fight your felony criminal charges.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

If you are facing felony criminal charges, contact our office to schedule a free, confidential initial consultation. Call us at 214-544-0061 today. We serve clients in Collin County, Dallas County, Grayson County, Denton County, Tarrant County, and the surrounding areas. Se habla Español.