San Antonio Felony Lawyers

Persistent and Creative Fighters on Your Side

Felonies are no light matter to face, and our firm understands this. At the Krause Law Firm, we are a team of ethical and experienced attorneys who seek creative solutions to resolve your felony charges. We strongly believe that it shouldn’t be so easy for the judicial system to convict a person wrongfully, and you can trust that we will put our knowledge and passion to use in your defense.

What Is Considered a Felony?

Felony crimes are the most severe type of criminal offense in Texas. Violent criminal conduct and even non-violent felonies involving significant property damage or theft are felonies. Some specific examples of felonies include:

What Are the Penalties and Sentencing?

Convictions for second degree felonies in the state carry between 2 and 20 years in jail and can also lead to a fine of up to $10,000. Aggravated assault, robbery, and arson are all second degree felonies in Texas. Third degree felonies are the second least-severe type of felony and carry up to 10 years in jail. The mandatory minimum for a third degree felony is 2 years, and judges can also sentence defendants to pay a fine of up to $10,000. Examples of third degree felonies include:

  • indecent exposure to a child;
  • tampering with evidence;
  • deadly conduct with a firearm; and
  • stalking.

State jail felonies are the least severe type of felony in Texas. The jail sentences upon conviction can be as low as 180 days and as high as 2 years, and the fine can still go up to $10,000. Examples of state jail felonies include:

  • check forgery;
  • theft of property valued between $2,500 and $30,000;
  • child endangerment DWI; and
  • any criminal statute listed as a felony without a specified degree.

Be aware that state jail felonies are treated as third degree felonies if the defendant:

  • has certain prior convictions;
  • used a deadly weapon during the commission of the alleged crime; or
  • has already been convicted of 2 state jail felonies in the past.

Note that state jail felonies can be treated as Class A misdemeanors, and judges have the discretion to reduce jail sentences of a state jail felony to up to 1 year. Alternatively, some misdemeanors can also be treated as state jail felonies if the defendant has a criminal history. With an effective argument in court and supporting evidence, though, a person may be able to get a felony probation sentence and consequently avoid jail altogether.

Felony convictions also come with collateral consequences, depending on the specifics of the offense. Aside from the usual jail time and fines, a defendant could also:

  • lose the right to vote;
  • lose the right to carry a firearm or own weapons;
  • be blocked from certain professions; and
  • be stripped of, or denied access to, professional certifications.

Seek a Skilled Trial Attorney Today

If you have been charged with a felony, it is critical that you seek an experienced lawyer immediately to handle your case. The consequences of a felony – no matter what level of felony – are serious, and they could drastically impact your opportunity to a future. Our team at the Krause Law Firm primarily seek to secure dismissals for our clients and will put up a strong fight in trial. For understanding and empathetic representation, coupled with professional skill and knowledge, let The Law Office of Krause Law Firm fight for you.