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:
- robbery;
- aggravated assault;
- indecent exposure to a child;
- stalking.
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.