Criminal law in Granbury encompasses offenses against the state. Possible punishments for those offenses can include imprisonment, probation, or parole. The Texas Penal Code defines criminal offenses and sets forth penalties for each. The criminal justice system in Texas includes law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, judges, juries, and correctional facilities. Defendants in criminal cases have certain procedural and constitutional rights. These include the right to a fair trial, the presumption of innocence, the right to remain silent, and the right to an attorney.
The Law Firm of William A. Walsh takes these rights seriously. Our firm is dedicated to fiercely defending our clients. We also understand how overwhelming it can be for individuals facing felony charges in Granbury. Our firm has over 20 years of experience in state courts. We are well-versed in the laws that govern our great state and country. Our team believes that criminal charges should also be taken seriously and thoroughly understood.
There are nearly 800 potential felony charges in Texas. Texas felony crimes are criminal offenses that are of a serious nature. They are punishable by imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or by the death penalty. Depending on the level of felony, all felony crimes can incur fees of up to $10,000 or more in some cases. With a strong defense, a more favorable sentence is possible. In some first-offense cases, probation may be an option. An experienced criminal lawyer is the key to receiving a better outcome with a less severe sentence.
Some charges are upgraded to felony status when there are multiple offenses involved in a case. For instance, a DUI is a misdemeanor charge unless an individual:
Due to the complexity of the Texas Penal Code, felony charges at any level have a much better chance of being reduced with the help of an experienced lawyer. Without a Granbury felonies attorney, getting a felony conviction ensures the following consequences:
There are several categories of felony crimes in Granbury. There are sentencing guidelines associated with each level of felony charge.
State jail felonies incur a minimum 180-day to two-year jail sentence in the State Jail Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). These felonies have special rules regarding:
The maximum fine for all felonies is $10,000. Those convicted of a state jail felony could also be fined up to this amount. However, fines can be as high as $20,000 for some drug-related charges.
There is no parole for state jail felons, and the time served is day for day. A state jail felony sentence can, however, be lessened via the Diligent Participation Credit program. However, it is something the judge must permit.
Depending on enhancements filed by the government on a case, a state jail sentence can be made harsher than state minimums. Furthermore, criminal history can also affect sentencing for state jail felonies. Prior convictions can even make state jail felony punishments equivalent to those of a third-degree felony.
Some criminal charges in Texas can be reduced to a misdemeanor, which is oftentimes called “getting a 12.44.” It gets its name from its reference in the state penal code. This allowance reduces the charges or punishment of a state jail felony to that of a Class A misdemeanor. It has a maximum sentence of one year in a county jail. This avoids a state jail sentence.
A Texas Penal Code 12.44 (A) allowance can only be granted by the judge. However, the prosecuting attorney cannot object to it. While a 12.44 can reduce a harsh sentence, it is still a felony conviction. Those serving time at a county jail under the 12.44 provision are eligible to earn good time credit if the county jail they attend allows it. However, in 12.44 (B), the prosecutor must agree to the reduced sentence. The conviction is a misdemeanor on record and cannot influence other felony charges. Section B affords the better option, but it is much rarer for a judge to allow it.
While a third-degree felony carries less severe charges than a second- or first-degree felony, it has a harsher sentence than a state jail felony. If a sentence for a third-degree felony requires jail time, it must be carried out in prison for two to 10 years. These felony convictions can alternatively carry a sentence of probation for the same amount of time instead of jail time, depending on the criminal history of the convicted.
A second-degree felony conviction in Granbury is punishable by jail time of two to 20 years. However, depending on criminal history, it can carry a sentence of probation ranging from two to 10 years.
First-degree felonies carry stiffer consequences. They are punishable by up to 99 years or life in prison, with a minimum five-year prison term. A few first-degree felony crimes are eligible for probation.
Capital felonies are punishable by life without parole in prison or by the death penalty. If the convicted individual is a juvenile, they will be sentenced to life in prison.
Because the classification of felonies in Texas is complex, many people enlist the help of a lawyer to help them better understand the charges they are facing. Furthermore, the state legislature, which is responsible for making felony crime laws, adds and omits laws regularly. They also regularly change the level of crime from misdemeanor to felony and vice versa.
If you are facing criminal charges in Granbury, hiring a Granbury felonies attorney can significantly improve the outcome of your case. The Law Firm of William A. Walsh is a well-established criminal defense firm. We know state felony laws and understand how to use them in your defense. These are serious charges, and at any level, they will significantly affect your life. The degree to which they do so depends on your defense. Contact The Law Firm of William A. Walsh and start building your criminal defense case.
