Crimes in Texas are broken down into categories. The most serious crimes in Texas are misdemeanors and felonies. Please continue reading and contact our knowledgeable Houston criminal defense attorneys to learn more about the difference between misdemeanor and felony crimes in Texas and how our firm can help fight those charges. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the consequences of misdemeanor crimes in Texas?
In most cases, if someone is charged with a federal or state misdemeanor charge, they are facing charges for committing a non-violent criminal offense. Though the penalties for misdemeanor crimes in Texas are not quite as severe as those brought on by felony charges, you may still face a wide variety of consequences that can impact your life for years to come. For example, if convicted of a misdemeanor crime, you will most likely face high fines, court fees, potential restitution, community service, probation, court-ordered treatment (depending on your offense), and jail time of up to one year. Furthermore, you will then have a criminal record, which may follow you for the rest of your life, preventing you from getting certain jobs, living in certain areas, securing certain loans, and more.
What are the consequences of felony crimes in Texas?
There are five categories of felonies in Texas: capital felonies, first-degree felonies, second-degree felonies, third-degree felonies, and state jail felonies. Capital felonies are the most serious; in most cases, if you are charged with a capital felony, you are facing death or life in prison without parole. Capital felonies are reserved for incredibly serious charges, such as murder. First-degree felonies may result in anywhere between 5-99 years of incarceration, or sometimes life imprisonment, as well as a potential $10,000 fine. A second-degree felony is punishable by a potential $10,000 fine and up to 20 years in prison. A third-degree felony is punishable by up to 10 years of incarceration, as well as a potential $10,000 fine. A state jail felony may warrant a potential $10,000 fine, as well as incarceration of anywhere between 180 days to two years in state jail. Whether you are facing felony or misdemeanor charges in Texas, the most important thing you can do is hire an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney who can work to fight your charges to ensure you not face these lasting penalties.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED HOUSTON FIRM
We understand how challenging various legal matters can be, which is why we have dedicated ourselves to helping clients in Texas through a wide array of legal matters, including personal injury law and criminal defense. If you have sustained a serious injury or are facing criminal charges, contact the Gonzalez Law Group today to learn more about how we can help you through every step of the legal process ahead.
