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If you have been accused of a felony, you must retain a lawyer as soon as possible. A felony is the most serious kind of crime. If you are found guilty of one, it could ruin the rest of your life. You could be sentenced to life in prison, or even receive a death sentence. You can also lose the right to vote, lose access to professional certifications, no longer be permitted to own a gun, and have countless other negative repercussions.
If you are charged with a felony, you need a knowledgeable lawyer on your team to help you combat the charges.
Types of Felonies
There are five different kinds of felonies in the state of Texas. In order of ascending seriousness, they are state jail felonies, third-degree felonies, second-degree felonies, first degree felonies, and capital felonies.
State Jail Felonies
State felonies are a step up from a misdemeanor. They are punishable by a state jail term of 180 days to two years and a fine of up to $10,000. Theft of property worth between $2,500 and $30,000 is a state jail felony. A charge that would normally be a state jail felony can be elevated to a third-degree felony if a deadly weapon was used in committing it, or if the perpetrator has been previously convicted of certain other felonies. Occasionally, a state jail felony can be treated as a Class A misdemeanor, with the associated sentencing guidelines.
Third Degree Felonies
These include tampering with evidence, stalking, indecent exposure to a child, violating a protective order, tampering with evidence, driving while intoxicated, and many other crimes. The conviction could range from two to ten years of jail time. Parole might also be involved.
Second Degree Felonies
Manslaughter, robbery, arson, and aggravated assault are all second-degree felonies. Human trafficking, bigamy, marijuana possession, and much more are also second-degree felonies. They can result in a sentence of up to 20 years in jail.
First Degree Felonies
The sentence for a first-degree felony in the state of Texas can be as severe as a life sentence, with a mandatory minimum of five years in jail. These crimes include attempted murder, aggravated robbery, and sexual assault against a child.
Capital Felonies
A capital felony can be punished by life without parole or a death sentence. Murder is a capital felony, as is espionage, treason, and genocide.
Being accused of a felony is extremely stressful. You may find that merely the accusation changes the way that your friends, family, and community members look at you. You may find it difficult to imagine that life would ever go back to normal. Fighting a felony charge is difficult, which is why you need the lawyers at Zarka Law Firm on your side.
Do not give up hope. We know that just because you have been charged with a felony does not mean that you are guilty. Our trial lawyers can help provide the defense that you need. Not only are we experts in criminal law, but we also understand police procedure, and can help you find any flaws in the prosecution’s case. We are dedicated to ensuring that all of your rights are observed.
In some situations, even if you are found guilty of a crime, the judge may consider mitigating sentencing considerations. Judges sometimes choose to reduce the sentence on first-time offenders, young people, defendants who were under duress at the time the crime was committed, and even when people appear particularly remorseful. We can help you try to receive a more lenient sentence.
If you need a San Antonio felony defense lawyer, we are here. Give us a call and find out how Zarka Law Firm can help you.
