Felony Attorney Dallas

Felony Attorney Dallas – Crimes Punishable By Life Sentence

Your felony attorney in Dallas knows well that Texas has harsh punishments for people who commit felony offenses. You could receive a life sentence if you face your third felony charge with two prior felony convictions. That is due to the Three Strike Rule in Texas. Read on to find out more about felonies that carry life sentences in Texas.

If you don’t obey the law in Texas, you can expect to face some harsh punishments. The state takes a tough stance on crime, reflected in its rules and penalties. It is not unusual for a criminal conviction to carry a stiff punishment and may even bring the death penalty. Texas classifies criminal offenses into two categories: felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies are the more serious of the two, and they carry harsher penalties. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes, and they usually result in shorter prison sentences. A felony criminal conviction will likely bring a lengthy prison sentence.

Felony Classifications & Penalties

Texas divides felony crimes into five different categories:

• Capital felonies: These are the most serious felony crimes. They include murder and treason. A capital felony conviction carries the death penalty. An example of a capital felony is first-degree murder. However, the prosecutor may agree not to seek the death penalty if you plead guilty to a lesser charge, such as second-degree murder. Having a felony attorney Dallas can make the difference between a death sentence and a reduced sentence.
• First-degree felonies: These are serious felony crimes that typically involve violence or the threat of violence. The penalties for first-degree felonies include 5 to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Examples of first-degree felonies include aggravated assault and robbery.
• Second-degree felonies: These are less serious than first-degree felonies, but they still carry significant penalties. The penalties for second-degree felonies include 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Examples of second-degree felonies include burglary and arson.
• Third-degree felonies: These are the least serious felony crimes. The penalties for third-degree felonies include 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Examples of third-degree felonies include criminal trespass and theft.
• State jail felonies: These are felony crimes that typically involve nonviolent offenses. The penalties for state jail felonies include 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility and a fine of up to $10,000. Examples of state jail felonies include drug possession and credit card fraud.

 Misdemeanors & Their Penalties

 Texas also classifies crimes as misdemeanors. Misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, and they carry lighter penalties. These are the three categories of misdemeanors:

• Class A misdemeanors: These are the most severe misdemeanor crimes. The penalties for Class A misdemeanors include up to 1 year in jail and a fine of $4,000. Class A misdemeanors include assault and driving while intoxicated (DWI).
• Class B misdemeanors: Class B misdemeanors are less severe than Class A, but they still carry significant penalties. The penalties for Class B misdemeanors include 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Examples of Class B misdemeanors include criminal trespass and theft.
• Class C misdemeanors: These are the least serious misdemeanor crimes. The penalties for Class C misdemeanors include a fine of up to $500. Examples of Class C misdemeanors include minors possessing alcohol and disorderly conduct.

Trial Procedures & Sentencing Trends In Texas

 Once charged with a criminal offense, the court gives you the right to a trial by a jury. You also have the right to an attorney. The prosecutor will present evidence against you, and your felony attorney Dallas will present your defense. Then, the judge will lay out your sentence if the jury finds you guilty. The judge will consider the severity of the crime and any previous criminal history when determining your sentence.

Sentences given for misdemeanors have a maximum jail time of one year. On the other hand, criminal offenses that were classified as felonies will have a sentence that is more than a year and have a maximum of 99 years or a lifetime.

The Texas court system is known for being tough on crime. However, there has been a shift in sentencing trends in recent years. Judges are now giving lighter sentences, especially for nonviolent offenses. This lighter sentencing is due in part to overcrowding in Texas prisons.

If you face felony charges, hiring an experienced felony defense attorney is essential. An experienced felony attorney Dallas will know how to navigate the court system and will fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Felony Crimes With Life Sentences In Texas

Different states across the United States have their laws regarding felony crimes. In Texas, certain felony crimes come with a life sentence. These crimes include:

• Capital murder.
• Aggravated kidnapping.
• Continuous sexual abuse of a child.

In addition to the felony crimes with a life sentence, certain felony crimes come with a maximum life sentence in prison. These felony crimes include:

• Aggravated sexual assault.
• Burglary of a habitation with the intent to commit another felony.

The Texan Three-Strike Rule & Life Sentences

Texas has a three-strike rule for felony crimes. Conviction of three felony crimes will carry a life sentence.

Strike One. The first felony conviction is considered a strike. First-time offenders of felonies will receive these sentences for the corresponding felonies:

• Capital Felony. Life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
• First-Degree felony. 5 to 99 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
• Second-Degree felony. 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
• Third-Degree felony. 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
• State Jail felony. One hundred eighty days to 2 years in jail and a fine of not more than $10,000.

Strike Two. The second felony conviction is considered a strike. Another felony conviction after this will merit a life sentence. Second-time offenders of felonies will receive these sentences for the corresponding felonies:

• Capital Felony. Life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
• First-Degree felony. 15 to 99 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
• Second-Degree felony. 5 to 40 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
• Third-Degree felony. 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
• State Jail felony. 2 to 10 years in jail and a fine of not more than $10,000.

Strike Three. The third felony conviction is considered your final strike and merits a life sentence. Third-time offenders of felonies will receive these sentences for the corresponding felonies:

• Capital Felony. Life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
• First-Degree felony. 25 to 99 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
• Second-Degree felony. 10 to 40 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
• Third-Degree felony. 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

In Texas, the enhanced sentencing applies regardless of how serious your first, second, and third strikes are. A third felony conviction sentence ranges from 25 to 99 years in prison or a life sentence.

Possible Defenses To Felony Charges

 If you are facing felony charges, it is essential to have an experienced felony attorney Dallas on your side. A felony conviction can significantly impact your life, resulting in a lengthy prison sentence. The three-strikes rule is a law that imposes enhanced penalties for defendants who have been convicted of multiple felonies. Under the three-strikes statute, if you are convicted of a third felony, you will be sentenced to life in prison. There are several possible defenses to felony charges. Your felony defense attorney will review the facts of your case and determine which defenses may be available to you. Some possible defenses that your felony defense attorney in Dallas may build up to include:

Self-defense: You may be able to claim self-defense if you use force to protect yourself from an attacker.

Mistaken identity: You may be able to claim that you were misidentified as the perpetrator of the crime.

Consent: You may be able to claim that the victim consented to the use of force.

Duress: You may be able to claim that somebody coerced you into committing the crime.

Insanity: You may be able to claim that you were not in your right mind when you committed the crime.

Intoxication: You may be able to claim that you were intoxicated at the time of the offense and that you did not have the intent to commit a crime.

Hiring A Felony Attorney Dallas

 Suppose you are facing felony charges in Dallas. In that case, it is essential to have an experienced felony attorney Dallas on your side. The consequences of a felony conviction can be severe, and you could face incarceration for many years. An experienced felony defense attorney will know how to build a strong defense and protect your rights.

The Medlin Law Firm has experience handling felony cases in Dallas and will aggressively defend your rights. They will thoroughly investigate the facts of your case and determine which defenses may be available to you. Contact The Medlin Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced felony attorney Dallas.

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