Facing felony charges in Fort Worth can be one of the most overwhelming experiences of your life. Unlike misdemeanor offenses, felonies carry severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and permanent criminal records that can impact every aspect of your future. The consequences extend far beyond the courtroom—affecting your employment opportunities, housing options, and fundamental civil rights.
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, our Fort Worth criminal defense lawyer understand the stakes and fight aggressively to protect your rights. We’ve successfully defended clients against all types of felony charges throughout Tarrant County, securing dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts.
Don’t wait—contact our Fort Worth felony defense lawyers at (972) 528-0478 for a free consultation today.
What Is a Felony in Texas?
Under Texas law, felonies represent the most serious category of criminal offenses, distinguished from misdemeanors by their potential punishment. While misdemeanors typically result in county jail time of one year or less, felonies carry prison sentences ranging from 180 days to life imprisonment or even death.
The Texas Penal Code classifies felonies into five distinct categories:
- State Jail Felonies: 180 days to 2 years in state jail, plus fines up to $10,000
- Third-Degree Felonies: 2-10 years in prison, plus fines up to $10,000
- Second-Degree Felonies: 2-20 years in prison, plus fines up to $10,000
- First-Degree Felonies: 5-99 years or life in prison, plus fines up to $10,000
- Capital Felonies: Life imprisonment without parole or death penalty
Common examples of felony offenses include aggravated assault, burglary, drug trafficking, sexual assault, robbery, and murder. Understanding the specific classification of your charge is crucial, as it directly impacts potential penalties and available defense strategies. For detailed information about penalty ranges, read about 3rd degree felony in Texas.
Types of Felony Offenses We Defend
Our Fort Worth felony defense team has extensive experience representing clients across all categories of serious criminal charges.
Drug Offenses
Drug-related felonies in Texas depend on the type and amount of controlled substance involved. We defend clients against:
- Possession charges: Including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and prescription drugs
- Manufacturing and delivery: Operating drug labs or distributing controlled substances
- Trafficking: Large-scale transportation and distribution operations
- Possession in drug-free zones: Enhanced penalties near schools or playgrounds
Hypothetical scenario: A college student is arrested with prescription medications not prescribed to them during a traffic stop. While this might seem minor, possession of controlled substances like Adderall or opioids can result in felony charges depending on the amount.
Assault & Violent Crimes
Violent felonies carry some of the harshest penalties in Texas. Our experience includes defending:
- Aggravated assault: Assault with a deadly weapon or causing serious bodily injury
- Armed robbery: Taking property by force while using or displaying a weapon
- Homicide cases: Including murder, manslaughter, and criminally negligent homicide
- Domestic violence: Aggravated family violence and continuous violence against family
Theft & Property Crimes
Property crimes become felonies when the value exceeds certain thresholds or involves aggravating circumstances:
- Burglary: Unlawfully entering buildings with intent to commit theft or other crimes
- Grand theft: Stealing property valued over $2,500
- White-collar crimes: Embezzlement, fraud, forgery, and identity theft
- Motor vehicle theft: Stealing cars, trucks, or motorcycles
The Texas Department of Public Safety reports that property crimes account for approximately 75% of all reported crimes in major Texas cities, making these charges increasingly common.
Sex Crimes
Sexual offense allegations require immediate and aggressive defense due to their serious nature and social stigma:
- Sexual assault: Including aggravated sexual assault charges
- Indecency with a child: Contact and non-contact offenses involving minors
- Online solicitation: Internet crimes involving minors
- Possession of child pornography: Including distribution charges
Note: These cases often involve complex digital evidence and require specialized defense strategies to challenge forensic evidence and witness testimony.
Repeat Offenses / Habitual Offenders
Texas has strict penalty enhancement statutes that significantly increase punishment for repeat offenders:
- Two prior felony convictions: Minimum 25 years to life imprisonment
- Prior state jail felony: Enhancement to third-degree felony
- Deadly weapon findings: Additional time that must be served before parole eligibility
What Are the Penalties for Felony Charges in Fort Worth?
Understanding the potential consequences of felony convictions helps illustrate why immediate legal representation is essential. Texas sentencing ranges vary significantly based on the degree of felony and any enhancement factors.
| Felony Degree | Prison Term | Maximum Fine | Example Offenses |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Jail | 180 days – 2 years | $10,000 | Credit card abuse, some drug possession |
| Third Degree | 2 – 10 years | $10,000 | Assault causing serious injury, some theft |
| Second Degree | 2 – 20 years | $10,000 | Aggravated assault, some sexual offenses |
| First Degree | 5 – 99 years or life | $10,000 | Aggravated robbery, murder |
| Capital | Life without parole or death | $10,000 | Capital murder |
Beyond incarceration and fines, felony convictions create lasting consequences that impact your civil rights and daily life:
- Loss of voting rights during incarceration and parole
- Prohibition on firearm ownership under federal and state law
- Professional license restrictions affecting careers in healthcare, law, finance, and education
- Employment barriers due to background check requirements
- Housing limitations as many landlords refuse to rent to felons
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens, including deportation
According to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, over 146,000 individuals are currently incarcerated in state prisons, with the majority serving time for felony convictions.
How Our Fort Worth Felony Defense Lawyers Can Help
When facing felony charges, every decision can impact your case outcome. Our experienced legal team provides comprehensive representation designed to protect your rights and achieve the best possible result.
- Immediate legal guidance to prevent self-incrimination during police questioning
- Thorough investigation of police procedures and potential rights violations
- Custom defense strategy development based on your specific case facts
- Aggressive negotiation with prosecutors for charge reductions or dismissals
- Trial preparation and courtroom advocacy when necessary
- Post-conviction relief including appeals and expungement when available
We understand that felony charges create fear and uncertainty. Our approach combines legal expertise with compassionate client service, ensuring you understand your options throughout the process.
Reach out to our Fort Worth defense attorneys at (972) 528-0478 today for immediate assistance.
Defense Strategies We Use
Effective felony defense requires thorough case analysis and strategic thinking. Our lawyers employ proven defense strategies tailored to the specific circumstances of each case:
Lack of Intent or Mistaken Identity:
Many felony charges require proof of specific intent. We challenge the prosecution’s ability to prove you intended to commit the alleged crime or were properly identified as the perpetrator.
Illegally Obtained Evidence:
The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. When police violate constitutional rights during investigations, we file motions to suppress evidence, which can lead to case dismissals.
Procedural Violations:
Law enforcement must follow specific procedures during arrests, interrogations, and evidence collection. Violations of these procedures can provide grounds for dismissal.
Witness Credibility Challenges:
We thoroughly investigate prosecution witnesses, including their criminal histories, motives for testifying, and consistency of statements.
Affirmative Defenses:
Including self-defense, defense of others, necessity, and duress when applicable to your case circumstances.
Hypothetical scenario: A person is charged with aggravated assault after a bar fight. Through investigation, we discover security camera footage showing the defendant was actually defending themselves after being attacked first. This evidence supports a self-defense claim.
Why Choose Our Fort Worth Felony Lawyers?
Selecting the right legal representation can determine whether you spend years in prison or maintain your freedom. Our firm offers distinct advantages:
Exclusive Focus on Criminal Defense:
Unlike general practice lawyers, we concentrate solely on criminal law, ensuring deep expertise in this complex field.
Tarrant County Court Experience:
Our attorneys regularly appear at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center (401 W Belknap St) and understand local prosecutors, judges, and procedures. We know which judges are more receptive to certain arguments and how different prosecutors approach plea negotiations.
Proven Track Record:
We’ve secured hundreds of dismissals, reductions, and not guilty verdicts in felony cases throughout North Texas, including multiple wins in Tarrant County’s 213th, 297th, and 372nd District Courts.
Aggressive Advocacy:
We don’t recommend plea bargains unless they’re truly in your best interest—we’re prepared to fight your case at trial.
Personal Attention:
Richard C. McConathy personally handles serious felony cases, providing experienced leadership when you need it most.
We serve clients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, including:
- Fort Worth (downtown courthouse area near Sundance Square)
- Arlington (appearing at Arlington Municipal Court, 101 S Mesquite St)
- Irving • Grand Prairie • Mansfield • Euless • Bedford • Hurst • Keller • Colleyville • Grapevine • Southlake • Weatherford
What to Expect: Fort Worth Felony Court Process
Understanding what happens after your arrest can reduce anxiety and help you prepare. Here’s what to expect when facing felony charges in Fort Worth:
Booking and Initial Detention:
After arrest, you’ll be taken to the Tarrant County Corrections Center (100 N Lamar St), located in downtown Fort Worth. The booking process typically takes 4-6 hours, depending on jail capacity.
Arraignment Hearing:
Your first court appearance will be at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center (401 W Belknap St, Fort Worth, TX 76196). Parking is available in the adjacent garage for $5/day, or free street parking is sometimes available on surrounding streets like Taylor and Henderson. The building is located two blocks east of the Fort Worth Convention Center and across from Trinity Park.
What Happens at Arraignment:
- Judge reads the charges against you
- You enter a plea (usually not guilty at this stage)
- Bond amount is set or reviewed
- Next court date is scheduled
- Public defender may be appointed if you qualify
Bond and Release: Fort Worth judges consider several factors when setting bond, including:
- Severity of charges and potential sentence
- Your ties to the community
- Employment history and family connections
- Previous criminal record
- Flight risk assessment
Court Forms You’ll Encounter:
- Probable Cause Affidavit: Details the alleged crime
- Bond Papers: Specify conditions of release
- Discovery Motions: Requests for prosecution evidence
- Pretrial Services Forms: Background information for bond consideration
If you’re released on bond, you may be required to check in with Tarrant County Community Supervision offices, also located downtown near the courthouse.
What to Do If You’ve Been Charged with a Felony in Fort Worth
If you’re under investigation or have been arrested for a felony offense, your actions in the first hours can significantly impact your case outcome:
Remain Silent: Exercise your right to remain silent immediately. Don’t answer questions about the alleged offense, even if police claim it will help your situation.
Contact an Attorney: Request a lawyer before speaking with anyone about your case. Police may continue asking questions, but you have the right to refuse until your attorney arrives.
Preserve Evidence: Avoid destroying any documents, communications, or physical evidence that might be relevant to your case.
Avoid Social Media: Don’t post about your case on social platforms, as prosecutors often use social media posts as evidence.
Follow Bail Conditions: If released on bail, strictly comply with all conditions to avoid additional charges.
Document Everything: Keep records of all interactions with law enforcement and court personnel.
The window for building an effective defense begins immediately after charges are filed. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and procedural deadlines approach quickly.
Call our Fort Worth office immediately at (972) 528-0478 if you’re under investigation or have been arrested.
Contact Our Felony Defense Lawyers in Fort Worth
When facing felony charges, every moment counts. The prosecution is building their case against you while crucial decisions must be made early in the process. Don’t face these serious charges alone.
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we’ve dedicated our careers to defending clients against serious criminal charges. Our 35+ years of combined experience in North Texas courts and proven track record make us the right choice for your defense.
Don’t let a felony conviction destroy your future. Schedule your free consultation today by calling (972) 528-0478 or contacting our Fort Worth defense team online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a felony in Texas?
In Texas, felonies are crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. They include violent crimes like assault and murder, property crimes like burglary and grand theft, drug offenses, sex crimes, and white-collar crimes. The specific classification depends on factors like the severity of the offense, amount of damage or drugs involved, and the defendant’s criminal history.
Can felony charges be dropped in Texas?
Yes, felony charges can be dismissed in Texas under certain circumstances. Prosecutors may drop charges due to insufficient evidence, constitutional violations during the investigation, or when evidence emerges proving innocence. An experienced defense attorney can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and file appropriate motions seeking dismissal.
How long does a felony case take in court?
Felony cases in Tarrant County typically take 6-18 months from arrest to resolution, though complex cases may take longer. Most felony cases are heard in the Criminal District Courts located on floors 5-8 of the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center. The timeline depends on factors like case complexity, evidence volume, witness availability, and court scheduling. Judge scheduling preferences also impact timing—some judges move cases faster than others. Cases resolved through plea agreements typically conclude faster than those going to trial.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony charge in Fort Worth?
Absolutely. Felony charges carry severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and permanent criminal records. The prosecution has significant resources and experienced attorneys working against you. Without skilled legal representation, you’re at a severe disadvantage in protecting your rights and achieving a favorable outcome.
What happens if I’m convicted of a felony in Texas?
Felony convictions result in prison sentences ranging from 180 days to life, depending on the offense degree. You’ll also face fines up to $10,000, loss of voting rights, prohibition on firearm ownership, difficulty finding employment and housing, and potential immigration consequences. These impacts can last a lifetime, making aggressive defense essential.