Felony Charges

A conviction for felony charges in Dallas can result in serious penalties and repercussions. Some of the most common consequences a felony offender can face include:

A prison sentence,
Steep fines,
A criminal record,
An inability to pursue certain jobs or professions,
Ineligibility to receive certain types of governmental assistance,
An inability to be accepted into certain academic or educational programs,
Ineligibility to own or possess a firearm, and/or
Loss of the ability to vote or hold public office.

It is important to remember that if you have been charged with a felony offense, you do not necessarily have to face a conviction. The state prosecutor is required to prove you committed every element to the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.

This can be very difficult to meet, and if the judge or jury has any doubt in the prosecution’s case, the charges against you may be reduced or even dismissed. Therefore, it is essential to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Dallas who will help you create the best legal defense for your particular situation.

Felony Charges Defense Lawyer in Irving, Dallas, Carrolton, Richardson, TX

Contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy today at (972) 233-5700 for a consultation about your alleged offense in Irving, Dallas, Carrolton, Richardson, and surrounding areas of Dallas County, Texas. Our firm will work to potentially get your criminal charges reduced or dismissed.

Attorney Richard McConathy is experienced in defending felony charges and will make every effort to help you achieve the most desirable outcome for your particular situation.

Examples of Felony Offenses in Dallas

Some of the most common felony charges in Dallas can include:

The above list does not include every felony offense that exists under the Texas Penal Code but instead consists of the most common felony charges prosecuted in the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex.

Types of Felonies in Dallas

Texas law defines felony offenses as any criminal offense that is punishable by imprisonment of more than one year. Texas Penal Code § 12.04 defines the five different classifications of felony offenses. The degree of a felony varies, depending on the severity of the criminal offense, and ranges from the least serious, State Jail Felony, to the most serious, Capital Felony. The five classifications of felony offenses in Texas are as follows:

State Jail Felony
Felony of the Third Degree
Felony of the Second Degree
Felony of the First Degree
Capital Felony

Dallas Penalties for Felony Offenses

State Jail Felony – According to Tex. Penal Code § 12.35, an individual who is convicted of a state jail felony offense can face a jail sentence ranging from 180 days to two years and/or a fine not more than $10,000. This degree of felony is punishable as a hybrid between a felony offense and a misdemeanor offense, as a convicted offender will face jail time, as opposed to prison time.

Third Degree Felony – According to Tex. Penal Code § 12.34, an individual who is convicted of a third-degree felony offense can face a prison sentence ranging from two to ten years and/or a fine up to $10,000.

Second Degree Felony – According to Tex. Penal Code § 12.33, an individual who is convicted of a second-degree felony offense can face a prison sentence ranging from two to 20 years and/or a fine not exceeding $10,000.

First Degree Felony – According to Tex. Penal Code § 12.32, an individual who is convicted of a first-degree offense can face a prison sentence ranging from five to 99 years or life imprisonment and/or a fine not more than $10,000.

Capital Felony – According to Tex. Penal Code § 12.31, an individual who is convicted of a capital felony offense in which the state seeks the death penalty can face life imprisonment without parole or be sentenced to death. If the state does not seek the death penalty, the individual can face life imprisonment with possible parole or life imprisonment without parole.

Although Texas law classifies felony offenses in varying degrees, even the lowest level felony offense can result in severe punishments. Therefore, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you in all matters pertaining to your criminal case, and to help you identify your best legal strategy.

Dallas Habitual and Repeat Felony Offenders

According to Tex. Penal Code § 12.42, repeat and habitual felony offenders can face additional penalties and consequences. A repeat or habitual felony offender includes anyone who has previously been convicted of at least one felony offense. A repeat or habitual felony offender may be subjected to any of the following increased penalties:

An individual who is currently charged with a state jail felony offense that has previously been convicted of two state jail felony offenses will instead be convicted of a felony of the third degree, which can result in a prison sentence ranging from two to ten years and/or a fine up to $10,000.

An individual who is currently charged with a third-degree felony offense that has previously been convicted of a felony offense will instead be convicted of a felony of the second degree, which can result in a prison sentence ranging from two to 20 years and/or a fine up to $10,000.

An individual who is currently charged with a second-degree felony offense that has previously been convicted of a felony offense will instead be convicted of a felony of the first degree, which can result in a prison sentence ranging from five to 99 years or life imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000.

An individual who is currently charged with a first-degree felony offense that has previously been convicted of a felony offense can face a prison sentence ranging from 15 to 99 years or life imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000.

Additionally, certain felony offenses can be increased to life imprisonment or a capital felony conviction if the alleged offender has previously been convicted of certain felony offenses.

Find A Dallas County Defense Attorney for Felony Offense Attorney | Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy

Contact [firm] today for a consultation about your alleged felony offense throughout Dallas County in Texas. Richard McConathy is an experienced Dallas criminal defense lawyer who will make every effort to help you avoid the most serious punishments and consequences of your alleged offense.