Felony Lawyer San Antonio, TX

Felony Charges Defense Lawyer

Facing a felony charge in Texas can be overwhelming, and the consequences are serious. If you’ve been charged with a felony in San Antonio, it’s essential to have an experienced attorney who understands Texas law and will fight to protect your rights. Our team at Castro Criminal Defense is here to provide the aggressive defense you need to secure the best possible outcome.

Understanding Felonies in San Antonio, TX

Felonies are the most severe criminal charges under Texas law. Penalties can include long prison sentences, expensive fines, and a permanent criminal record. In Texas, felonies are put in different categories based on how severe the crime is. Below is a breakdown of the types of felonies and their penalties:

Categories of Felonies in Texas

• Capital Felony
  The most serious type of felony. A capital felony conviction can lead to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or even the death penalty. Examples of crimes that can be charged as capital felonies include capital murder.
• First-Degree Felony
  Crimes like aggravated robbery or sexual assault fall into this category. Penalties range from 5 to 99 years in prison, with fines up to $10,000.
• Second-Degree Felony
  Examples include manslaughter and some drug-related offenses. Penalties range from 2 to 20 years in prison, with fines up to $10,000.
• Third-Degree Felony
  Third-degree felonies include crimes like assault on a public servant or certain types of theft. Penalties range from 2 to 10 years in prison, with fines up to $10,000.
• State Jail Felony
  The least severe felony category, state jail felonies involve crimes such as theft of property valued between $2,500 and $30,000. Penalties include 180 days to 2 years in a state jail and fines up to $10,000.

Types of Felony Charges

How We Fight Felony Charges

A felony charge does not necessarily have to lead to a conviction. Our experienced San Antonio criminal defense attorneys will explore every possible defense strategy, including:

• Challenging Evidence
  We will carefully examine the evidence against you to determine if it was obtained legally. Any violation of your rights can require the judge to exclude certain evidence.
• Witness Credibility
  If witness testimony is questionable, inconsistent, or biased, we will work to discredit or weaken their statements.
• Proving Self-Defense
  In some cases, actions taken in self-defense can lead to a dismissal or reduction of charges. Texas has strong self-defense protections compared to some other states. We will investigate if self-defense applies to your case.
• Plea Bargaining
  In situations where a trial may not be the best option, we negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or secure lesser penalties.
• Fighting for Reduced Charges
  We may seek to have a felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor, significantly lowering the potential penalties and long-term impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: If I get a felony, am I definitely going to jail?
A: No, not all felony charges result in jail time. It depends on the specifics of your case, prior criminal history, and the strength of your defense. Some cases may result in probation, community service, or alternative sentencing instead of jail or prison.

Q: What happens if I’m convicted of a felony in Texas?
A: A felony conviction can lead to prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. It may also affect your ability to vote, own a firearm, and seek certain types of employment. However, every case is unique, and we will fight to minimize these consequences.

Q: Can a felony charge be dropped or dismissed?
A: Yes, a felony charge can be dropped or dismissed if the prosecution doesn’t have enough evidence, if there are procedural errors, or if we can negotiate a better outcome before trial.

Q: How long do felonies stay on my record in Texas?
A: A Felony conviction will stay on your record indefinitely and cannot be sealed or expunged. However, if you received deferred adjudication, you may qualify for an order of non-disclosure.

Q: Can I vote if I have a felony on my record?
A: In Texas, individuals with a felony conviction lose the right to vote while serving their sentence, on parole, or probation. Once all conditions are completed, voting rights are automatically restored.

Take Action—Contact our San Antonio Felony Defense Attorneys Today

If you’re facing felony charges in San Antonio, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Our experienced attorneys are ready to provide a free consultation and discuss your defense options. Just fill out the brief consultation form on our website to start building a strong case to protect your future.