Felony charges in Denton hold serious weight. Typically more serious than the average misdemeanor, being convicted of a felony can create a permanent stain on your criminal record that may haunt you in the future. Felons all across the United States of America face additional life challenges after their convictions.
Prison sentences and court costs are not the only consequences of being convicted of a felony in Denton. In many cases, you may be forced out of your profession, lose the ability to run for public office, and deal with social stigmas that come along with being convicted of a crime of this degree. As a result, you’ll need a Denton felony lawyer on your side to help you throughout this process.
Felony Charges Defense Lawyer in Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, Flower Mound, TX
Felony charges cannot be taken lightly if you expect to retain your freedom and good legal standing. While these charges are typically serious in nature, they don’t always have to result in convictions for defendants. By hiring an experienced felony lawyer in Denton, you’ll be able to create a strong defense for yourself.
If you’ve been charged for a felony or you believe you may be under investigation, time is of the essence. The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy can help you take control of your case and build a defense that will withstand heavy attacks from prosecutors. Contact our law office today at (940) 222-8004 for more information as well as a free consultation from an in-house legal expert.
Examples of Felony Offenses in Denton
There are countless felony offenses that can be committed. However, some of the most common in Denton are:
Types of Felonies in Denton
In the state of Texas, a felony is defined as a criminal offense that is punishable by over a year of jail time. While this should help you differentiate it from a misdemeanor, you should also be aware of the multiple types of felony classifications.
According to Texas Penal Code § 12.04, these are the following five classifications for felony offenses in Texas:
- State Jail Felony
- Felony of the Third Degree
- Felony of the Second Degree
- Felony of the First Degree
- Felony Drug Possession
- Capital Felony
Denton Penalties for Felony Offenses
According to Texas Penal Code Section § 12.35, an individual that is convicted of a state jail felony can face a jail sentence that will range from 180 days to two years, in addition to a fine that must not exceed $10,000. A state jail felony is considered to be a hybrid between a misdemeanor and a felony case, seeing as the convicted defendant will be sentenced to jail time, and not federal prison.
Texas Penal Code § 12.34 states that an individual who is convicted of a felony of the third degree is subject to 2-10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000, while § 12.33 states that the penalty of a second-degree felony is 2-20 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
First-degree felonies and capital felonies will carry much harsher consequences. Individuals who are convicted of a felony of the first degree will be subject to five to ninety-nine years in federal prison alongside a fine of up to $10,000, according to Tex. Penal Code Section 12.32. Those convicted of capital felonies can face life in prison (with no parole) or the death penalty.
Denton Habitual and Repeat Felony Offenders
Individuals who are habitually and repeatedly committing felony offenses may face much more strict punishments if they are convicted of an additional felony. According to the Texas Penal Code Section 12.42, repeat and habitual felony offenders (anyone who has previously been convicted of one or more felony offenses) are subject to additional penalties, fines, and consequences.
For example, if you are charged with a state jail felony offense, but you have previously been convicted of repeated state felony offenses, your charges and convictions will be upgraded to a third-degree felony, resulting in 2-10 years in prison alongside a fine not to exceed $10,000.
The same logic applies to the other types of felonies as well. If an individual is charged with a second-degree felony but they have already developed a reputation and record of repeat felony offenses, their conviction will be upgraded to a first-degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
Resources for Felony Charges in Denton
Denton County District Court – This link takes you to the Denton County website, where you can find information about the district court and its current judge.
Texas Convictions Database – Here, you can find information in regards to previous convictions in Texas, as well as Denton County.
Find A Denton County Defense Attorney for Felony Charges | Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
Your felony charges may seem daunting, but like any other charge, it does not have to result in a conviction. If you’re worried about your current charges or you believe you may be under investigation for a felony offense,
The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy can help. Richard McConathy and his expert legal team have a proven track record of fighting felony charges in Denton, and we understand what it takes to help our clients reach favorable outcomes. If you feel as though your felony charge needs some assistance and you’re located in our area, call (940) 222-8004 today. Serving Denton, Little Elm, Flower Mound, and the many other surrounding areas of our county, we’re ready to help you with your legal problems.