Allegations of illegal behavior in Texas come in many forms and levels of severity. For many, an accusation is a mere misdemeanor where punishment can bring a maximum jail term of one year.
However, over cases are far more serious. State law classifies these offenses as felonies. In any felony case, a conviction can bring at least one year in state prison. Some come with mandatory minimum prison sentences upon conviction. Others can result in life imprisonment or even a prosecutor seeking the death penalty.
The attorneys at the Law Office of Kerrisa Chelkowski are here to protect your interests and future when you are facing a felony accusation. They are ready to explain felonies under Texas law and work to protect you against the harsh penalties that often accompany a conviction. Contact them now to get started.
What Does it Mean for a Case to be a Felony?
The most serious accusations of illegal behavior in Texas fall under the category of felonies. In general, these cases allege that a person has committed an act of violence against another or has caused severe property damage.
As a rule under Texas Penal Code §12 (C), all felonies carry a potential prison sentence of at least one year. This does not necessarily mean that a conviction will bring such a severe penalty. However, it does mean that a term in state prison is possible.
The Classes of Felonies Under Texas Law
The state’s Penal Code separates felonies into five subgroups. Each subgroup has its own potential penalties upon conviction. These groups are:
- Capital Felonies: These cases can see a prosecutor seeking the death penalty
- First Degree Felony: The maximum sentence here is 99 years with a mandatory minimum of five years. Courts can also impose a fine of up to $10,000
- Second Degree Felony: Courts can impose a prison sentence of up to 20 years in these cases with a minimum of two years. The fine may also be as large as $10,000
- Third Degree Felony: Here, the maximum sentence is ten years, with a minimum of two. The fine may be as severe as $10,000
- State Jail Felony: These cases have a maximum sentence of two years, with a minimum sentence of 180 days. The fine can be as high as $10,000
The team at the Law Office of Kerrisa Chelkowski can provide more information about how Texas law defines the various levels of felonies.
Examples of Felony Cases
A felony case alleges that a person has caused significant harm to another individual, another’s property, or society at large. The most severe examples are those that result in another’s death or cases alleging the commission of sexual violence.
However, other felony cases are not so obvious. Theft of substantial amounts of money, failing to pay proper taxes, and even repeat drunk driving incidents may all result in felony charges moving forward in a Texas criminal court. A lawyer at the Law Office of Kerrisa Chelkowski works to explain the full nature of a person’s criminal case.
Speak with a Lawyer Now for More Information about Texas Felony Cases
If you or a loved one is facing a felony accusation in Texas, you need to know what this means. This includes what a prosecutor must prove to get a conviction in court and what Texas law prescribes as a potential punishment. The fact is that felonies come in many forms, and the exact penalties for the cases will vary on an individual basis.
Reach out to the team at the Law Office of Kerrisa Chelkowski now. They are ready to listen to your concerns, explain more about your case, and work to help you understand felonies in Texas and what their types, classes, and penalties may be.