A felony charge in Fort Worth, Texas, can put your freedom, career, and future at risk. Texas felonies range from state jail felonies to first-degree felonies and capital offenses, with penalties that can include years or decades in prison. What happens next depends on the charge, the evidence, and the circumstances surrounding the case.
Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers represents people accused of serious crimes throughout Fort Worth and Tarrant County. If you are under investigation or have already been arrested, call us today at (682) 777-3336 to schedule a confidential consultation with a Fort Worth felony defense attorney.
Why Choose Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers for Help With a Felony Charge in Fort Worth, TX?
Felony cases in Fort Worth, TX, can involve substantial evidence, significant sentencing exposure, and complex legal issues. The attorneys at Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers have handled cases ranging from assault and drug charges to homicide and complex federal offenses in courts throughout Texas.
Defendants who hire us benefit from:
- Attorneys with more than 60 years of combined criminal law experience
- Former prosecutors who have handled serious felony cases
- Attorneys who are Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- A former federal public defender and a former magistrate judge
- Experience handling hundreds of cases in state and federal courts
A Fort Worth criminal defense lawyer from our team can examine the allegations, review how the evidence was obtained, and identify the issues that may be important to your defense. Contact us to arrange an initial consultation about your case.
What Is Considered a Felony in Texas?
Texas divides criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies. Felonies are the more serious category of offenses and can result in confinement in a state jail facility or prison, depending on the classification of the offense.
Texas recognizes five felony classifications:
- State jail felonies
- Third-degree felonies
- Second-degree felonies
- First-degree felonies
- Capital felonies
The classification assigned to an offense determines its basic punishment range, but it does not necessarily tell the whole story. Prior convictions and offense-specific enhancement provisions can increase the punishment a person faces.
What Are the Penalties for a Texas Felony Conviction?
The Texas Penal Code establishes different punishment ranges for each felony classification.
- State Jail Felony: 180 days to two years in a state jail facility and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Third-Degree Felony: Two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Second-Degree Felony: Two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- First-Degree Felony: Five to 99 years or life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Capital Felony: Life without parole or the death penalty for an adult offender. Different sentencing rules apply if the offense was committed by someone under 18.
These are baseline punishment ranges. Texas law contains numerous enhancement provisions, so a person’s actual sentencing exposure can depend on prior convictions and the specific offense charged.
What Types of Felony Cases Do Fort Worth Defense Attorneys Handle?
A felony is a classification rather than a single type of crime.
Conduct that may lead to a felony charge in Texas includes a wide range of alleged offenses, such as:
- Aggravated assault and other violent offenses
- Certain domestic violence charges
- Drug possession, manufacture, or delivery offenses
- Sexual offenses
- Robbery and aggravated robbery
- Burglary
- Certain theft and fraud offenses
- Weapons offenses
- Homicide offenses
The exact charge matters because the prosecution must prove the elements of the particular offense beyond a reasonable doubt. The available defenses will also depend on the specific allegations and circumstances of the case. Our Fort Worth felony defense lawyers can review the charges against you and help you understand the next steps.
What Defenses May Be Available in a Fort Worth Felony Case?
There is no single defense that applies to every felony accusation. A defense strategy should be based on the evidence, the elements of the charged offense, and the manner in which the investigation was conducted.
Depending on the case, possible issues may include:
- The state cannot prove an element of the crime: Prosecutors must prove every required element of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
- The accusation is factually wrong: Witness testimony, surveillance footage, phone records, or other evidence may contradict the state’s version of events.
- Evidence was obtained unlawfully: The defense may challenge evidence obtained through unlawful searches, seizures, or interrogations.
- The conduct was legally justified: Justification defenses under Texas law, such as self-defense or defense of others, may apply depending on the facts.
Our Fort Worth criminal defense attorneys can conduct a comprehensive review of the facts and evidence to identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. By examining the allegations and the manner in which the investigation was conducted, we can develop a defense strategy tailored to the circumstances of your case and work to pursue the best available outcome.
Can a Prior Conviction Increase the Penalties for a Felony in Texas?
Yes. Texas has habitual- and repeat-offender provisions that can increase the range of punishment when a defendant has qualifying prior felony convictions.
The rules are not the same in every case. The number and type of prior convictions, whether and when they became final, and the offense currently charged can all affect whether an enhancement applies. An attorney can review the criminal history alleged by the state and determine the applicable punishment range in the pending case.
Contact a Fort Worth Felony Defense Lawyer at Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers Today
A felony accusation can affect far more than the immediate criminal case. Before deciding how to respond to the charge, it is important to understand what prosecutors must prove, what evidence they have, and what defenses may be available.
Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers represents clients facing serious felony allegations in Fort Worth and throughout Tarrant County. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation with a Fort Worth felony defense attorney, discuss the circumstances of your case, and learn more about your legal options.
