Blog Layout

What to Do When You've Been Charged with a Felony?

Jan 10, 2024

If you have been charged with a felony, it can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. These are serious offenses that carry severe consequences, including potential imprisonment, hefty fines, and long-lasting impacts on your personal and professional life.

Understanding What a Felony is

A felony is a serious type of crime that typically involves offenses that are a threat to public safety or involve significant harm to individuals or property. Felony charges can include murder, rape, robbery, burglary, drug trafficking, aggravated assault, and white-collar crimes such as fraud or embezzlement. They are classified into different degrees or letters depending on the state. In the state of Texas, the felony classifications, from the most serious capital felony to the lowest state jail felony, are as follows:


  • Capital felony: Capital murder - life without parole or death penalty
  • First-degree felony: Charges such as aggravated robbery or aggravated sexual assault - 5-99 years in prison - Up to $10,000 in fines
  • Second-degree felony: Charges such as bribery, manslaughter, or DWI manslaughter - 2 to 20 years in prison - Up to $10,000 in fines
  • Third-degree felony: Charges such as intoxication assault, 3rd DWI, or stalking - 2 to 10 years in prison - Up to $10,000 in fines
  • State jail felony: Charges such as grand theft (more than $1,500 but less than $20,000), evading arrest, or DWI with a child passenger - Up to 2 years in jail - Up to $10,000 in fines

Consequences of a Felony

If you are charged and convicted of a felony, it can be life-altering as you may be required to attend a state or federal prison, pay hefty fines, and go on probation. You may lose your voting rights and have difficulty finding employment. It can even affect your ability to obtain certain licenses or certifications. Individuals with felonies have also seen shattered family relationships as well as friendships and professional relationships.

The Importance of Working with an Attorney

When you are facing felony charges, it is important to seek legal advice from an experienced criminal defense attorney who can guide you through the complex legal process. The team at Chavez Law Firm will help protect your rights and build a strong defense to your case. 

Contact Our Criminal Defense Attorney

At Chavez Law Firm, we understand that being charged with a felony is a serious matter. Our criminal defense attorneys have the knowledge and experience needed to help increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome. Remember, you are innocent until proven guilty. If you find yourself facing felony charges, consult with our reputable criminal defense attorneys today.

02 Aug, 2023
Chavez Law Firm provides legal counsel to those facing criminal charges. Click here to learn the difference between misdemeanors and felony charges!
20 Apr, 2023
Chavez Law Firm is a DUI defense attorney serving the Odessa, TX area. Click here to learn more about what you should do when you’re charged with a DUI!
Share by: