Facing a felony charge is one of the most serious legal situations a person can experience. If you have been accused of a felony in Allen, Texas, acting quickly and securing skilled legal counsel is essential. A conviction could alter your future in lasting and damaging ways.
At The Carmichael Law Firm PC, we provide strategic, personalized defense for individuals across Collin County, where felony cases are prosecuted aggressively. Whether you’re under investigation or already charged, an Allen felony attorney from our team is here to protect your rights and pursue the best outcome.
What Qualifies As a Felony in Texas?
Texas reserves felony charges for the most serious criminal offenses. A felony typically involves acts considered dangerous, harmful, or threatening to public safety or property. Common offenses include aggravated assault, drug distribution, burglary, sexual assault, fraud, and repeat DWI offenses. The defining feature of a felony under Texas law is the potential punishment of incarceration in state prison or state jail for more than one year.
Some charges start as misdemeanors, but prosecutors may elevate those charges to felonies based on aggravating factors, such as the use of a deadly weapon, prior convictions, or the age of the alleged victim.
Penalties for Felony Offenses in Texas
The penalties for a felony conviction in Texas vary significantly depending on the offense’s degree, the case’s specific circumstances, and whether the defendant has any prior criminal history. Penalties include:
- State jail felony—180 days to 2 years in a state jail and up to $10,000 in fines;
- Third-degree felony—2 to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines;
- Second-degree felony—2 to 20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines;
- First-degree felony—5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to $10,000 in fines; and
- Capital felony—life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.
These penalties are only part of what makes felony convictions so devastating. Even after serving your sentence, the consequences can follow you for life.
Collateral Consequences of a Felony Conviction
In addition to imprisonment, fines, and probation, a felony conviction brings several collateral consequences that can alter your life long after your court case ends. These include:
- Losing the right to vote or possess a firearm,
- Difficulty obtaining housing or loans,
- Barriers to securing or keeping a job,
- Ineligibility for certain professional licenses or educational programs,
- Immigration consequences, including deportation or inadmissibility, and
- Damaged reputation within your community and social circles.
For residents of Allen, where employers and landlords commonly require background checks for employment and housing, these consequences can be especially severe. That is why hiring an experienced Allen felony defense attorney is so important.
Legal Defenses Against Felony Charges
Every felony case is unique, and a strong defense begins with fully understanding the facts and circumstances. At The Carmichael Law Firm PC, we explore every available option to weaken the prosecution’s case. Common legal defenses in felony cases include:
- Unlawful search or seizure. If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during the investigation, such as conducting a search without a warrant or probable cause, evidence obtained illegally may be excluded. This can significantly weaken the case against you or lead to dismissal.
- Lack of evidence. Because the burden of proof lies with the state, if prosecutors cannot prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt, the case cannot stand. We scrutinize witness statements, forensic reports, and other evidence to expose gaps or inconsistencies.
- Self-defense or defense of others. If you were protecting yourself or someone else from imminent harm, you may have justification for your actions under Texas law. We help establish the immediacy of the threat and your reasonable response under the circumstances.
- Mistaken identity. Eyewitness misidentification is a leading cause of wrongful convictions. When the evidence points to someone else or the identification process was flawed, we build a strong case supporting your innocence.
- Lack of intent. Many felony charges require proof that you acted knowingly or intentionally. If you lacked the intent to commit the crime, or if your actions were misunderstood, we work to present context that can negate criminal liability.
- Alibi. If you were elsewhere when the alleged offense occurred, we can help establish a credible alibi using phone records, surveillance footage, receipts, or witness testimony. This defense can cast significant doubt on the prosecution’s timeline.
Each defense strategy is customized based on the facts of your case, the applicable law, and your goals. The earlier we get involved, the more options we have to protect your future.
How an Allen Felony Defense Attorney Can Help
Hiring a defense lawyer can make a measurable difference in the outcome of your case. We work swiftly and thoroughly to:
- Review every aspect of the prosecution’s evidence;
- Identify opportunities to suppress unlawfully obtained information;
- Negotiate favorable plea deals or seek charge reductions;
- Represent you at hearings, pretrial motions, and trial; and
- Keep you informed and empowered throughout the process.
Our proactive approach means we often intervene before charges are filed. Do not wait to seek counsel if you are being investigated or have already been arrested.
Why You Should Act Quickly
Felony charges move fast in Texas courts, especially in Collin County. Delaying legal help may limit your options or allow the state to build a stronger case against you. A prompt response allows us to:
- Preserve valuable evidence before it is lost or destroyed,
- Interview witnesses while memories are fresh,
- Prevent law enforcement from overstepping your rights, and
- Guide you through each step with confidence.
If you live in Allen or the surrounding area, we can act immediately on your behalf.
Why Choose The Carmichael Law Firm PC?
At The Carmichael Law Firm PC, we know what is at stake. Justin Carmichael brings years of trial experience and a passion for client-centered representation to every felony case. We maintain a controlled caseload to ensure you receive the attention and dedication your defense requires.
Our office serves clients throughout Allen, TX, and nearby communities with compassion, transparency, and fierce advocacy. We do more than fight charges; we fight for your future.
Contact an Allen Felony Attorney Today
If you face felony charges in Allen, do not wait to get legal help. Contact The Carmichael Law Firm PC to speak directly with an Allen felony lawyer who will stand by your side, challenge the prosecution, and pursue every path toward justice. Every client deserves aggressive defense and clear communication. Let our experience and commitment work for you when the stakes could not be higher.