Dallas Felony Attorney

Facing felony charges can be a daunting experience. It can significantly affect your life, including employment, housing, and personal relationships, while also restricting certain civil rights. A felony conviction brings severe penalties, including a potentially lengthy term in prison, substantial fines, and long-term consequences to your personal and professional life. In such critical times, the assistance of a seasoned Dallas felony attorney is essential.

At The Carmichael Law Firm PC, we understand the gravity of facing felony charges and how paralyzing they can feel. Our dedicated team provides personalized defenses for individuals accused of serious crimes. With a deep understanding of Texas law and a proven track record of success, we fight to get the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Felonies vs. Misdemeanors

In Texas, criminal offenses are classified into two primary categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Understanding what these categories mean is crucial, as they carry different legal consequences. 

Misdemeanors are considered less severe offenses than felonies. While they carry lighter penalties than felonies, they can still involve fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record that may affect employment and housing opportunities. Felonies involve more serious crimes and harsher punishments. How the law classifies an offense—felony or misdemeanor—can significantly affect the immediate and long-term consequences of a conviction.

Felonies in Texas

In Texas, felonies fall into five categories, from most to least severe:

• Capital felonies,
• First-degree felonies,
• Second-degree felonies,
• Third-degree felonies, and
• State jail felonies.

Conviction—pleading to or being found guilty of—a felony often results in significant prison sentences, fines, and a permanent criminal record that can limit personal and professional opportunities. 

Felony convictions come with significant, long-lasting repercussions beyond incarceration and fines. These penalties affect nearly every part of your life, while incarcerated and after, making it difficult to get a job, obtain housing, and maintain personal relationships. Because they can impact employment prospects, housing opportunities, and personal relationships, it is essential to have a strong legal defense.

Capital Felony

A capital felony is the most severe offense, so named because these crimes are punishable by death or life in prison without parole under Texas law. Due to the serious nature of the circumstances that give rise to capital felony charges—like capital murder—the government often dedicates extensive resources to these cases. By hiring a seasoned Dallas Felony defense attorney, you can build a case against the charges or, at least, fight against the risk of such a severe punishment.

First-Degree Felonies

A first-degree felony is punishable under Texas law by 5 to 99 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000. Examples of first-degree felonies include:

• Aggravated kidnapping, 
• Theft of $300,000 or more in value, and
• Arson of a home or holy place. 

Convictions for first-degree felonies often involve relatively long sentences and allegations of violence.

Second-Degree Felonies

Texas law authorizes two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine for second-degree felonies. Second-degree felonies include, for example:

• Manslaughter,
• Theft valued between $150,000 and $300,000, and
• Robbery.

While the penalties are less severe than for a first-degree felony, a conviction can still lead to long-term incarceration and the loss of certain civil rights.

Third-Degree Felonies

Third-degree felonies are punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Examples of third-degree felonies include:

• Kidnapping,
• Theft valued between $30,000 and $150,000, and
• Arson of unoccupied land if the fire caused injury. 

In some cases, and with the negotiation skills of a savvy lawyer, individuals accused of third-degree felonies may qualify for alternative sentencing options, such as probation, community service, or court-mandated rehabilitation programs, which focus on reintegration rather than punishment.

State Jail Felonies

State jail felonies bring the lowest penalties of the felony types, with penalties of 180 days to two years in a state jail and up to a $10,000 fine. Examples of state jail felonies include:

• Credit card abuse,
• Theft valued between $2,500 and $30,000, and
• Driving while intoxicated with a child passenger. 

State jail felonies may sometimes be reduced to misdemeanor offenses through plea negotiations or based on a judge’s discretion.

“We keep you informed every step of the way.”

My goal is to help you navigate the legal system with confidence and assurance. Hi, I’m Justin Carmichael, and I’m dedicated to providing the best possible defense for my clients. I understand that facing criminal charges can be an overwhelming experience, and my goal is to help you navigate the legal system with confidence and assurance.

– Justin Carmichael

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Other Consequences of a Felony Conviction

Felony convictions come with significant, long-lasting repercussions beyond incarceration and fines. These consequences can affect nearly every aspect of your life, making it difficult to find someone to hire you, obtain housing, and maintain personal relationships. A Dallas felony lawyer can work with you to devise a defense that minimizes these potential consequences to ensure your life continues despite the charges against you.

Defending Against Felony Charges

A skilled Dallas felony defense attorney can analyze the details of your case, look for ways to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and develop strategies to reduce or dismiss charges.

A comprehensive defense strategy often includes:

• Reviewing the circumstances of the arrest and the facts leading up to the arrest, 
• Considering whether law enforcement violated constitutional rights, and 
• Assessing whether the government has enough evidence to support the charges. 

Your attorney may file paperwork asking the judge to exclude evidence obtained in violation of your constitutional rights. If the judge agrees the investigators violated your rights, the court prevents the state from using that evidence against you. 

We also do independent investigations, including speaking to witnesses to discover inconsistencies. We may also negotiate with prosecutors for a plea deal, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing.

The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start protecting you and developing a defense. When possible, legal representation during police interrogations can also play a critical role in preventing self-incrimination and protecting your rights.

Securing Your Future with Legal Representation

The consequences of a felony conviction can profoundly impact your future, making it crucial to seek strong legal representation. An experienced Dallas felony attorney can help you navigate these challenges, protect your rights, and develop a strong legal defense. If you are facing felony charges, contact the Carmichael Law Firm PC, today for a confidential consultation to discuss your options and legal strategies.

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