What Is a Felony?

In the eyes of the law, a felony is considered a more serious type of crime than a misdemeanor and is punishable by incarceration and/or fines. For a felony, a prison sentence is generally a minimum of one year and maximum sentence of life in prison or, where applicable, the death penalty. It's important to note that the sentence for a felony is served in state or federal prison as opposed to city or county jail. If you or someone you love has been charged with a felony, contact an attorney for a consultation. There may be strategies or options available to reduce your fines and sentences or even dismiss your case altogether.

Collateral Consequences of Felonies

Felonies have additional consequences that many people don't know about until they are faced with a felony charge. For instance, if an offender kills someone accidentally or without intent, the charge for the crime could be manslaughter, in certain situations. But, if the killing occurs during the course of a felony crime, the offender could be charged with murder. In addition, others involved the felony crime could also be charged with murder.

Felonies also have consequences, in many jurisdictions, once a convicted felon is released or paroled from prison. This is includes loss of voting rights, the ability to sit on a jury, to receive federal student loans, to run for political office, to join the military or obtain public housing. Certain professions may be off limits for felons as well. Some felons also have to register as a sex offender.

Residents of Texas that have been charged with a felony should contact a lawyer from our firm as early on as possible. We aggressively defend clients who are facing felony charges.