Fort Worth Felony Defense Lawyer

Schedule Your Free Consultation to Discuss Felony Charges

Felony charges are the most serious accusations a person can face, as they carry life-changing repercussions that can permanently damage one’s freedom, family, reputation and peace of mind, to name some. The sad reality is that even when a convicted felony offender is released from prison, they can experience trouble reintegrating back into society due to the detrimental consequences of their conviction, as stated above.

Given these facts, it’s critically important to your livelihood to defend your allegations with the help of a former prosecutor-turned criminal defender at The Alband Law Firm. Our Fort Worth felony defense attorney has rare knowledge of how the other side of the law operates behind closed doors and strategizes their attacks against defendants. As such, we can leverage that knowledge to build powerhouse defenses against the prosecution’s anticipated attacks and scrutinize every element of their case against you.

When you retain our felony attorney in Fort Worth to advocate for your rights, we will exhaust every resource to give you a fighting chance at success. Learn more by contacting us at (817) 997-4366.

What is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor in Texas?

In Texas, criminal offenses are categorized into two primary buckets: misdemeanors and felonies. While both are serious, the distinction between them is vast, particularly regarding where you serve time and the long-term "collateral consequences."

Incarceration Location: Misdemeanors are typically punished by time in county jail. Felonies, however, result in time served in state jail or the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) prison system.

• Sentencing Range: Misdemeanor sentences never exceed one year. Felony sentences start at six months and can extend to life in prison or, in capital cases, the death penalty.
• Civil Rights: A felony conviction results in the loss of certain fundamental rights, including the right to vote (until the sentence is fully discharged), the right to serve on a jury, and the right to possess a firearm.
• Employment & Housing: Many professional licenses are automatically revoked upon a felony conviction, and background checks for housing or high-level employment become significant hurdles.

Common Types of Felony Offenses

Texas law classifies felonies into five categories based on the severity of the crime. Whether you are facing a property crime or a violent offense, our firm has the experience to handle complex litigation across all levels.

Violent Crimes

These include offenses that involve bodily harm or the threat of force.

• Aggravated Assault: Assault that causes serious bodily injury or involves a deadly weapon.
• Robbery & Aggravated Robbery: Taking property by force or threat.
• Murder and Manslaughter: The most serious charges involving the loss of life.

Drug Offenses

Texas has significantly increased penalties for certain controlled substances, particularly synthetic opioids.

• Possession of a Controlled Substance (POCS): Penalties vary based on the "Penalty Group" of the drug and the weight.
• Manufacture or Delivery: High-level felonies involving the intent to distribute.

Financial and Property Crimes

• Theft over $2,500: Depending on the value of the property, theft can range from a state jail felony to a first-degree felony.
• Burglary of a Habitation: Entering a home with the intent to commit a felony or theft.
• Credit Card Abuse: Using or possessing a stolen or unauthorized credit card.

DWI and Alcohol-Related Felonies

While many DWIs are misdemeanors, they become felonies if:

• It is your third or subsequent DWI offense.
• You are involved in an accident causing serious bodily injury (Intoxication Assault).
• You are involved in an accident causing death (Intoxication Manslaughter).
• You have a child passenger under 15 in the vehicle (reclassified as a felony in recent legislative updates).

Felony Penalties in TX

The Texas Penal Code sets strict ranges for punishment. Judges and juries must sentence within these windows unless a specialized defense or plea bargain is reached.

Note: Repeat offenders may face "enhancements," which can bump a lower-degree felony into a higher punishment range based on prior convictions.

Felony FAQs

Can a felony be reduced to a misdemeanor?

Yes. Through a process often called "Section 12.44" reduction, a prosecutor may agree to punish a state jail felony as a misdemeanor, or the charge itself can be reduced during plea negotiations. This is one of the most effective ways to protect your record.

Will I lose my gun rights if I am convicted?

Under Texas and Federal law, convicted felons are prohibited from possessing firearms. In Texas, you may technically possess a firearm in your home five years after your "release from confinement or supervision," but federal law is much stricter and usually creates a lifetime ban.

How does "Deferred Adjudication" work for felonies?

Deferred adjudication is a form of probation where the judge "defers" a finding of guilt. If you successfully complete the probation, the case is dismissed. While it remains on your record (and can be seen by law enforcement), it is not a "conviction" for many purposes.

Can a felony conviction be expunged?

Generally, no. In Texas, if you are convicted of a felony or served regular probation, you cannot have the record expunged. However, if your case was dismissed or you were found "not guilty" at trial, you may be eligible for an expunction. If you completed deferred adjudication, you may be eligible for a Petition for Non-Disclosure, which seals the record from the general public.

Why The Alband Law Firm is Your Best Choice for Defense

When facing tough charges, you need even tougher defense. An attorney who will go above and beyond to uphold your best interests and negotiate for the best possible result in your situation can maximize your chances of winning. While our felony attorneys in Fort Worth possess these qualities, they offer superior benefits that you won’t find in an average attorney.

Attorney Alband provides the following distinct advantages for every client he serves: 

• Prosecutorial insights
• Award-winning advocacy
• Track record of fighting over 100 cases in front of a jury
• 18+ years of legal experience
• Actively involved in the legal community
• Provides free, confidential consultations
• Offers services in both English and Spanish

Contact us online and schedule an initial consultation with our legal team.