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.

For people accused in Tarrant County courts, the stress often starts the moment law enforcement makes contact. You may already be dealing with a protective order, bond conditions, or restrictions on travel and communication. We understand how overwhelming it is to have your job, your children, and your future suddenly feel uncertain, and we take the time in our first meeting to explain what is happening, what to expect at each court setting, and how we can begin protecting you right away.

What Sets Us Apart In Criminal Defense 

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 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 we defend a serious charge in Fort Worth, we do more than react to the State’s evidence. We review police reports, video, and witness statements with the same mindset a prosecutor uses, looking for gaps, assumptions, and legal errors that can reduce the strength of the case. From challenging an unlawful traffic stop to exposing unreliable eyewitness identifications, we build a plan that fits the facts of your case instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

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.

Another key difference is how quickly a case can move through the criminal courts in Fort Worth. Many misdemeanor cases are handled in County Criminal Courts, where dockets tend to move faster and plea offers are often more standardized. Felony charges are prosecuted in Tarrant County District Courts, which involve more formal procedures, more intensive evidence review, and a greater likelihood of contested hearings, motions, and jury trials.

• 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.

Because of these differences, the way we approach a felony accusation is much more intensive than a typical misdemeanor defense. We counsel clients about the impact a plea or conviction could have on immigration status, professional licensing, and future background checks. Our goal is to make sure you understand not just the possible jail or prison time, but how each option may affect your life in Fort Worth long after the case is over.

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.

In felony courts around downtown Fort Worth, we regularly see a wide range of allegations, from one-time mistakes to long-running investigations. Some cases begin with a traffic stop on I-35W or Highway 287, while others come from months of work by local police or state agencies. Understanding how your case started and which agency is involved helps us anticipate how the prosecution will approach it and what defenses may be most effective.

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.

Violent crime accusations in Tarrant County are often driven by witness statements, medical records, and sometimes surveillance footage. We carefully compare each statement against physical evidence to uncover inconsistencies that can be used in your favor. By consulting with investigators, reviewing 911 recordings, and analyzing how law enforcement handled the scene, we work to show a judge or jury the full context of what happened, including any self-defense or defense-of-others issues that may not be obvious from the police report alone.

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.

In Fort Worth, many felony drug cases begin with traffic stops, search warrants on homes or apartments, or controlled buys arranged by undercover officers. We focus on whether officers had lawful grounds to stop, search, or seize property and whether the alleged drugs can be clearly tied to you. Suppressing illegally obtained evidence or challenging the way substances were tested and weighed can dramatically change the outcome of a felony drug case.

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.

Property and white-collar-type offenses often involve paper trails, digital records, and surveillance footage from local businesses in Fort Worth and the surrounding communities. We analyze bank statements, transaction histories, and store video to determine whether the State can truly prove intent to steal or defraud. In many situations, early intervention with prosecutors can open the door to restitution-based resolutions or charge reductions that better protect your record and future.

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 DWI charges in Tarrant County often involve blood draws, accident reconstruction, and expert testimony about intoxication levels. We scrutinize how the stop was conducted, whether field sobriety tests were administered correctly, and how blood or breath samples were collected and stored. By challenging unreliable testing methods or highlighting alternative causes for poor driving or balance, we work to limit the long-term impact of a felony DWI on your driver’s license and your ability to work in and around Fort Worth.

How Our Fort Worth Felony Defense Process Works

When you are dealing with a new felony arrest, knowing what will happen next can ease some of the fear and uncertainty. Our process is designed to give you clear information, steady guidance, and a structured plan from the first phone call through the final resolution of your case. We walk you through every step so you are never left wondering whether something is being missed or what you should be doing to help your defense.

It usually begins with a free consultation, either over the phone or in our Fort Worth office, where we learn about the charges, your background, and any upcoming court dates. From there, we obtain the evidence the State plans to use, including police reports, videos, and lab records, and we start our own review. As a felony lawyer Fort Worth residents can turn to, we explain in plain language what the evidence shows, what legal issues we see, and what options may be available to you.

As the case moves forward in Tarrant County District Court, we attend settings with you, file motions when there are legal problems with the stop or arrest, and negotiate with prosecutors when that is in your best interest. We also prepare thoroughly for trial when needed, meeting with you and any witnesses to make sure everyone understands the process and has a chance to ask questions. Throughout the case, we keep you updated and return calls and emails promptly so you always know where things stand.

What To Do After You Are Charged With a Felony in Fort Worth

The hours and days after a felony arrest can have a major impact on your case. Many people feel pressure to talk to officers, post on social media, or try to explain themselves to friends or employers, and those decisions can sometimes make a difficult situation worse. Taking a few careful steps early on can put you in a stronger position by the time you meet with a felony criminal defense lawyer Fort Worth defendants can rely on.

One of the most important things you can do is use your right to remain silent until you have legal counsel. That includes declining interviews with detectives and avoiding written or electronic statements about the case. You should also carefully follow any bond conditions set by the Tarrant County judge, such as no-contact orders, travel restrictions, or ignition interlock requirements, because violations can lead to bond revocation or additional charges.

Gathering documents and information for your attorney can also be very helpful. This might include contact information for potential witnesses, photographs, medical records, or messages that relate to the incident. We review these materials alongside the State’s evidence to build a complete picture of what happened. By contacting a felony defense attorney based in Fort Worth as soon as possible, you give us more time to protect important evidence, address bond issues, and begin shaping a defense strategy tailored to your goals.

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.

Even within these ranges, the way a case is presented in a Fort Worth courtroom can make a meaningful difference. Factors such as your prior record, your role in the alleged offense, and any steps you take toward treatment or restitution can influence how a prosecutor or judge views your case. Part of our job as a felony criminal defense attorney Fort Worth residents can turn to is to gather mitigation evidence, such as character letters, employment history, and counseling records, to present a fuller picture of who you are beyond the arrest report.

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

Because enhancements and collateral consequences can be confusing, we walk you through different scenarios, including the risks of trial versus the benefits of any plea offer on the table. We also discuss whether you may qualify for alternatives like diversion programs, specialty courts, or community supervision in Tarrant County, so that you can make informed choices about how to move forward with your felony lawyer in Fort Worth.

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 benefits that you will not find in an average attorney.

In felony courts across Fort Worth and the greater Tarrant County area, we have stood beside clients in every stage of the process, from the initial magistrate hearing through pretrial motions and jury verdicts. That day-to-day courtroom experience means we understand how local judges tend to handle bond issues, deadlines, and contested hearings, and we use that knowledge to prepare you for what is ahead and to position your case for the strongest possible outcome.

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

Because Attorney Alband is a former prosecutor, he can often anticipate how the State will evaluate a felony case and what issues may drive its decisions. We use that perspective to identify weaknesses in the evidence, prepare targeted cross-examination, and pursue negotiations that reflect the realities of trial risk rather than simply accepting the first offer made by the prosecution.

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