Felony Lawyer in Plano
Zealous Representation throughout All of Collin County
A felony is the most serious type of criminal offense you can be charged with. If convicted, this charge will permanently stay on your record and carry with it serious punishment, including at least one year in prison, thousands of dollars in fines, and even the death penalty in the most serious cases. In addition to any court-ordered punishments, the effect a felony conviction has on your personal and professional life is devastating.
Felonies also significantly impact your civil rights, which can include the loss of your right to vote, possess a firearm, or even hold certain professional licenses. These long-term consequences underscore the critical need for effective legal representation when facing such charges. Understanding the full scope of a felony’s impact helps illustrate why having a trusted felony lawyer is essential for safeguarding your future.
Types Of Violent Felony Crimes
Felony crimes are often associated with violent acts. The main differences between felony and misdemeanor violent crimes involve whether or not the crime was planned beforehand and the level of injuries sustained by the victim. The most common types of violent felonies include:
- Aggravated assault
- Vehicular homicide
- Kidnapping
If convicted, any of these crimes carry serious penalties, including a lengthy prison sentence. Any conviction of a violent felony will also become a permanent part of your criminal history and remain there for all professional background checks. This will complicate your attempts to secure employment after your release from prison.
Additional Violent Felonies: Certain felonies, such as robbery or domestic violence, also fall under the violent category and carry equally severe penalties. Understanding the nuances between each type of violent felony can be crucial for building a strong defense strategy, tailored specifically to the unique aspects of your charge. Working with a seasoned felony attorney familiar with Plano’s legal landscape ensures you are well-advised about local law interpretations and practices that might affect your defense.
Types Of Non-Violent Felony Crimes
Although many people associate felonies with violent acts, the truth is that there are just as many nonviolent felonies you can be charged with, such as white-collar crimes.
Other felony crimes include:
- Burglary
- Obstruction of justice
- Perjury
- Drug trafficking and distribution
- Drug possession
- Drug manufacturing
- Financial fraud
- Child pornography crimes
Understanding Non-Violent Felonies: These offenses often involve deception or breach of trust and can carry heavy fines, lengthy probation, and incarceration. Awareness of how each crime is prosecuted in Texas allows you to anticipate the potential challenges you might face in court. It’s important to note that even non-violent crimes can have lasting repercussions, like damaging your reputation and limiting your career opportunities.
How A Felony Lawyer In Plano Can Help After An Arrest
As a veteran criminal defense attorney familiar with Texas' state court system, I have the knowledge and experience you need to challenge the evidence against you and fight for your freedom. My goal is to eliminate or reduce the charges and penalties against you. However, if the court refuses to drop the charges, I am ready to aggressively fight for your innocence in front of a judge and jury.
Understanding the specific intricacies of the charges you face is crucial. We carefully review every detail of the case, looking for procedural errors or rights violations that can be pivotal in cutting down charges. Furthermore, my approach includes tailoring defense strategies that are adaptable to changes in the case’s progression, ensuring you have robust support throughout the entire judicial process.
Charged With A Felony? Call The Law Office Of Mac Morris.
If you have been charged with a felony in or around Plano, you need a skilled criminal defense lawyer on your side. Free initial consultations and reasonable payment plans are available. I represent clients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area, including Plano, Irving, Garland, Arlington, and surrounding cities throughout Collin County.
We are committed to guiding you through the complexities of the legal process with transparency at every stage. With our support, you can better understand your situation’s potential outcomes and the steps we will take together to advocate on your behalf. Being informed and prepared empowers you to make decisions that are in the best interest of your future.
Contact me at the Law Office of Mac Morris today to discuss your options.
Understanding Texas Felony Classifications With A Felony Attorney
In Texas, felonies are categorized into different classes, each with varying degrees of severity and corresponding penalties. Understanding these classifications is fundamental for anyone facing felony charges. The most severe is the Capital Felony, which can result in life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty. Below that are First-Degree Felonies, which involve serious crimes such as aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, carrying sentences ranging from 5 to 99 years or life in prison, and fines up to $10,000. Second-Degree Felonies include offenses like manslaughter and carry penalties of 2 to 20 years in prison.
Further down the scale, Third-Degree Felonies involve crimes such as theft of property valued between $30,000 and $150,000, punishable by 2 to 10 years of imprisonment. State Jail Felonies, which are often non-violent or involve lower-value thefts, can result in 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility. Understanding how your charge fits within these classifications can greatly affect your legal strategy and outcomes. At Law Office of Mac Morris, we work diligently to interpret these classifications in the context of your unique circumstances, ensuring the most informed defense possible.
Discuss your case in a free evaluation with our Plano criminal defense attorney. Call the Law Office of Mac Morris at (972) 846-8214 or contact a team member online to get started. Hablamos español.
Frequently Asked Questions About Felony Charges In Plano
What Should I Do If I Am Arrested For A Felony?
Being arrested for a felony can be a frightening experience, but taking decisive action is essential. First, remain calm and do not resist arrest. Exercise your right to remain silent; anything you say can be used against you in court. Politely request to speak with an attorney immediately. Having prompt legal representation can help protect your rights, especially during police questioning and evidence collection. Your legal counsel will guide you on the necessary next steps, assess the details of the arrest, and begin constructing an appropriate defense strategy tailored to the specifics of your case.
How Do Texas Felony Charges Affect Employment Opportunities?
A conviction for a felony charge significantly impacts employment prospects long-term. Many employers conduct background checks and may view a felony as a sign of risk or untrustworthiness, thus limiting career opportunities. However, there are pathways to employment post-conviction. Some organizations hire ex-offenders, allowing them to reintegrate into society. Sealing your record through expungement, if eligible, can also improve job prospects. At Law Office of Mac Morris, we not only focus on defending charges but also provide guidance on mitigating future impacts, including navigating employment challenges and understanding your rights regarding record restoration.
Can Felony Charges Be Reduced To Misdemeanors?
Yes, under certain conditions, felony charges might be reduced to misdemeanor charges through plea bargaining or by successfully challenging evidence. This reduction can significantly decrease prison time and fines, offering a more favorable resolution. Each situation varies based on the evidence, the defendant’s history, and the nature of the alleged crime. Our practice at Law Office of Mac Morris involves exploring every opportunity to minimize the severity of charges. We negotiate with prosecutors and stress the importance of lesser charges where applicable. Understanding your case’s nuances aids in crafting a compelling argument for charge reduction.
What Are The Long-Term Consequences Of A Felony Conviction?
Beyond immediate penalties, a felony conviction bears long-term repercussions affecting various life aspects. These include losing voting rights, difficulties in securing housing, restrictions on traveling abroad, and obtaining certain professional licenses. Additionally, the social stigma can alter personal relationships and limit social mobility. Navigating life post-conviction requires understanding these consequences thoroughly. At Law Office of Mac Morris, we prioritize educating clients on all potential outcomes and offer support in accessing resources or legal processes like expungement, if applicable, to mitigate these enduring effects.
What Are Common Defenses Against Felony Charges?
Various defenses are available against felony charges, each contingent on the charge specifics and surrounding circumstances. Common defenses include challenging the legality of the arrest, disputing the validity of evidence, or proving alibis and misidentification. Self-defense or entrapment may also be applicable, depending on case details. At Law Office of Mac Morris, our strategy involves a detailed investigation into each facet of the accusation to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument. This comprehensive analysis forms the backbone of crafting a solid defense aimed at protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome.
