Round Rock Felony Lawyer

When a person faces criminal charges, it can be a very unnerving time. The possibility of serving a jail sentence–perhaps a lengthy one–is very real. The full weight of the District Attorney’s office is against them. The person accused might have been pre-judged by their community.

A Round Rock felony lawyer is the one who must stand in the breach, believe in their client, and fight with everything they have in their legal arsenal to protect the defendant’s freedom and reputation. Pennington Law PLLC takes pride in our fresh-thinking, solutions-oriented approach to each client we meet. Our criminal defense attorneys serve the English and Spanish-speaking communities of both Williamson County and Travis County. Call us at (512) 255-2733.

Types of Felony Charges in Texas

The state of Texas has five different categories of felony charges, each with its own sentencing guidelines. The categories for felony charges in TX include:

Capital Felony

• The state of Texas has the death penalty and prosecutors may seek it in certain types of murder cases. The D.A. must decide in advance of the trial if they are seeking capital punishment in the event of conviction. If not, a capital felony conviction can still result in a life prison sentence with no hope of parole.

1st Degree Felony

• A 1st-degree felony conviction may also result in a life prison term. At the very least, a judge is obligated to issue a minimum penalty of five years behind bars. An attempted murder charge would be a prime example of a 1st-degree felony. The sentence here might also include a fine as large as $10,000 .

2nd Degree Felony

• Jail time for a 2nd degree felony conviction will range from a 2-year minimum to a 20-year maximum. Fines at this level can also go as high as $10,000. Certain types of crimes can fall into either the 1st or 2nd degree category depending on the circumstances that surround them. For example, arson, on its own, is a 2nd degree felony. If a person dies in the ensuing fire, however, the D.A. may escalate the charge to a 1st degree felony.

3rd Degree Felony

• Fines can still be as high as $10,000, and a 2-year minimum jail sentence is still mandatory. However, the max time behind bars is now down to 10 years. A notable example of a 3rd degree felony would be deadly conduct with a firearm–that is, using a gun in a way that may not have caused a death, but was done in a way a reasonable person would consider reckless. If the conduct actually results in a death, a more severe felony charge may be the result.

State Jail Felony

• This is the lowest level on the felony ladder, with jail stays lasting for six months to two years on conviction. Theft in amounts of at least $2,5000 might be subject to state jail felony charges.

Felony Child Endangerment

• Child endangerment is one example of a state jail felony charge. Endangerment can include being arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) with a child in the car. This, in turn, is one example of where a charge that is otherwise a misdemeanor turns into a state jail felony because of the circumstances.

The guidelines on what crimes might constitute a state felony charge can be flexible depending on the defendant’s previous record. A defendant with no criminal priors might see a misdemeanor charge. Whereas a person with previous convictions might see a state felony upgraded to a 3rd degree felony.The role of our Round Rock felony attorney is to be up to date on how judges and prosecutors are using this flexibility and to leverage that knowledge on behalf of our clients.

Local Support and Resources for Felony Defense in Round Rock

Facing felony charges in Round Rock can be a daunting experience, but knowing that local resources and support systems are available can make a significant difference. The Williamson County Courthouse, located in nearby Georgetown, is where many felony cases are heard. Understanding the local legal landscape, including the tendencies of local judges and prosecutors, is crucial for a robust defense.

Residents of Round Rock and the greater Williamson County area often face unique challenges when dealing with felony charges. The rapid growth of the region has led to increased law enforcement activity, and the local community can sometimes be quick to judge. This makes it even more important to have a dedicated legal team that understands the local dynamics and can navigate the complexities of the local judicial system.

Pennington Law PLLC is deeply familiar with the intricacies of the Round Rock area and the specific pain points that residents may encounter. Whether it’s dealing with the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office or understanding the nuances of the local court system, our team is well-equipped to provide the necessary legal support. We also recognize the importance of community resources, such as the Round Rock Police Department and local advocacy groups, in providing a comprehensive defense strategy.

For those facing felony charges, the stakes are incredibly high. The potential for long-term imprisonment, hefty fines, and a tarnished reputation can be overwhelming. Our Round Rock felony attorneys are committed to offering personalized legal solutions that address these concerns head-on. We offer free consultations and flexible payment plans to ensure that everyone has access to quality legal representation.

If you or a loved one is facing felony charges in Round Rock or the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to reach out to Pennington Law PLLC. Our deep understanding of the local legal environment and our commitment to our clients make us a trusted choice for felony defense in Williamson County and Travis County.

Commonly Asked Questions