Felony Crimes Lawyer in Plano, TX

A Committed Defense Attorney Willing to Fight for You in Dallas & Collin County Court

If you are facing felony charges in Plano, Texas, you need an experienced felony lawyer on your side. The severity of the charges and the potential for harsh sentencing mean that you cannot afford to take any chances. An experienced lawyer will be familiar with the laws and the court system, and will work tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome. They will also be able to advise you on what to expect and how to best prepare for your day in court. Don't try to go it alone; make sure you have the best chance of success by hiring a felony crime lawyer in Texas.

Felonies are punished much more severely than misdemeanors. While most first-time offenses are misdemeanors, serious charges are criminalized as felonies. Lanzillo Law, PLLC is a highly experienced trial defense attorney who fights exclusively for the accused. He has never worked as a prosecutor, as he is committed to the side of the defendant, and he has taken more cases to trial than the average defense lawyer. As a result, he is more than prepared to defend you against your felony charges and protect your rights as a defendant.

Schedule a free consultation with Lanzillo Law, PLLC to learn more about your felony defense options.

What Constitutes A Felony Offense In Texas?

In Texas, a felony offense is a major criminal offense that is more serious than a misdemeanor. Felonies are classified into different classes based on their severity. The particular criteria used to determine whether an offense is a felony can vary, but typically, the following crimes are considered felonies in Texas:

• Violent Crimes: Murder, aggravated assault, robbery, and rape are often classified as felonies due to the serious nature of the offenses and the potential harm inflicted on individuals.
• Drug Crimes: Depending on the type and quantity of drugs involved, certain drug-related acts, such as possession or distribution of prohibited substances, might be categorized as felonies.
• White-Collar Crimes: Fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and other financially motivated crimes can be considered felonies, especially when large sums of money are involved or significant financial harm is caused.
• Property Crimes: Burglary, arson, theft of high-value goods, and criminal activity involving severe damage or loss are examples of felony property crimes.
• Offenses Against Public Safety: Terrorism, weapons offenses, specific forms of assault on public officials, and certain types of child abuse are examples of felonies.

To understand felony classifications and their potential consequences, speak with an experienced Plano felony crimes lawyer at Lanzillo Law. Our lead attorney has had substantial trial experience within the last decade and those facing felony charges can benefit from his legal guidance. Contact us to set up a consultation where we may examine the specifics of your case, devise a solid defense strategy, and work to achieve the best possible result.

What Are the Felony Classifications in Texas?

Felonies are more serious criminal offenses punished by state prison or state jail. 

Some examples of crimes that are charged as felonies include:

• Murder
• Sexual assault
• Aggravated robbery
• Arson
• Continuous family violence
• Firearm theft

Texas classifies felonies into different categories of severity with varying penalties:

• Capital felony: Death or life imprisonment without parole
• First-degree felony: Life imprisonment or five to 99 years of imprisonment, as well as up to $10,000 in fines (a more serious crime like aggravated sexual assault of a child has a longer minimum sentence of at least 25 years)
• Second-degree felony: Two to 20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines
• Third-degree felony: Two to 10 years' imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines 
• State jail felony: 180 days to two years in state jail and up to $10,000 in fines

What are Felony Enhancements?

Certain crimes that are not designated as felonies by default may be enhanced to the felony level, which is commonly the case for:

• Repeat or habitual offenses (such as prostitution, DWI, theft)
• Offenses involving deadly weapons
• Hate crimes 
• Offenses committed in a disaster area or evacuation zone
• Crimes committed in retaliation against a public servant performing their duties
• Offenses committed against vulnerable persons or special victims (e.g., the elderly)

Repeat sex offenses can be punishable by a mandatory life sentence. Those facing a second felony conviction for a first-, second-, or third-degree felony may have the felony enhanced one level (e.g., second-degree felony to a first-degree felony). The same applies to state jail felonies, where a third state jail felony charge will warrant third-degree felony penalties. Habitual felony offenders with two prior felony convictions could face life in jail.

If you are facing felony allegations, do not hesitate to contact an experienced defense attorney immediately for legal support. Lanzillo Law, PLLC has extensive trial experience and is not afraid to take your case to trial and fight for your defense. The firm represents defendants exclusively, and they are willing to fight for you all the way.

Let Lanzillo Law, PLLC protect your rights and your future in the face of felony charges. Contact the firm for a free initial consultation.