Felony & Misdemeanor Defense in Fort Worth
Comprehensive Defense Representation Against Your Criminal Charges
The Shipley Law Firm, PLLC defends clients against all types of felony and misdemeanor offenses. From felony theft to misdemeanor assault, Mr. Shipley is prepared to strategize a personalized defense for your case and help you out of further legal complications. If you have been charged with a felony, he might argue your charges down to the misdemeanor level, for instance, or fight for a dismissal. When you are facing criminal charges, it is in your best interests to work with a lawyer who has experience handling both felonies and misdemeanors, as crimes can be charged in either of these categories depending on the situation.
Schedule a free consultation with The Shipley Law Firm, PLLC to get started on your defense. Serving all of Tarrant County.
Texas’ Misdemeanor Classifications
In Texas, misdemeanor crimes are punishable by one year or less in local jail and/or a fine. Texas divides misdemeanor offenses into three classes:
- Class A misdemeanors – Punishable by up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. One example of a Class A misdemeanor is violating a protective order.
- Class B misdemeanors – Punishable by up to 180 days in jail and $2,000 in fines. Common examples of Class B misdemeanors are indecent exposure and criminal mischief.
- Class C misdemeanors – Punishable by up to $500 in fines and no jail time. Examples of Class C misdemeanors include public intoxication and petty theft (under $100).
Aggravating factors could enhance the misdemeanor penalties, such as if the alleged victim of the offense was an elderly or vulnerable individual. In more severe cases, the misdemeanor may even be enhanced to the felony level, such as if assault (a misdemeanor) was committed against a pregnant woman or public servant (a felony).
Texas’ Felony Classifications
Felonies are punishable by much harsher terms than misdemeanors, and felony jail times are served in state prison. Texas divides felonies into the following classifications:
- Capital felonies – Punishable by death, life imprisonment, or life without parole. An example of a capital felony is capital murder.
- First-degree felonies – Punishable by life imprisonment or 5-99 years' imprisonment, as well as a fine of up to $10,000. Examples of first-degree felonies include child trafficking and aggravated robbery.
- Second-degree felonies – Punishable by 2-20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Examples include manslaughter and assaulting a police officer.
- Third-degree felonies – Punishable by 2-10 years' imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000. Examples include continuous family violence, stalking, and evading arrest in a vehicle.
- State jail felonies – Punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a fine of up to $10,000. Firearm theft and possession of child pornography are examples of state jail felonies.
The court may order enhancements to felony sentences for repeat and habitual felony offenses, crimes involving deadly weapons, offenses committed in a disaster or evacuation zone, offenses against vulnerable individuals, hate crimes, and others.
Misdemeanor and Felony Theft
The crime of theft, or stealing someone’s property, is punishable in Texas as either a misdemeanor or felony based on the value of the property allegedly stolen. Misdemeanor theft involves:
- Class C misdemeanor – The value of the property allegedly stolen is less than $100
- Class B misdemeanor – The value of the property allegedly stolen is $100-$750; the value of the property is less than $100 but it is your second or subsequent theft offense; or the stolen property is an identification card
- Class A misdemeanor – The value of the stolen property is $750-$2,500
Theft becomes a felony in the following situations:
- State jail felony – The stolen property is $2,500-$30,000; the value of the stolen property is less than $2,500 but this is your third or subsequent theft offense; the property was stolen from another person, off a human corpse, or from a grave; or the stolen property is a firearm, election ballet, or certain livestock or metals
- Third-degree felony – The value of the stolen property is $30,000-$150,000; the stolen property is a certain type of livestock worth less than $150,000; or the property is a controlled substance worth less than $150,000 and stolen from a commercial building that stored controlled drugs
- Second-degree felony – The value of the stolen property is $150,000-$300,000; or the stolen property is an ATM or its contents worth less than $300,000
- First-degree felony – The value of the stolen property is $300,000 or more
While Texas law establishes the above penalty ranges for misdemeanors and felonies, certain factors could warrant enhanced penalties that deviate from the guidelines. If you have been accused of any misdemeanor or felony, it is best to consult an experienced defense attorney to discuss the potential sentence you are facing and how you can fight against it. Mr. Shipley can strategize a strong defense for your case and explore your options for a plea deal, mitigated charges, or even reduced charges.
Get started with a free initial consultation today with The Shipley Law Firm, PLLC. An attorney will return your call within 24 hours.