When facing criminal charges, it’s easy to feel frustrated and confused. But until a conviction is reached, you still have legal rights that deserve to be protected. At the Hager Law Firm, our Tyler, TX, criminal defense attorney, Reann Stewart, will fight to protect your rights and defend your case. No matter what criminal charge you face, Attorney Stewart will work with you to understand your case and determine the best course of action moving forward.
Criminal Misdemeanors
On the lower end of the criminal charge system are misdemeanors. In Texas, there are three levels of misdemeanors, each more serious and carrying harsher penalties than the last.
Class C misdemeanors are the lowest level of criminal charge you can face. You can expect a class C misdemeanor charge for the following offenses:
- Assault
- Theft
- Disorderly Conduct
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Traffic Tickets
- Public Intoxication
Penalties for class C misdemeanors include fines up to $500.
Class B misdemeanors are slightly more severe than class C misdemeanors. You can expect a class B misdemeanor charge for the following offenses:
- Possession of Marijuana
- Driving While Intoxicated
- Criminal Trespass
- Harassment
- Indecent Exposure
- False Report to Law Enforcement
Penalties for class B misdemeanors include fines up to $2000 and up to 180 days in county jail.
Class A misdemeanors are the most severe criminal misdemeanor cases. You can expect a class A misdemeanor charge for the following offenses:
- Assault
- Vehicle Burglary
- Deadly Conduct
- Driving While Intoxicated with a BAC over 0.15%
- Evading/Resisting Arrest
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Unlawful Carrying Weapon
- Violation of Protective Order
Penalties for class C misdemeanors include fines up to $4000 and up to 365 days in county jail.
Criminal Felonies
Felonies are a higher level of offense than misdemeanors and often include even harsher penalties. While they are more serious and handled severely in the court of law, with a criminal defense attorney in Texas, you can defend your case and potentially have your charges dropped or lowered.
Criminal felony charges are broken down into five categories, much like misdemeanors, with each more severe than the last.
A state jail felony is the lowest kind of felony offense you can face. You can expect a state jail felony charge for the following offenses:
- Credit/Debit Card Abuse
- Driving While Intoxicated with a Child Passenger
- Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicles
- Forgery
Penalties for state jail felonies include at least 180 days in state jail and fines up to $10,000.
A third-degree felony is slightly more severe than a state jail felony. You can expect a third-degree felony charge for the following offenses:
- Assault
- 3rd or More Driving While Intoxicated Charge
- Intoxicated Assault
- Kidnapping
- Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
Penalties for third-degree felonies include at least two years but no more than ten in state jail and fines up to $10,000.
A second-degree felony is another step higher on the felony charge list. You can expect a second-degree felony charge for the following offenses:
- Aggravated Assault
- Burglary of Habitation
- Manslaughter
- Robbery
Penalties for second-degree felonies include at least two years but no more than twenty in state jail and fines up to $10,000.
A first-degree felony is a serious criminal charge exceeded only by a few criminal acts. You can expect a first-degree felony charge for the following offenses:
- Aggravated Robbery
- Sexual Abuse/Assault
- Intoxicated Manslaughter
- Murder
Penalties for first-degree felonies include at least five years in state jail and fines up to $10,000.
A capital felony is the highest level of criminal offense in Texas. As the death penalty is still applicable in Texas, those charged with a capital felony offense may be charged with the death penalty. Other punishments include life in prison without parole or probation. An example of a capital felony is the murder of a public safety officer.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
If you are charged with a criminal offense of any level, it’s easy to worry and become flustered. But with the help of a criminal defense attorney from the Hager Law Firm, you can seek to lessen or even have your charges dropped.
Attorney Stewart knows that a criminal charge is not the same as a criminal conviction. Until you are found guilty and punishment is assigned, you still have rights that need to be protected. As an experienced criminal defense attorney, Attorney Stewart will fight to ensure you understand your rights and have the tools needed to protect them.
Law and justice never rest, and neither does the Hager Law Firm. No matter what time your arrest is or when a shift in your case occurs, Attorney Stewart is available 24/7 to help you make sense of the changes and navigate the next part of the process.
No matter what circumstances led to your arrest or charge, Attorney Stewart is here to help, not judge. She’ll treat your case with understanding and care, helping you defend yourself while seeking to reduce the punishments you may face if convicted.
Contact the Hager Law Firm Today
If you or someone you know faces a criminal charge, contact criminal defense attorney Stewart today at (903) 466-0001. The sooner you get in contact with a lawyer, the better chances you’ll have of securing a favorable outcome in your case. You still have rights, even if you face criminal charges, and Attorney Stewart can help ensure that they are protected during your hearing or trial.
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If you face criminal charges, need help with a divorce, or want to start planning your will, contact the Hager Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation.