New Braunfels Felony Attorney

Having a felony conviction added to your record can change your life, as it may lead to prison time, job loss, and suspension of your civil rights. Considering how serious the consequences are, it’s understandable for you to worry about your future after an arrest for one or more felonies.

However, a felony charge does not have to lead to a conviction, so do not give up hope after being arrested. Instead, you should hire a skilled New Braunfels, Texas felony attorney to represent you.

Having a lawyer on your side will give you a chance to reduce the penalties or even get the criminal charges dismissed. At Seymour & Vaughn, our team has defended countless clients from felony charges, so we invite you to contact our New Braunfels law firm to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to fight for you.

What Felony Charges Can Our Legal Team Handle?

Felony charges are more serious than misdemeanors since they’re usually violent crimes that harm others. However, some non-violent crimes are also charged as felonies, such as white-collar crimes. Regardless of your specific criminal charges, you’ll need the help of a felony defense attorney since felony convictions usually result in one year or more in prison.

Our New Braunfels, Texas legal team can defend you against felony charges that include:

• Driving while intoxicated (DWI)
• Assault
• Domestic violence
• Drug crimes, including possession, trafficking, and manufacturing
• Identity theft
• Grand larceny
• Resisting arrest
• Consumer fraud
• Falsifying business records
• Money laundering

It’s important to discuss your case with a skilled New Braunfels, Texas felony defense lawyer you can trust, so contact Seymour & Vaughn soon after your arrest to learn what your legal options are.

What’s the Difference Between State and Federal Charges?

It’s common to have questions about the legal terms mentioned on the paperwork related to your arrest, and our legal team is happy to answer them for you. For example, as you learn more about your case, you might see references to state or federal criminal charges and wonder what this means for you.

Most criminal offenses are state crimes, meaning they’re prosecuted in state courts. If your offense is a state crime, you’re accused of breaking one or more state laws within Texas. Some common state crimes include robbery, arson, theft, rape, or murder.

On the other hand, federal offenses typically involve federal systems or occur in more than one state. For instance, if you’re accused of using the US postal system to commit mail fraud or robbing a bank insured by a federal department, you’ll likely be charged with a federal crime.

The same is true if you crossed state lines to commit a crime or broke the law on federal property, such as at a courthouse or a national park. Examples of federal crimes include drug trafficking, wire fraud, money laundering, human trafficking, and certain gun crimes or sex crimes. Such offenses are serious and lead to decades in prison, so contact a skilled lawyer who has experience handling federal and state cases in Texas.

What Legal Penalties Do You Face for a Felony in Texas?

If you’re convicted of a felony in this state, you can usually expect to spend time in jail. But the specific amount of time will vary depending on the crime, your criminal record, and the deal your lawyer can negotiate.

As your case gets started, it’s important to know that Texas has five classes of felonies, and they all have different maximum penalties. The most serious category is a capital felony, which is reserved for capital murder. This can result in life in prison or the death penalty.

A first-degree felony in Texas can result in 5 to 99 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. This type of crime usually includes aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping, or money laundering.

A second-degree felony can lead to 2 to 20 years in prison and fines that go up to $10,000. Examples of this type of crime include manslaughter, bribery, and robbery. A third-degree felony can lead to 2 to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Examples of this crime include stalking, third DWI, criminal possession of marijuana, and intoxication assault.

State jail felonies are the least serious kind of felony charge, as they can be punished by probation or up to two years in jail. If you were accused of evading arrest, DWI with a child passenger, or low-level property crimes, you’ll likely be charged with a state jail felony. Regardless of the charge you’re facing, you need a New Braunfels, Texas felony attorney to defend you for a chance to reduce the penalties, so contact our law firm today.

How Can a New Braunfels Felony Lawyer Help You?

At Seymour & Vaughn, we understand your concern about your case. A criminal conviction will often completely disrupt your life, which is why our team does everything possible to fight for every client’s rights. If you’re facing wrongful accusations and want to prove that you didn’t commit the crime you’re charged with, it’s time to talk to a caring New Braunfels criminal defense lawyer.

When you come to our office for a free consultation, you will meet with a skilled attorney who will review your criminal charges and explain your legal options. Our criminal defense attorney is known for fighting tirelessly for all clients and going to trial when it’s in their best interests to do so.

Whether you want a plea bargain or wish to go to trial to prove your innocence, our experienced lawyer can work toward the outcome you’re hoping for. Call our New Braunfels, Texas office at 830-282-8751 for legal advice before your upcoming court date.

Questions to Ask a New Braunfels Criminal Defense Lawyer Before Hiring

Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer is crucial when facing felony charges in New Braunfels. To ensure you have the best legal representation, consider asking the following questions during your initial consultation:

1. What is your experience with felony cases in New Braunfels and Comal County?
2. Are you familiar with the local courts and district attorney’s office?
3. How do you approach building a defense strategy for felony charges?
4. Have you handled cases similar to mine involving controlled substances, assault, or other serious offenses?
5. What are the potential penalties I face under Texas criminal law based on my charges and prior criminal history?
6. Can you explain the legal process and what I can expect at each stage of my case?
7. What are the possible outcomes, including alternative sentencing options such as deferred adjudication or community service?
8. How do you communicate with clients throughout the case, and how often can I expect updates?
9. Will you be personally handling my case, or will other members of your criminal defense team be involved?
10. What are your fees, and do you offer a free initial consultation?

Asking these questions will help you gauge the lawyer’s legal expertise, familiarity with the justice system, and commitment to achieving a favorable outcome for your case. Remember, having an experienced New Braunfels felony lawyer by your side can make a significant difference in navigating the complexities of criminal defense law and protecting your rights.