Felony Charges | The Law Firm of Galmor, Stovall & Gilthorpe

Beaumont Felony Defense Lawyer

Felony charges in Beaumont that result in a conviction afford serious prison sentences and repercussions. Some of the more common penalties a felony offender can face in Beaumont include a criminal record, prison sentence, steep fines, ineligibility to receive certain types of governmental assistance, inability to pursue certain jobs or professions, ineligibility to own or possess a firearm, the inability to hold public office and the loss of voting privileges.

If you have been accused of a felony offense in Beaumont, or any of it’s surrounding areas including Lumberton, Silsbee, Kountze Neederland, Port Neches, Port Arthur, Vidor, Orange, Sour Lake, Bridge City, Mauriceville, Little Cypress, Winnie, Crystal Beach, Sabine Pass or Galveston, contact the Law Offices of Galmor, Stovall & Gilthorpe by calling (409) 832.7757 to discuss your case with one of the most successful felony defense lawyers in Beaumont.

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Felony vs. Misdemeanor

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Classes of Felony Charges

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Penalties for Felony Offenses

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Habitual and Repeat Felony Offenders

Classes of Felony Charges

Texas law defines felony crimes as any criminal offense that is punishable by imprisonment of more than one year. Texas Penal Code 12.04 defines the five different classifications of felony offenses. The degree of felony varies, depending on the severity of the criminal offense. These offenses range from the least serious (State Jail Felony), to the most serious (Capital Felony) as outlined below:

State Jail Felony

3rd Degree Felony

2nd Degree Felony

1st Degree Felony

Capital Felony

Penalties for Felony Offenses

Texas law classifies felony crimes in varying degrees and even the lowest level felony charge can result in severe punishments that will almost certainly result in significant changes in ones life. It is essential that those facing felony charges hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who has a successful record representing clients in felony court. A skilled felony defense attorney will help you identify your best legal strategy and offers you the best chance at preventing the felony charge from resulting in a conviction.

State Jail FelonyAccording to Texas Penal Code 12.35 , an individual who is convicted of a state jail felony offense can face a jail sentence ranging from 180 days to 2 years and/or a fine not more than $10,000. This degree of felony can be punished as a felony offense or misdemeanor offense, depending largely on whether the offender has any previous convictions.

3rd Degree FelonyAccording to Texas Penal Code 12.34 , an individual who is convicted of a 3rd degree felony offense can face a prison sentence ranging from 2 to 10 years and/or a fine up to $10,000.

2nd Degree FelonyAccording to Texas Penal Code 12.33 , an individual who is convicted of a second degree felony offense can face a prison sentence ranging from 2 to 20 years and/or a fine not exceeding $10,000.

1st Degree FelonyAccording to Texas Penal Code 12.32 , an individual who is convicted of a 1st degree offense can face a prison sentence ranging from 5 to 99 years or life imprisonment and/or a fine not more than $10,000.

Capital FelonyAccording to Texas Penal Code 12.31 , an individual who is convicted of a capital felony offense in which the state seeks the death penalty can face life imprisonment without parole or be sentenced to death. If the state does not seek the death penalty, the individual can face life imprisonment with possible parole or life imprisonment without parole.

Habitual Offender Sentencing

According to Texas Penal Code 12.42 , repeat and habitual felony offenders can face additional penalties and consequences. A repeat or habitual felony offender includes anyone who has previously been convicted of at least one felony offense. A repeat or habitual felony offender may be subjected to any of the following increased penalties:

An individual who is currently charged with a state jail felony offense that has previously been convicted of two state jail felony offenses will instead be convicted of a felony of the third degree, which can result in a prison sentence ranging from two to ten years and/or a fine up to $10,000.

An individual who is currently charged with third degree felony offense that has previously been convicted of a felony offense will instead be convicted of a felony of the second degree, which can result in a prison sentence ranging from two to 20 years and/or a fine up to $10,000.

An individual who is currently charged with a second degree felony offense that has previously been convicted of a felony offense will instead be convicted of a felony of the first degree, which can result in a prison sentence ranging from five to 99 years or life imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000.

An individual who is currently charged with a first degree felony offense that has previously been convicted of a felony offense can face a prison sentence ranging from 15 to 99 years or life imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000.

Additionally, certain felony offenses can be increased to life imprisonment or a capital felony conviction if the alleged offender has previously been convicted of certain felony offenses.