Houston Felony Defense Attorney

Fighting Serious Felony Charges in Houston and Harris County.

Being charged with a crime is a serious matter. Felony offenses are the most severe types of crimes in Texas and carry the most significant potential penalties, including extensive prison time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. In Houston and Harris County, prosecutors vigorously pursue felony cases. If you are facing a felony charge, you need an experienced defense attorney immediately.

Understanding Felony Offenses in Texas

Felony offenses are crimes punishable by imprisonment for more than one year in a state jail facility or Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) prison. They are distinct from misdemeanors, which carry a maximum punishment of up to one year in a county jail. Felony charges in Texas are classified into different degrees based on the severity of the crime:

Texas Felony Classifications

State Jail Felony: Punishable by 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility.
Third-Degree Felony: Punishable by 2 to 10 years in a TDCJ prison.
Second-Degree Felony: Punishable by 2 to 20 years in a TDCJ prison.
First-Degree Felony: Punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in a TDCJ prison.
Capital Felony: Punishable by life in prison without parole or the death penalty (in specific, rare cases).

Many types of criminal offenses can be charged as felonies depending on the circumstances, the value of property involved, the presence of a weapon, or prior convictions. These include felony assault, drug crimes, theft, burglary, evading arrest/detention, forgery, and fraud.

The Felony Legal Process in Harris County

Navigating the legal process for a felony charge in Texas, particularly within the Harris County criminal justice system, is complex and requires experienced legal guidance. While misdemeanor cases are often handled differently, felony cases typically involve these key stages:

Stages of a Felony Case in Harris County

Arrest & Booking: Initial arrest by law enforcement in Houston or Harris County.
Magistration & Bond Hearing: Appearance before a magistrate judge to be informed of charges and have bond set.
Investigation: The State (Harris County District Attorney’s Office) conducts its investigation; your defense attorney conducts their own investigation.
Grand Jury Indictment: For most felony charges, the case must be presented to a Harris County Grand Jury, who will decide if there is sufficient evidence to issue an indictment (formal charge).
Arraignment: Formal reading of the indictment in court.
Plea Bargaining: Negotiations between the defense attorney and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office regarding a potential plea agreement to a lesser charge or a reduced sentence.
Pre-Trial Hearings: Court appearances to address legal motions, evidence issues, and prepare for trial.
Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a judge or jury in a Harris County court.
Sentencing: If found guilty or a plea is accepted, the judge determines the sentence (unless a jury handles sentencing in certain cases).
Appeals: Option to appeal a conviction or sentence.

Having an attorney who understands the specific procedures and timeline within the Harris County courts is essential at each stage.

Severe Penalties & Consequences for Felony Convictions

A felony conviction in Texas carries severe and lasting penalties that extend far beyond the potential prison sentence and fines. The consequences of a felony record can impact nearly every aspect of your life in Houston and Harris County.

Criminal Penalties

Based on the felony degree, potential criminal penalties include:

State Jail Felony: 180 days to 2 years in state jail; up to $10,000 fine.
Third-Degree Felony: 2 to 10 years in prison; up to $10,000 fine.
Second-Degree Felony: 2 to 20 years in prison; up to $10,000 fine.
First-Degree Felony: 5 to 99 years or life in prison; up to $10,000 fine.
Capital Felony: Life in prison without parole or death penalty.

Life-Altering Collateral Consequences

A felony conviction results in a permanent criminal record that can lead to significant collateral consequences:

Loss of the right to vote.
Loss of the right to own or possess firearms.
Difficulty finding employment; inability to hold certain professional licenses.
Difficulty securing housing or rental agreements.
Ineligibility for certain government benefits or financial aid.
Negative impact on child custody and visitation rights.
Severe immigration consequences, including deportation.
Damage to reputation and social standing.

Understand the severe consequences of a felony conviction. Contact a Houston attorney.

Knowledge of Alternative Sentencing Options in Felony Cases

When dismissal is not an option in a felony criminal case in Texas, exploring alternative sentencing options versus the possibility of a trial outcome is crucial to determine which is in your best interest. An experienced felony defense attorney can negotiate with the prosecution in Harris County to seek these options.

Potential Alternative Sentencing Options

Options may include:

Deferred Adjudicated Probation: If you successfully follow court-ordered steps and terms of probation, the conviction would not result in a final judgment of guilt and may allow for the offense to be sealed from your record through non-disclosure later.
Straight Probation (Community Supervision): If you follow court-ordered steps and terms, you could stay out of prison and serve your sentence in the community.
Plea Bargain: Depending on the situation and the strength of the case, we could negotiate a plea agreement to a lesser charge (e.g., a misdemeanor) or a minimum sentencing requirement.

Explore alternative sentencing options for your felony case. Contact us.

Building Your Defense Against Felony Allegations

Being charged with a crime is not the same as being guilty. Building an effective defense against felony charges requires a thorough investigation, a deep understanding of the law, and a strategic approach tailored to the specifics of your case and the procedures in Harris County.

Defense Strategies for Felony Cases

We have extensive experience providing defense strategies for felony charges. Our experience includes cases involving:

Felony assault
Drug crimes (possession of drugs)
Theft
Burglary
Evading arrest/detention
Weapons charges (often related to felony assault or other crimes)
Forgery (often related to felony theft/fraud)
Fraud (often related to felony theft)
Probation revocation (can lead to serving original felony sentence)

As a Former Prosecutor, Ms. Strauss understands the value of your case. She also understands that many cases are based on misinformation, improper police conduct, and other errors in judgment. She fights hard to have improper evidence suppressed and cases dismissed.

Build Your Defense Against Felony Charges. Contact Our Houston Office.

Why Choose Lisa Shapiro Strauss for Felony Defense?

Facing a felony charge in Houston or Harris County is facing the most serious level of criminal accusation. Your choice of defense attorney is paramount. You need a lawyer with extensive experience handling felony cases and a deep understanding of the local legal system. Lisa Shapiro Strauss offers the critical qualifications you need to fight these charges.

The Former Prosecutor Advantage

Lisa Shapiro Strauss is a Former Prosecutor in Texas with Over 25 Years of Experience practicing law. Her unique background enables her to anticipate how the state may approach your felony case. She understands the strategies and evidence the Harris County District Attorney’s Office will likely use. This allows her to evaluate your situation from every angle to determine the best course of action and build a strong defense.

Extensive Felony Case Experience

We have Extensive Experience providing defense for complex felony charges across various practice areas. Lisa has successfully handled hundreds of felony cases, from investigation through trial, for clients throughout the Houston area.

Local Knowledge of Harris County Courts

She knows the prosecutors, judges, court staff, and the way the system works in Harris County. This local knowledge is invaluable in navigating the felony legal process and advocating effectively on your behalf in a Houston courtroom.

Dedicated Advocacy and Pursuit of Best Outcomes

Lisa is committed to fighting hard for her clients facing felony charges. Whether negotiating for a plea bargain, pursuing alternative sentencing options, or representing you at trial, she is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for your case.

Discuss Your Felony Case with a Former Prosecutor.

Answers to Your Felony Charge Questions

Facing felony charges can bring up many critical questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions for clients in Houston and Harris County:

What should you do if you are charged with a crime you didn’t commit?

If you are charged with a felony you didn’t commit, remain silent and do not discuss the case with anyone until you speak with an attorney. Gather any evidence that supports your innocence. Contact an experienced felony defense attorney immediately.

What should I expect from my first meeting with a criminal defense attorney?

Your first meeting is an opportunity to discuss the specifics of your felony charge with the attorney. Be prepared to provide details about the arrest and allegations. The attorney will ask questions, explain the legal process, discuss potential defenses, and outline how they can help. You should ask about their experience with similar felony cases.

Will an arrest in Texas remain on your record for the rest of your life?

A felony arrest and conviction will typically remain on your criminal record permanently in Texas. However, in some cases where an arrest did not lead to a conviction or resulted in deferred adjudication probation, it may be possible to seal the record through non-disclosure or expungement.

What is the difference between state jail, third degree, second degree, and first degree felonies?

These are classifications based on the severity of the crime, primarily determining the potential prison sentence range under Texas law. State jail felonies are the least severe, and first degree felonies are the most severe before Capital felonies.

How does a grand jury work in Harris County felony cases?

In Harris County, most felony cases are presented to a grand jury, a group of citizens who hear evidence presented by the prosecution. They decide if there is sufficient probable cause to issue a formal indictment, which allows the case to proceed to trial. The defense typically does not present evidence at this stage.

Can a felony charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?

In some cases, depending on the specific facts, evidence, and the prosecution’s willingness, it may be possible to negotiate a plea agreement to reduce a felony charge to a lesser felony or even a misdemeanor. This is a key goal in plea bargaining.

Harris County Felony Charge Case Results

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but they can demonstrate the type of representation and dedication our firm provides in serious felony cases. Lisa Shapiro Strauss has achieved favorable outcomes for clients facing felony charges in Houston and Harris County.

View More Case Results

Get Help Today. Schedule a Free Case Evaluation.

Being charged with a felony offense in Houston or Harris County is a deeply serious matter that requires immediate and experienced legal representation. Do not delay in seeking help.

Lisa Shapiro Strauss is an experienced, dedicated, Houston felony defense lawyer prepared to put her extensive experience, including her background as a Former Prosecutor, to work for you. She understands the complexities of felony cases in Texas and the specifics of the Harris County legal system.

If you or a loved one needs guidance from an experienced criminal defense attorney and felony defense lawyer, contact us today for a free initial consultation to discuss your case confidentially.

Schedule Your Free Initial Consultation

Call (713) 449-9922 to arrange a confidential discussion.