Southlake Felony Defense Attorneys

Dedicated Legal Professionals Working to Protect Your Future

Being charged with a felony offense can lead to serious social, familial, and professional consequences long before you have your day in court. If you are convicted, you not only may face prison time, exorbitant fines, and restitution, but you may also be stripped of your right to vote and bear arms. 

At Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, PLLC, we understand what is at stake and are committed to fighting to protect your interests, no matter how dire your situation may seem. Our Southlake felony defense lawyers leverage our team’s comprehensive legal acumen and innovative strategies as we seek the best possible outcomes for our clients. We will typically seek a dismissal of the charges brought against you, but we are always prepared to fight for you in court should that become necessary. Preserving your rights and freedoms are all our top priorities, so do not wait to get in touch when you learn about felony accusations.

Contact us online or call (817) 497-8148 to schedule an initial consultation. Se habla español.

What Is Considered a Felony in Texas?

In Texas, a felony is a crime punishable by more than one year in prison. Under state law, certain types of offenses are automatically classified as felonies. For example, any offense involving theft or the use of deadly force is considered a felony. Other offenses may be categorized as misdemeanors or felonies depending on the severity of the alleged crime and the defendant’s prior criminal history.

Our Southlake felony defense attorneys are prepared to represent you if you have been charged with:

• Aggravated Assault. This offense involves using a deadly weapon to cause physical harm to another person. Under Texas law, any type of weapon can be considered deadly if it is capable of causing serious bodily injury or death. Common examples of weapons that could be used in an aggravated assault include knives, guns, clubs, and other objects used to inflict physical harm on another individual. Aggravated assault can result in up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. An assault conviction will remain on a person’s criminal record for life.
• Burglary. In Texas, burglary is classified as either a state jail felony, a third-degree felony, a second-degree felony, or even a first-degree felony depending on the circumstances of the case and whether the accused had previous criminal convictions. For first-time offenders without any prior history of criminal convictions and the building intruded upon was not a habitation, burglary may only be charged as a state jail felony and carries penalties of up to 2 years imprisonment and/or fines up to $10,000. On the other hand, if an individual has been previously convicted of burglaries in the past then they may be facing more serious charges with more significant penalties. Intruding upon a habitation tends to trigger second-degree felony charges, and first-degree felony charges may be pursued if the defendant allegedly entered a habitation with the intention to commit another felony besides theft.
• Carjacking. Carjacking is a form of aggravated robbery in which an individual unlawfully seizes or attempts to seize a vehicle from another person by force, fear, or other forms of coercion. Carjacking typically occurs when the perpetrator attempts to take control of the victim’s vehicle while they are still inside it, although it can also occur when the victim has exited their vehicle. In either case, the perpetrator will threaten to use physical violence unless the victim complies with their demands. Carjacking is classified as a second-degree felony in Texas, but first-degree felony charges could be levied if a deadly weapon was used. It is important to note that even if no property was taken during a carjacking attempt and no injuries were suffered by any parties involved, this offense can still be charged as a felony due to its inherently violent nature.
• Domestic Violence. When an act of domestic violence involves the use of a deadly weapon or results in serious bodily injury, then it will be charged as a felony. Felony charges for domestic violence carry severe penalties including up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Additionally, if convicted individuals may also be subject to additional punitive measures such as protective orders and possible forfeiture of firearms.
• Drug Offenses. Possession of more than a certain amount of a controlled substance can result in felony charges. Additionally, manufacturing, distributing, delivering, or possessing with intent to distribute any amount of an illegal substance are all considered felony offenses.
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• . In Texas, driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a felony when the defendant has two or more prior convictions. It is also considered a felony if there are aggravating factors in the case such as an accident involving serious bodily injury or death, fleeing from law enforcement, driving with a minor passenger in the vehicle, having an open container of alcohol in the vehicle, or causing property damage of more than $2,500.
• Firearm Offenses. Our Southlake felony defense lawyers can fight for you if you are facing felony charges in connection with possessing prohibited weapons, possessing a firearm in a location licensed to sell alcohol, or any other serious offense. 
• Kidnapping. Kidnapping describes a situation where an individual unlawfully detains another person against their will with the intent to cause them harm. This can be done through the use of force, deceit, or any other means that would make it difficult for the victim to escape. Kidnapping can involve transporting someone from one place to another, confining them in a secret location, or holding them for ransom. Kidnapping can also include hostage-taking and false imprisonment, which refer to restraining someone without legal authority. In Texas, “aggravated” kidnapping is considered a first-degree felony and carries penalties of up to 99 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000 depending on the circumstances surrounding the case.
• Larceny. Larceny is a form of theft that involves taking another person's property without their consent and with the intention of permanently depriving them of it. This type of offense is considered particularly serious since it requires the perpetrator to physically take possession of the stolen items and transport them away from their original location. Property that can be stolen through felony larceny includes more than just money and physical items: Individuals can also face charges if they unlawfully take control of someone else’s intellectual property such as trade secrets or copyrighted material. Other examples include identity theft, computer fraud, securities fraud, and embezzlement. Larceny becomes a felony in Texas if the stolen items are valued at $30,000 or more. The greater the value of the items stolen, the more serious the charges. 
• Robbery. This offense involves taking another person's property without their consent and with the intent to permanently deprive them of it through the use or threatened use of force, fear, or other forms of coercion.
• Sexual Assault. Sexual assault, which refers to non-consensual contact between two or more individuals, is always considered a felony in Texas. Any type of intentional touching or penetration without the other party's consent, even if it is not done forcefully, will typically be considered sexual assault. Certain aggravating factors can lead to an enhancement of the charge and result in more severe penalties being imposed upon conviction. These include the use of a deadly weapon during the offense, causing serious bodily injury, or having engaged in similar behavior in the past.

What to Do If You Are Charged with a Felony in Southlake, TX

In some cases, you may have some idea that you are under investigation for a felony crime well before you are arrested and formally charged. While the authorities may attempt to convince you to cooperate with their investigation, do not be afraid to assert your right to legal representation. The authorities are not there to help you. Remember, anything you say can and likely will be used against you in court. When you reach out to Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, PLLC as soon as you learn you are under investigation, our team can get to work on protecting your rights and proactively building your defense.

If you are arrested and charged, exercise your right to remain silent. Do not answer any questions posed by the authorities, and do not give any statements, no matter how confident you are about your innocence. Instead, ask for a lawyer and give us a call. 

Consequences of a Felony Conviction in Southlake, TX

A felony conviction in Texas means more than years of incarceration. Beyond restitution and fines, felons lose their right to vote until they complete their sentence, probation, or parole. Convicted felons are also not permitted to purchase or carry firearms. Even worse, someone with a felony conviction on their record will have an incredibly difficult time securing housing or employment. 

That is why hiring capable, reputable Southlake felony defense attorneys is so important. You will have direct access to your lawyer throughout our handling of your case, and we will always be honest and transparent as we discuss defense strategies and possible outcomes. We take a team-based, personalized approach to every case, and we will have your back every step of the way.

Charged with a felony crime? Turn to our team by calling (817) 497-8148 or contacting us online.