Criminal Defense

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer in Collin County

A charge of a criminal offense can be devastating. Even if you are facing misdemeanor charges, being convicted of a criminal offense in Texas means that you will have a criminal record.

In addition to a sentence that may include a substantial fine or a term of imprisonment, you will have to live with the ramifications of a criminal record for the rest of your life.

You will need to disclose your conviction on applications for jobs and credit, leases, mortgage agreements, and even for some volunteer opportunities.

You do not want to face criminal charges in Texas on your own. A dedicated Collin County criminal defense attorney at the Tidwell Law Firm, PLLC can examine the facts of your case today and begin working on a defense strategy.

Types of Criminal Defense Case We Handle in Collin County, Texas

There are many different types of criminal offenses under Texas law.

We regularly assist clients with a wide variety of defense strategies in criminal cases, including but not limited to the following:

DWI/DUI charges and other alcohol-related offenses;
Traffic offenses;
Drug charges, including possession offenses;
Assault;
Domestic violence;
Theft, burglary, and other property crimes;
Arson;
Weapons offenses;
Homicide, manslaughter, and other violent crimes;
Cyber crimes;
Fraud and other white collar offenses;
Probation violations;
Sex crimes; and
Juvenile offenses.

No matter what type of criminal charges you are facing, an aggressive Collin County criminal defense attorney at our firm can help you to build a strong defense in your case.

Penalties for Collin County, Texas Criminal Offenses

Generally speaking, Texas criminal law classifies offenses into two separate categories: misdemeanor offenses and felony offenses. Misdemeanor offenses carry lesser penalties than federal offenses. Federal offenses can result in a sentence of life in prison or even the death penalty in a capital case.

The following are penalties for each category of criminal offense in Texas:

Class C Misdemeanor

This is the least serious charge of criminal offenses in Texas. The penalty for a Class C misdemeanor conviction can include a fine of up to $500, but it cannot result in any jail time.

Examples of Class C misdemeanors include certain traffic offenses, theft where the value of the property stolen is less than $50, disorderly conduct, underage possession of alcohol, simple assault, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Class B Misdemeanor

Class B misdemeanors are more serious than a Class C misdemeanor. A Class B misdemeanor charge can result in a fine of up to $2,000, probation, and/or up to 180 days in jail upon conviction.

Examples of Class B misdemeanors include but are not limited to a DWI first offense, possession of small amounts of marijuana, trespassing, and harassment.

Class A Misdemeanor

This is the most serious of the misdemeanor offenses. A conviction can result in a sentence of up to one year in jail, two years of probation, and a fine of up to $4,000.

Examples of Class A misdemeanors include but are not limited to a DWI (second offense); possession of marijuana, burglary, evading or resisting arrest, theft, and violation of a protective order.

State Jail Felony

This is the least serious type of felony offense, but as a felony offense, it is much more serious than any of the misdemeanor crimes listed above. A state jail felony is a crime that, upon conviction, results in a jail term of anywhere from 180 days to 2 years, and a fine of up to $2,000.

Common examples of crimes that are charged as state jail felony offenses include DWI with a child in the car, theft of property between $1,500 and $20,000, burglary, and certain drug possession offenses.

3rd Degree Felony

This is a more serious offense than a state jail felony but less serious than other felony offenses. A conviction can result in a term of imprisonment from 2 to 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000.

Examples of 3rd degree felonies include a DWI (third offense) or possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.

2nd Degree Felony

In Texas, 2nd degree felonies are extremely serious. They carry stiffer penalties than 3rd degree felonies but less severe penalties than 1st degree felony offenses. A conviction can result in a prison term of 2 to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000.

Examples of 2nd degree felonies include sexual assault, robbery, arson, and certain drug possession offenses.

1st Degree Felony

This felony classification is more serious than all of the others listed. It can result in a prison term of 5 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Common 1st degree felonies include homicide and certain aggravated offenses such as sexual assault, robbery, and kidnapping.

Capital Felony

In Texas, capital felonies are the most serious criminal offenses, and they can result in a death sentence. Capital murder is the most commonly charged capital felony.

When you are facing criminal charges, the Collin County criminal defense lawyers at our firm can defend you against these charges and to build a case to help prove your innocence.