State criminal cases are the ones you hear about on the news and see in TV shows, They include everything from DWIs to sexual offenses to most drug offenses to robberies and burglaries. If someone is charged with a criminal offense, they are most likely to be charged with a state crime.
Texas criminal offenses break down into misdemeanors and felonies. Common misdemeanors include driving while intoxicated, theft (including shoplifting and bad checks), small quantities of marijuana or prescription drugs, and assaults. There are many others, but those are the most common.
Felonies include more serious assaults; thefts of greater amounts of money or higher valued items; certain repeat offenses; any quantities of "hard" drugs like cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine; perjury, sexual offenses, burglaries, robberies, and murder. There are many others, but those are the most common.
All criminal offenses in Texas except Class C misdemeanors (like public intoxication and disorderly conduct) carry the possibility of jail or prison and fines. This can be up to life or 99 years for the most serious offenses; under certain circumstances minimum punishments can be as great as 25 years. Texas has the death penalty for murder with aggravating circumstances. On the other hand, many first time offenders will be eligible for probation and may be eligible for diversion programs. Many offenses are eligible for deferred adjudication probation meaning that you can avoid a final conviction. And we're always happy to go to trial on your case.
If you're facing any sort of Texas criminal charge, contact us to see how we can help you.