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Felony Defense Lawyer Dallas

Felony Defense Lawyer Dallas: Rights A Felon Can Lose in Texas

The law provides that you will lose certain rights if you are found guilty of a felony in Texas.  Read on to understand what rights you could lose if you commit a felony and get convicted. Also, find out how a felony defense lawyer Dallas can help you get them back.

Felony convictions can result in terms of imprisonment and fines. You may also lose your right to vote, possess a firearm, or serve on a jury. A felony conviction will also appear on your criminal record, making it difficult to find employment or housing. If you are facing a felony charge, it is essential to contact a felony defense lawyer in Dallas as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.

When most people think of a “felony,” they often think of the more serious offenses that people commit, such as murder or rape. However, the State of Texas classifies many offenses as felonies.

Get Personalized Legal Advice For Felony Charges In Dallas Texas

Types Of Felonies in Texas

Texas defines a felony as a crime punishable by death or imprisonment for more than one year in Texas. Likewise, Texas classifies felonies into different categories, with first-degree felonies being the most serious. The following are some examples of felonies in Texas:

  • Capital Felony. Texas defines a capital felony as an offense punishable by death. Examples of capital felonies are murder, rape, and aggravated sexual assault.
  • First-Degree Felony. A first-degree felony is punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Examples of first-degree felonies include aggravated robbery and aggravated assault.
  • Second-Degree Felony. A second-degree felony is punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Examples of second-degree felonies include manslaughter and arson.
  • Third-Degree Felony. A third-degree felony is punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Examples of third-degree felonies include burglary of a vehicle and possession of a controlled substance.
  • State Jail Felony. A state jail felony is punishable by 180 days to two years in a state jail and a fine of up to $10,000. Examples of state jail felonies include possession of a controlled substance and evading arrest.

The punishment for a felony in Texas will vary depending on the classification of the offense and the offender’s criminal history. However, all felonies in Texas will result in the loss of certain rights.

 Rights Felons Can Lose In Texas

You may lose the following rights if you get convicted of a felony offense. These rights include:

  • The Right to Vote. You can find the provision of felons losing their rights to vote in the Texas Constitution. A felony conviction will lose your right to vote while serving your time and even after completing your sentence. The length of time depends on the type of felony you committed. However, there is a possibility to restore your right to vote. You must complete your sentence and wait for five years after your release from incarceration or supervision before applying for restoration of your voting rights.
  • The Right to Possess a Firearm. Felons in Texas also lose the right to possess a firearm. This federal law applies to all convicted felons, regardless of their state of residence. If the police catch you with a gun, you will be charged with a federal offense and could face up to 10 years in prison. However, a felony defense lawyer Dallas can help you have your right to possess a firearm restored if you meet specific criteria, such as having your felony conviction pardoned or expunged.
  • The Right to Serve on a Jury. Felons in Texas also lose the right to serve on a jury. If the courts call you for jury duty, they will automatically disqualify you to serve because of your felony conviction.
  • A Felony on Your Record. A felony conviction will also appear on your criminal record. This taint in your record can make it challenging to find employment or housing. Many employers conduct background checks and will not hire someone with a felony conviction. Landlords may also refuse to rent to felons.
  • Have Difficulty Finding Employment. Felons may also have difficulty finding employment. Many employers conduct background checks and will not hire someone with a felony conviction.
  • Find Housing. A person who has been convicted of a felony may also have difficulty finding housing. Landlords may refuse to rent to felons.
  • Right to Travel Freely. Felons may also lose the right to travel freely. This limited travel is because many countries will not allow prisoners to enter. Likewise, criminals under parole can only live within a specific area or zip code. Felons that travel beyond these areas can violate their parole and may face additional charges.
  • Loss of Professional License. A convicted felon in Texas can also lose their professional license. This license revocation is true for professions such as lawyers, doctors, and nurses. You will no longer be able to practice your professional work if you lose your license.
  • Paying a Fine. If you have been convicted, you will also be required to pay a fine. The amount will vary depending on the felony you committed.
  • Probation or Parole. Texas courts may place you on probation or parole after being released from prison. This parole means that you will have to meet certain conditions, such as regularly meeting with a probation officer. Texas courts can send you back to prison if you fail to do so.
  • Loss of Driver’s License. Felons in Texas can also lose their driver’s license for some time. It is possible to have your license reinstated after you have served your sentence. Still, you will likely need to complete a driver’s education course and pass a driving test.
  • Loss of Student Loans. Felons in Texas can also lose their eligibility for student loans. This federal law applies to all felons, regardless of their state of residence. If you committed a drug-related offense, you will lose your eligibility for federal student loans for up to five years. If you committed a violent crime, you will indefinitely lose your eligibility for federal student loans.
  • Loss of Parental Rights. Felons in Texas can also lose their parental rights. If you have children, the court can decide that it is in the child’s best interest to live with someone else. The loss of parental rights can also make it difficult to adopt children in the future.
  • Loss of Food Stamps. Felons in Texas can also lose their food stamps. This federal law applies to all felons, regardless of their state of residence. If you commit a drug-related offense, you will lose your food stamps for five years. If you commit a violent crime, you will indefinitely lose your food stamps.
  • Loss of Housing Assistance. Felons in Texas can also lose their housing assistance. This federal law applies to all felons, regardless of their state of residence. If you commit a drug-related offense, you will lose your housing assistance for a specific period. If you commit a violent crime, you will lose your housing assistance indefinitely.

As you can see, there are many rights that felons can lose in Texas. If you committed a felony, it is essential to understand what rights you have lost and how they affect your life. Suppose you have any questions about your rights or need help with an appeal. In that case, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer in Texas.

How A Felony Defense Lawyer Dallas Can Get Your Rights Back

If Texas courts charged you with a felony, it is essential to understand your lost rights. A felony conviction can have a lifelong impact on your ability to work, find housing, and even travel freely. However, there are some ways that a felony defense lawyer can help you get your rights back.

  • Understanding What Rights Were Lost. The first step a felony defense lawyer Dallas does is to help you understand what rights were lost when you commit a felony. Each right taken away should show up on your judgment and sentence. If you do not have a copy of your judgment and punishment, you can request one from the court.
  • Appealing the Felony Conviction. Once you know what rights you lost, you can begin appealing the conviction. It may be possible to have the conviction overturned entirely in some cases. However, even if you could not overturn the conviction, it may still be possible to get some of your rights restored.
  • Seeking a Pardon from the Governor. In Texas, felons with the help of their criminal defense lawyers, can also seek a pardon from the governor. A pardon does not erase the conviction, but it does restore some rights. Pardons are typically only granted in cases where the person has demonstrated that they have been rehabilitated and are not a danger to society.

If the courts convict you with a felony, it is essential to understand what rights you have lost and how to get them back. A felony defense lawyer Dallas can help you understand your rights and options. Contact a felony defense lawyer in Dallas, Texas today if you have any questions about your case.

The Medlin Law Firm has successfully represented clients in various felony cases, from drug offenses to violent crimes. They understand the severe nature of a felony conviction and will dedicate their time and efforts to helping our clients get their lives back on track. If the courts convict you or someone you know of a felony, contact them today for a free consultation.

Difference Between Criminal Offense & Felony

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