If you have recently been charged with a crime in Texas, you may have questions about what the wording means. Slight differences in the terms used can have a major effect on the fines, jail time, and other penalties that may be assigned to you. We at the Law Office of Rob McKinney can help you understand exactly what charges have been levied as well as represent your rights during your court case.
According to Findlaw, if you have been charged with a felony, you are being accused of the most serious type of crime. Some of the most common crimes in the felony category include arson, burglary, rape, murder, and kidnapping. If convicted, you will likely face more than one year behind bars in addition to any other fines or consequences you are given. The highest level of felony charges is punishable by the death penalty.
A misdemeanor charge is less serious and reserved for crimes that are more severe than infractions, such as jaywalking minor drug possession, and traffic tickets, but less offensive than felonies. If convicted of a misdemeanor, you will still be stuck with a permanent criminal record and any other penalties that the judge decides to assign. If given jail time, it will be for less than one year and may be in the county jail instead of prison with higher security.
In many criminal cases of either type, plea bargains can be negotiated. For more information on these crimes and how they may affect your case, please visit our web page.
