Temple Family Lawyer
Felony & Misdemeanors

Felony & Misdemeanor Lawyers

What You Need to Know

There are both misdemeanor and felony criminal charges in Texas. Both can lead to fines and jail time although the more serious of the two is felony. Oftentimes the same or similar charge will start as a misdemeanor but will grow into a felony if the offender is repeatedly convicted.

At our firm, Barbara Young believes it is best to consult an attorney even if the charges are not severe to begin with. This proactive approach can help in the long term by reducing charges or fines, particularly if you are arrested again at a later date here in Temple or elsewhere.

Have a felony or misdemeanor charge? Talk to an experienced attorney near you. Contact Young Law Firm online or call (254) 774-1996 to schedule an appointment today.

What Is a Misdemeanor Charge?

A misdemeanor is a less serious crime that often includes DUI (first or second offense), simple assault, possession, moving violation, gambling or theft. In the case of federal misdemeanors, there are Class A, Class B and Class C misdemeanors with the former being the most severe and the latter being the least severe. Some general rules include:

  • The defendant is fined up to $4,000
  • The defendant can spend up to one year in county jail
  • License may be suspended

While a misdemeanor may seem like a petty inconvenience on paper, potential employers can see a criminal record. It can also be difficult to keep a job or get around Temple if you do not have a driver’s license. A misdemeanor can also disqualify you from federal student loans.

What Is a Felony?

Felonies are the more serious types of crimes. Sentencing depends on various circumstances, but often includes murder, sexual assault, aggravated assault, arson or kidnapping. A felony crime can be punishable by fine, and include sentencing of six months or more in a state or federal prison. If convicted, you can lose your right to bear arms, vote or acquire any state issued professional licenses. Some general rules include:

  • Capital: Death or life in prison without parole
  • First degree: Five to 99 years in state prison with a possible fine up to $10,000
  • Second degree: Two to 20 years in state prison with a possible fine up to $10,000
  • Third degree: Two to 10 years in state prison with a possible fine up to $10,000
  • State jail: 180 days to two years in a state jail and a fine up to $10,000

Charged With a Felony or Misdemeanor? Call Us!

In some cases, a knowledgeable criminal lawyer can fight for alternate sentences that include probation, weekends in jail, house arrest or community supervision. More serious or repeated felonies leave fewer options and will likely include at least some time behind bars. No matter the circumstances, we explore every option to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

You can contact us online. We also can be reached at our Temple office at .

Meet Our Attorney

Your Advocate from Start to Finish

Reviews

Recommended & Reviewed by Clients & Colleagues
  • Genuinely cared

    “Barbara Young is an outstanding lawyer. She answered all of my questions in a timely and concise manner when I needed it most. Her understanding of the law and conduct in the courtroom was eloquent ...”

    - David
  • Extremely grateful

    “Barbara and her staff were prompt, oderly, and professional throughout my divorce process. I was always kept informed and updated on the case. I would also like to add that Barbara is straightforward ...”

    - Terris
  • Went above and beyond

    “Barbara Young handled my divorce and then a few years later a child support modification. She did an amazing job ! Mrs. Young was very professional and went above and beyond to make me feel confident ...”

    - Erinn
  • Absolutely the best

    “Barbara and her staff are definitely worth using. My previous lawyer dropped the ball on many occasions, so we switched, and I'm glad we did. She is intelligent and eloquent, and gets the job done ...”

    - Pete
  • I recommend her

    “I really enjoyed meeting with Barbara Young. She is a friendly, fun attorney, and I recommend her for family law matters.”

    - Jared
/

Working with Young Law Firm

Get the Attention and Dedication Your Case Requires
  • Generational Work Within Families & Clients
  • The Firm That Other Firms & Attorneys Turn to
  • Close Attention to Detail and Preparation for Every Case
  • Barbara Young is Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
  • A Team of Great Litigators Who Aren't Afraid to go to Trial
  • More Than 30 years of Legal Experience