Felony Defense

Houston Felony Defense Attorneys

A felony charge in Texas is not just a legal problem; it is a direct threat to your freedom, your family, and your future. When the state brings its full weight against you in Harris County, you need aggressive legal representation that does not back down. The Houston felony defense attorneys at the Charles Johnson Law Firm possess the warrior spirit required to fight back against serious allegations. Whether you face charges for a violent crime, a complex drug offense, or a property crime, the stakes could not be higher. Texas prosecutors are known for their tenacity, but we are known for our relentless advocacy and dedication to the Constitutional rights of every client we serve.

If you face felony charges, do not wait. Contact the Charles Johnson Law Firm to speak directly with an experienced defense attorney.

Understanding Felony Classifications and Penalties in Texas

In Texas, felonies are organized into five distinct categories. Each carries a specific range of punishments defined by the Texas Penal Code.

Understanding where your charge falls is the first step in building a solid defense strategy.

  • Capital Felonies: These are the most severe crimes, such as capital murder. Conviction can result in the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole (Texas Penal Code § 12.31).
  • First-Degree Felonies: Punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Examples include aggravated robbery and certain drug trafficking offenses (Texas Penal Code § 12.32).
  • Second-Degree Felonies: These carry a sentence of 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Aggravated assault and many family violence cases fall into this category (Texas Penal Code § 12.33).
  • Third-Degree Felonies: A conviction can result in 2 to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Third-degree felonies often include offenses like a third DWI or certain types of assault (Texas Penal Code § 12.34).
  • State Jail Felonies: These are punishable by 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility. While the least severe felony, a state jail felony, still results in a permanent criminal record (Texas Penal Code § 12.35).

Beyond jail or prison time, a felony conviction carries collateral consequences. You may lose your right to vote, your right to possess a firearm, and your ability to hold certain professional licenses. Our Houston felony defense lawyers work to prevent these life-altering outcomes.

Aggressive Defense Against Drug Offenses in Houston

Drug charges in Harris County vary significantly based on the type and amount of the substance involved. The Texas Health and Safety Code divides controlled substances into “Penalty Groups.” Our legal team provides quality legal representation for all drug-related matters, including:

Drug Trafficking and Manufacturing

Texas law treats the delivery or manufacture of controlled substances with extreme severity. If you are accused of drug trafficking, the prosecution must prove you intentionally or knowingly delivered a substance. These cases often involve complex investigations by a police officer or federal agents. We scrutinize every detail, from the validity of search warrants to improper police conduct during the arrest (Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.112).

Drug Possession

Even simple possession can be a felony depending on the Penalty Group. Possession of less than one gram of a substance in Penalty Group 1 (such as cocaine or methamphetamine) is a state jail felony. We investigate whether there was insufficient evidence to prove “care, custody, and control” of the substance (Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.115).

Prescription Drug and Marijuana Offenses

While marijuana laws are evolving, possession of more than four ounces remains a felony in Texas. Similarly, prescription drug offenses involving fraud or diversion can lead to years of imprisonment. Our Houston criminal defense attorneys understand how to challenge these charges by focusing on legal procedures and constitutional violations (Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.121).

Defending Crimes of Violence and Family Violence

Allegations of violent crime require an immediate and strong defense.

These cases often rely heavily on witness testimony, which can be unreliable or biased.

  • Aggravated Assault: This occurs when an assault causes serious bodily injury or involves the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon. It is typically a second-degree felony, but can be enhanced to a first-degree felony in certain circumstances (Texas Penal Code § 22.02).
  • Assault of a Family Member: Also known as domestic violence, these charges can be elevated to a felony if the defendant has a prior conviction or if the act involved “impeding breathing” (choking). A conviction for family violence has long-term impacts on child custody and firearm rights (Texas Penal Code § 22.01).
  • Aggravated Robbery: If a person commits robbery and causes serious bodily injury or uses a deadly weapon, they face a first-degree felony. We look for inconsistencies in witness accounts and analyze surveillance footage to build your defense (Texas Penal Code § 29.03).

Sex Crimes and Aggravated Sexual Assault

Allegations involving sex crimes carry a unique level of stigma and the potential for lifetime sex offender registration. Whether you face charges for sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, or continuous sexual abuse of a young child, the legal process is rigorous.

In many cases, individuals are falsely accused due to misunderstandings or malicious intent. Our Houston criminal defense lawyer conducts independent investigations to uncover the truth. We challenge the prosecution’s evidence at every turn, seeking a favorable outcome, such as dismissal of the case or a reduction in charges. These cases often involve state and federal courts, so you need an experienced defense attorney who understands both jurisdictions (Texas Penal Code § 22.011).

The Criminal Justice System in Harris County

Navigating the criminal justice system in Houston can be overwhelming. Felony cases are heard in District Courts. From the initial arrest to the grand jury indictment and eventual trial, the entire process is designed to favor the state.

When you hire our law firm, you are not just getting a criminal lawyer; you are gaining a dedicated advocate. We handle the legal expertise required to deal with the assistant district attorney and the court staff. Our goal is to protect your criminal record and keep you out of jail or prison. We analyze the state’s case for technical errors, such as a failure to read Miranda rights or the use of an illegal search.

Advanced Defense Strategies in Houston Felony Cases

To overcome a felony charge in Harris County, your legal team must go beyond simple denials. A strong defense often involves challenging the technical and procedural foundations of the prosecution’s case. Our Houston felony defense attorneys examine the chain of custody for all physical evidence, especially in drug offenses involving a controlled substance. If a police officer violated your Fourth Amendment rights during a search or seizure, we file motions to suppress that evidence. Under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, evidence obtained in violation of the Constitution or laws of the State of Texas is inadmissible in a criminal trial (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 38.23).

We also focus on the concept of “legal sufficiency.” In many criminal cases, the state relies on circumstantial evidence that does not meet the high burden of “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Whether you are falsely accused of aggravated sexual assault or caught in a complex violent crime investigation, we look for insufficient evidence to prove every element of the crime. Looking for insufficient evidence includes investigating alibis, locating favorable witnesses, and utilizing forensic experts to challenge the state’s narrative.

The goal of our solid defense strategy is to achieve a favorable outcome, whether that is a case dismissed before trial or a reduction in charges that avoids jail or prison time. By analyzing every detail of the legal process, from the initial criminal charges to the final hearing, we ensure your rights remain protected throughout the Texas criminal justice system.

Why Choose the Charles Johnson Law Firm?

The Charles Johnson Law Firm is built on the “warrior spirit.” We treat you as a human being with a future worth fighting for, not a case number.

When you choose us, you receive:

  • Direct Access: You work directly with Charles Johnson. You are not passed off to a junior associate.
  • 24/7 Availability: Clients receive Mr. Johnson’s personal cellular number. Legal crises do not only happen during business hours.
  • Aggressive Advocacy: We do not just “manage” cases; we fight them. Whether in negotiations or before a jury, we maintain an aggressive posture to protect your rights.
  • Local Knowledge: Having handled criminal cases in Houston and throughout Texas for over a decade, we understand the local court dynamics and the tendencies of Harris County prosecutors.

Your future depends on the actions you take right now. If you are under investigation or have already been arrested, contact the Charles Johnson Law Firm today at (713) 561-5905. Let us start building your strong defense immediately.