San Antonio Felony Defense Lawyer

Representing Clients Charged with Serious Crimes in San Antonio, TX

Felony crimes are the most serious offenses under the criminal laws in Texas. A conviction for a felony offense can result in a substantial loss of one's freedom and privileges. A criminal defendant has the right to be represented by a lawyer and the right to be tried by a jury of twelve of his peers. In many felony cases, a person is aware of a pending investigation before their case is presented to the grand jury. In some cases, a lawyer may be able to help someone avoid indictment altogether by providing law enforcement or prosecutors with a different look at the evidence.

At the Law Offices of Sam H. Lock, our skilled attorney personally handles every case that comes through the door. He has dealt with felonies of all levels, and he is not afraid to represent clients in even the toughest cases in San Antonio, Del Rio, Austin, Midland, El Paso, Waco, and Pecos. Mr. Lock's reputation as a fiercely dedicated criminal defense attorney has earned him recognition amongst his peers and his clients alike.

Overview of Felony Charges in Texas

A felony is a step up from a misdemeanor charge, with more serious consequences that will apply upon conviction. The least serious kind of felony is a State Jail Felony, which carries a sentence of at least six months in jail and could potentially lead to a two-year jail sentence. Other felonies carry longer sentences, up to life in prison in some cases. All felonies also carry a fine of up to $10,000, which can prove to be a crippling debt.

Felony charges may include:

• State Jail Felony: 180 days to two years in jail. Example: Possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Third Degree Felony: Two to 10 years in prison. Example: deadly conduct.
• Second Degree Felony: Two to 20 years in prison. Example: robbery.
• First Degree Felony: Five to 99 years in prison. Example: aggravated sexual assault.

Can I Get a Felony Removed from My Record in Texas?

There is a legal process known as expunction in Texas that allows for certain criminal offenses to be erased from your record. This is a beneficial step to take for people who are trying to find their footing after an encounter with the law. If you were arrested but never charged with a felony, or if the charges against you were dismissed, you may be eligible for expunction. Note that, with felonies, there is a three-year waiting period effective from the date of your arrest before you can file for expunction.

Additionally, some felonies are always ineligible for expunction, including but not limited to:

• Indecency with a child
• DUI/DWI
• Murder
• Kidnapping
• Aggravated assault
• Drug trafficking
• Sexual assault

A possible alternative to expunction is a petition for non-disclosure (which has similar restrictions on certain crimes, including sex crimes, human trafficking, and murder). This does not erase the felony from your record, but it does hide it from the public. Local, state, and federal government officials may still access it at will. If you have any concerns about a felony charge, our criminal defense attorney can advise you on your best course of action, whether before the sentence or after.

Get in Touch with a Bexar County, TX Felony Defense Lawyer Today

Attorney Sam H. Lock has a long history of representing clients accused of felonies ranging from white collar crimes to homicide. With over two decades of experience, he combines his vast legal knowledge with an aggressive defense. Sam Lock knows the law, and he will not be intimidated by overzealous prosecutors looking to you in prison.

The Law Offices of Sam H. Lock is happy to answer any of your questions about the specifics of your case. Contact Sam online or call our office at 210-226-0965 to arrange a consultation.