San Antonio Felony Defense Lawyers
Defending You against Texas Felony Charges
Being charged with a felony offense is a life-changing matter. You may be dealing with possible state jail or prison time, the loss of your social standing, potential job loss, financial concerns, and anxiety about how all of this will affect your family relationships as well as the rest of your life. Such a situation can be incredibly stressful.
It is important to remember that your legal right to an attorney can make a huge impact on your situation. That is why it is so important to turn to a law firm that has demonstrated its competence in the field of criminal defense. You will want a firm you can trust to act in your best interests, that truly cares about providing you with the highest quality of legal help, who will listen to you and fight aggressively on your behalf. At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, our San Antonio felony defense attorneys are known for all of the above. We listen to what our clients have to say and seek the truth to build a strong case on your behalf.
Contact our legal team at (210) 960-9557 today for a free consultation.
Texas Felony Offenses
Felony crimes are those offenses considered to be the most serious by the court system. They carry the heaviest penalties and the worst social stigma. Prosecutors are generally very aggressive in seeking a conviction for a felony. Because of this, it is crucial that you mount an equally aggressive defense. You will need a team that will fight hard for a favorable case resolution using all of its skills and legal savvy. With a former prosecutor on board at Smith & Vinson Law Firm, you can rely on us.
Felonies are divided into five classifications in Texas:
- A state jail felony carries penalties of up to 180 days to two years in a state jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000
- A third-degree felony carries penalties of up to two to 10 years in a state prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000
- A second-degree felony carries penalties of up to two to 20 years in a state prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000
- A first-degree felony carries penalties of up to five to 99 years in a state prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000
- A capital felony is punishable by a life sentence in prison or the death penalty
Common felony charges include aggravated or sexual assault, family violence, DWI, drug offenses, robbery, evading arrest, various types of theft, and weapon charges.
Common Mistakes Made After Being Charged With a Felony
When faced with felony charges, individuals often make critical mistakes that can adversely affect the outcome of their case. Here are some of the most common errors:
- Failing to Exercise the Right to Remain Silent: Many accused individuals try to explain their side of the story to law enforcement without realizing that these statements can be used against them in court.
- Not Seeking Legal Representation Immediately: Time is of the essence, and delaying the search for a skilled defense lawyer can hinder one's defense strategy.
- Choosing the Wrong Attorney: Not all defense lawyers near you are created equal. Selecting an attorney without sufficient experience in handling felony defense can be detrimental.
- Speaking about the Case on Social Media: Sharing details or venting about the case on social media platforms can severely compromise the defense.
- Ignoring the Severity of the Charges: Underestimating the impact of felony charges on one's future can lead to passive decision-making and a lack of proactive defense efforts.
Having a skilled San Antonio felony attorney can be pivotal in navigating the complexities of felony defense. A knowledgeable lawyer understands the weight of the situation and meticulously works to safeguard your rights. They can prevent common mistakes by advising you on the dos and don'ts following your charges, crafting a robust defense strategy tailored to your unique case, and aggressively representing you in court. Defense lawyers near you with expertise in felony defense understand the local legal system's intricacies and use this knowledge to fight against wrongful convictions or to seek reduced sentences. By entrusting your case to an experienced San Antonio felony attorney, you place yourself in a position to achieve the best possible outcome, minimizing the impact of the felony charges on your life.
Aggressive San Antonio Felony Defense Lawyers
Our attorneys are trial-tested litigators who know how to fight back with effective and hard-hitting legal defenses. We never do a half-hearted job when it comes to protecting our clients’ legal rights and exhausting all avenues for an effective defense. If you are under investigation or have been charged with any type of felony in the Greater San Antonio Area, we can help. Take advantage of our free consultation to find out what Smith & Vinson Law Firm can do for you.
Contact our office today by calling (210) 960-9557.
Our Clients Are Our Biggest Endorsers
Hear What They Have to Say
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Attorney Brad Vinson was informative, professional yet sympathetic with his approach to my case. Mr. Vinson was open to opinion and ensured that all legal avenues were considered and addressed before presenting a course of action.- Michael
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Having no background in law and finding myself in a situation that left me feeling extremely vulnerable, I felt quickly at ease in their care. They were very reasonable with my situation and helped work around my needs by providing me with the most support- Andrew
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They handled my case incredibly well and warned me on the possible negative outcomes, overall completely satisfied me through the whole process.- Elmer Marqueiz
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Very professional, on time and educates you along the whole process. I had a lot to lose and you guys gave it all back to me and finally represented what true Justice is here in America.- Manuel R.
A Proven Track Record
Check Out Our Recent Case Results
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Cases Rejected Pre-Indictment Three Counts of Aggravated Assault of a Deadly Weapon
Our client was sitting on his balcony when he saw his neighbors in the parking lot mistreating an animal. He told them to stop, and the threatened him. He went inside to retrieve his firearm, but he never threatened the neighbors back.
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Charges Dismissed Sexual Assault
Our client met a woman on a dating app who claimed that she was sexually assaulted. We assisted our client in interviewing with the police. He was facing up to 20 years in prison and lifetime sex offender registration. After Smith and Vinson's thorough review of the case and careful negotiations, the case against him was dismissed by the District Attorney's Office.
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Dismissed Terroristic Threat
Our client was reportedly heard making terroristic threats by some members of his seventh-grade class. Police charged him with a felony. Our client was a boy scout who was well-liked by teachers but had developed ADHD and was being bullied. The State offered our client 1 year of deferred probation.
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Charges Dismissed Sexual Assault Investigation
Our client was a Texas State student who had a bright career ahead of him. He was accused of sexual assault by a classmate and an overzealous law enforcement officer proceeded to arrest him without a thorough investigation. Our team was able to fight for our client by putting together a defense that showed that the actions between the two were consensual and that his accuser had ulterior motives. The District Attorney's Office agreed and dismissed the case.
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Dismissed Theft
Our client was allegedly caught shoplifting at an HEB. She had no prior arrest history, so we worked with her on proactively taking classes, which were used to her advantage during our negotiations. The client accepted a deferred adjudication on the shoplifting offense, which was ultimately dismissed.