Felony Charges Attorney In Houston

Your Rights & What To Expect with Felony Charges in Houston, TX

Facing a felony charge in Houston can be daunting, especially if you are unfamiliar with the Texas legal system or local court processes. In Texas—and particularly in Harris County—felony criminal cases are prosecuted with rigor and handled through a series of hearings at local courthouses, such as the Harris County Criminal Justice Center. From your initial arrest and arraignment to bond hearings, pre-trial motions, and, if necessary, a jury trial, understanding each phase and your constitutional rights is vital. Houston's courts uphold strict laws from the Texas Penal Code and may impose severe penalties, making it crucial to have a knowledgeable felony defense attorney in Houston from the outset of your case.

When you work with Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C., our team guides you through every step of the local felony criminal justice process. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office aggressively prosecutes all varieties of felony charges, but we are committed to ensuring your voice is heard and your legal rights are protected at every step. As a family-run law firm, we prioritize open client communication, individualized defense strategies, and thorough preparation—minimizing the consequences that felony charges in Houston can have on your freedom, reputation, and livelihood.

Our felony criminal defense lawyers are here to help. Contact us at (713) 364-9913 today!

What Constitutes a Felony Charge in TX?

Have you been arrested and charged with a felony offense? When you face felony criminal charges, you need to make sure your future is safeguarded by the representation of a knowledgeable and experienced Houston felony attorney.

Felony offenses in Texas are considered the most serious category of crimes, carrying the potential for impactful legal and life outcomes. In Houston, felony criminal charges can include drug trafficking, aggravated assault, white-collar crimes, and complicated fraud schemes. The seriousness of these accusations demands immediate attention and decisive legal intervention. Under Texas law, felony convictions can result in significant prison time, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record that follows you for life. Each degree of felony—state jail, third, second, first, and capital—comes with specific sentencing guidelines, directly impacting your rights, your employment, and your future.

Understanding what constitutes a felony offense is critical to knowing your options if you or a loved one has been accused locally. For example, under Texas law, a third-degree felony can result in two to ten years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines, whereas a first-degree felony often involves violent offenses and is frequently prosecuted at the Houston courthouses downtown. If you're facing felony charges in Houston, working with a felony defense lawyer in Houston who knows both Texas and Harris County procedures gives you a distinct advantage. This localized legal perspective helps manage felony cases effectively from the moment of arrest through trial and potential appeals.

Felonies are crimes that result in an incarceration term of more than a year if convicted. If you are facing a felony offense in Houston, it is important to immediately consult with a seasoned Houston felony lawyer to protect your interests.

When you are charged with a criminal offense—whether it be a misdemeanor or a felony—your future is at risk. Not only is your freedom on the line, but also your career, driving privileges, finances, and reputation can all be significantly damaged by a conviction.

Get the legal protection you deserve—call our Houston felony lawyers at (713) 364-9913 to speak with the team at Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C.

Types of Felony Offenses & Sentencing in Texas

Felony criminal offenses in Texas are categorized based on the severity of the alleged crime, and each classification carries distinct penalties under state law. These classifications include state jail felonies, third-degree felonies, second-degree felonies, first-degree felonies, and capital felonies. State jail felonies—such as certain nonviolent drug offenses or property crimes—can result in a sentence of 180 days to two years in a state jail facility. Third-degree felonies, which may include possession of a controlled substance or assault, are commonly prosecuted in Houston's criminal courts and carry two to ten years of prison time and substantial financial penalties.

The penalties increase with the seriousness of the charges: second- and first-degree felonies can result in many years' imprisonment. Second-degree felonies—such as robbery or aggravated assault—may carry sentences of two to twenty years. First-degree felonies, including aggravated sexual assault and large-scale drug crimes, can result in decades in prison and fines up to $10,000. Capital felonies, like capital murder, carry the harshest penalties under Texas law, including life imprisonment or the death penalty. Having a felony defense attorney in Houston who understands local court expectations and statewide sentencing standards is essential. At Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C., we analyze every element of your case, review the evidence, and develop defense strategies tailored to the unique practices of Houston's felony courts and jury pools.

Defense for Serious Felony Cases in Texas

At our office, the attorneys are members of the State Bars of Georgia and Texas, and are equipped to handle your criminal or felony case in any of the other 48 states as well. When you partner with Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C., you have decades of combined legal experience on your side, including the perspective of a former military judge and the dedication of a father-and-son team focused on personalized, aggressive felony criminal defense.

Felony cases in Texas often require in-depth investigations and must be met with proactive, robust defense strategies—especially in Houston, where Harris County courts see a high volume of serious criminal charges. Our legal team has a deep understanding of local prosecution trends in Houston, as well as the preferences of area judges and the organizational structure within Harris County. We appear regularly at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center and are familiar with the legal culture that influences how felony charges are prosecuted in Houston. Our services for felony charges include active pre-trial negotiations, evidentiary challenges, and, where appropriate, assertive courtroom defense—helping our clients minimize disruptions and move forward with their lives.

Our comprehensive understanding of the Texas Penal Code and local criminal procedure allows us to identify potential grounds for dismissal—such as constitutional rights violations or weaknesses in the prosecutor’s evidence. We work closely with clients to address issues that often come with felony allegations, from impacts on professional licensing to immigration status or family matters. Houston’s evolving laws and law enforcement trends can affect how felony criminal charges are brought and prosecuted, making it even more vital to have a Houston felony attorney committed solely to your case at every critical phase.

The firm, with an impressive track record of case dismissals and reductions in penalties, stands ready to defend your rights when you are facing any felony offense. If you have been charged with a serious felony offense, wouldn’t you want a powerful and experienced defender to protect your rights? Our team represents clients at every stage of criminal proceedings—from initial investigations through post-conviction matters.

The Felony Criminal Case Process in Houston Courts

Arrest, Processing & Arraignment in Harris County

The process for felony criminal charges in Houston, Texas, follows a precise sequence governed by both state law and local Harris County court policies. After an arrest, felony cases are initially processed at the Harris County Joint Processing Center, then scheduled at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center. The first formal hearing is the arraignment, where charges are read aloud and bail or bond conditions are set. This hearing provides a key opportunity for your Houston felony attorney to advocate for bond reduction or for release on your own recognizance, presenting evidence of Houston-area residency, ties to employment, or lack of criminal history.

Pre-Trial & Trial Advocacy from a Felony Attorney in Houston

Next, during pre-trial hearings and discovery, our legal team challenges the prosecution's case through motions to suppress, evidentiary objections, and strategic negotiations. The District Attorney’s Office in Houston is known for its aggressive prosecution of felony charges, so having Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C. as your felony criminal defense attorney can be the difference between moving through the pre-trial process smoothly or struggling with delays and harsh pre-trial detention. If your case proceeds to trial, we thoroughly prepare you for local courtroom protocols, help you craft compelling testimony, and leverage our knowledge of Houston's felony court practices to pursue the best possible outcome. At every stage, we keep you informed about what to expect and advise you on possible sentencing alternatives or plea agreements, including programs unique to Harris County.

For exceptional legal representation and counsel, contact a Houston felony attorney from Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C. today! Call us at (713) 364-9913.

Frequently Asked Questions About Felony Cases

What Are the Potential Long-Term Consequences of a Felony Conviction in Houston?

A felony conviction in Houston can have profound, long-term consequences beyond incarceration in the Harris County Jail or a Texas Department of Criminal Justice facility. A felony conviction creates a permanent criminal record, which employers in Houston and throughout Texas regularly check before making hiring decisions. This can limit your eligibility for jobs, professional licenses, and even housing, especially in regulated fields such as healthcare and finance. Landlords, property managers, and educational institutions also often conduct background checks, making it harder to secure housing or advance in your education if you have a felony on your record.

Beyond careers and housing, felony convictions often mean losing your right to vote, serve on a jury, or legally possess firearms in Texas. They can affect your access to social services and impact your immigration status if you are not a U.S. citizen. Our Houston felony defense attorneys advise clients about possible impacts on family relationships, parental rights, and more, especially as these can sometimes be overlooked in the court process. At Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C., we work with you to navigate these ongoing challenges, develop mitigation strategies, and help you pursue a brighter path forward, even after a conviction.

How Does the Bail Process Work for Felony Cases in Houston?

When you are arrested on a felony criminal charge in Houston, the bail process begins quickly—often at the Harris County Joint Processing Center. After the booking procedure, a judge or magistrate sets bond conditions based on the severity and type of felony charge, your criminal history, risk of flight, and ties to the Houston area. In Harris County, judges may allow cash bail, work with a local bail bondsman, or release you on personal recognizance, depending on the unique facts of your case and your record.

Our firm acts quickly to seek favorable bail and bond conditions for our clients, providing evidence of your positive reputation, Houston community involvement, and work or family obligations. Sometimes, due to jail overcrowding or local docket backlogs, preliminary hearings and bond motions can be delayed—another reason to have a seasoned felony criminal defense lawyer in Houston advocating for you from day one. If bail is initially denied or set too high, we can pursue bond reduction motions and keep you and your family updated as your case moves forward through the Houston court system. We are committed to reducing the stress of pretrial detention while also developing your most effective defense strategy from the start.

Can a Houston Felony Be Reduced or Dismissed, and How?

Pursuing a reduction or dismissal of felony charges in Houston depends on the details of your case and the skill of your felony attorney. Sometimes, the District Attorney’s Office will consider reducing a felony to a misdemeanor as part of a plea deal or if weaknesses are found in the government’s case—such as a lack of evidence, errors in police procedure, or unreliable witness testimony. At Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C., we are focused on persistent negotiations and thorough pre-trial advocacy to make the strongest possible case for reductions or alternative sentencing, guided by extensive experience with Harris County policies.

Dismissals are possible in some felony cases, especially where our attorneys succeed in motions to suppress evidence, demonstrate constitutional violations, or present clear proof of innocence. Houston and Harris County also offer certain programs—such as deferred adjudication or pretrial diversion—that can lead to a case being dismissed if you meet all court requirements. We explain all plea, reduction, and diversion options in plain terms, considering both the short-term and long-term implications for your life in Texas. With our knowledge of Houston courts and close client communication, we put you in the best possible position for a favorable result in your felony criminal defense case.

Are you facing felony charges? Call Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C. today at (713) 364-9913 or contact us online today for a free consultation and to discuss your defense options.