Criminal charges in Texas are classified as minor offenses, misdemeanors, or felonies. Felony charges are the most serious level of crime that can result in significant penalties and loss of rights upon conviction.
If you are facing felony charges in Texas, it is important to understand the possible consequences. Criminal defense attorneys at Vinas & Graham, PLLC, represent clients charged with state and federal felonies in Texas. They can help you understand the potential penalties and loss of rights for felony convictions.
What Is A Felony?
As mentioned above, felony charges are more severe than misdemeanors or minor offenses. Certain crimes and aggravating factors are more likely to result in felony charges, such as sex crimes, murder, and human trafficking. Felony convictions in Texas typically involve jail time, fines, and loss of rights.
Loss Of Rights On Felony Probation
Loss of rights can be temporary and sometimes permanent. When you are on probation after a felony conviction, you must follow the terms of your probation which limit your rights. For example, you will probably lose the right to possess firearms and may be subjected to drug and alcohol testing while on probation.
Rights Frequently Lost After Felony Convictions In Texas
Even after you have completed your probation, as a convicted felon, you might experience a long-term or permanent loss of rights. The rights you lose are largely determined by the crime committed and your criminal history.
Other factors include whether you were convicted in state or federal court and if there were aggravating factors and circumstances. Common rights lost or limited after a felony conviction include the following:
- Voting. Whether you were convicted of a federal or state felony, your voting rights are governed by Texas state law. In Texas, convicted felons are not eligible to vote until they have fully discharged their felony sentence. Generally speaking, once your prison sentence has been served and you have completed your probation, your felony sentence has been fully discharged.
- Firearms. Depending on the circumstances of your conviction, you may lose your right to purchase and possess firearms. Federal and state laws provide for separate and distinct gun restrictions. Under Texas law, after a felony conviction, you lose your right to have a gun until five years after your release from prison or parole.
- Public Benefits. Your public benefits might be revoked after a felony conviction. For example, if you have a felony drug conviction, you might be prohibited from receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
- Child Custody. Certain felony crimes may impact the terms of your custody. If a judge finds that your criminal conduct influences your ability to be a good parent, you could lose some or all of your child custody and visitation rights.
- International Travel Restrictions. Foreign countries can and do deny admission of people with serious felony convictions. Even if you have a valid passport, you might be prohibited from traveling abroad due to your criminal history.
- Employment. In Texas, convicted felons are not allowed to hold any public office position. In addition to public office, employment may be restricted in some professions, such as law enforcement, teaching, and career fields requiring professional licenses. It is also possible that you will lose your job if your employer finds out about your felony or that you won’t be hired when a potential employer runs your background check.
- Housing restrictions. It is harder to secure rental housing when you have a felony conviction. You may also be denied a home loan after a lender runs a background check and finds a felony conviction.
- Federal Loans Denied. With a felony conviction, you might not be approved for certain federal loans for housing and education.
Exceptions For Felony Convictions
There are some exceptions for felonies regarding loss of rights. For example, if enough time has passed since your conviction, you might be approved for home loans that were originally denied, and your gun rights might be reinstated.
In rare cases, you might be eligible for a pardon, and your rights will be restored completely. If you have been charged or convicted of a felony, you should speak with an attorney who can help defend your charges and protect your rights.
Protect Your Rights With A Texas Felony Defense Attorney
Protect your rights with a Texas felony defense attorney at Vinas & Graham, PLLC. Call 713-229-9992 or contact our office online to schedule a consultation with a criminal defense attorney. We understand the challenges related to felony charges, and we will provide you with outstanding legal services.
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