How We Can Help You
At the Law Office of Jesse Hernandez, we are experienced in helping individuals who are dealing with criminal charges of varying degrees. Whether it’s a simple ticket or a convicted murder, we are willing to take on your case. No case is too much for us, and our dedicated and hard-hitting lawyers will do everything they can to assist you.
Levels of Criminal Offenses
When you are charged with a crime, it will either be categorized as a misdemeanor or a felony. There are many different factors that will affect which one it’s considered, such as the impact and nature of the crime, the person’s criminal history, and the outcome of the crime. Both misdemeanors and felonies are serious charges and should be treated as such.
Difference Between Misdemeanors and Felonies
Felonies are characterized as much more serious crimes. Some examples of them include murder, robbery, rape, or arson. A misdemeanor offense is less intense, such as trespassing, shoplifting, marijuana possession, vandalism, or indecent exposure.
Each state classifies its crimes and punishments differently, and in the state of Texas, misdemeanors are split up into groups A, B, and C as follows.
- Class A misdemeanor: the most serious type, with the potential of up to a year in county jail and a $4,000 fine
- Class B misdemeanor: sentence of up to 180 days in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000
- Class C misdemeanor: least serious class with no jail time, but a fine of up to $500
While the crime classifications are straightforward, the punishments aren’t always. For
example, if the individual has a criminal record, if there were drugs involved, or if there
was a prejudiced motivation, the punishment will be greater. A misdemeanor conviction
may also include the consequences of probation and community service. Our
misdemeanor attorneys can assist you in putting together a strong case for your crime.
Felonies in Texas are also split up into three groups: first-, second-, and third-degree. The
classifications are as follows:
- First-degree felony: the most serious type, with the potential of up to 99 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
- Second-degree felony: 2-20 years in prison, with a fine of up to $10,000
- Third-degree felony: the least serious of the three, entailing a fine of up to $10,000 with 2-10 years in prison
Aside from jail time and a large fine, with a felony conviction, you may also lose your voting rights, be restricted with your international travel, and be unable to own a firearm. There is also what’s known as a capital felony, which is the most severe type- even more severe than a first-degree felony. This results either in the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
Our felony attorneys understand how scary these convictions can be, and will do everything we can to lessen the consequences.
What’s a Statute of Limitation?
Statutes of limitations are laws that prevent certain crimes from being prosecuted after a certain amount of time. If the charges for an alleged offense aren’t filed within the time frame of the statute of limitation, then they can’t be filed.
There are of course exceptions to the law, such as when and if the suspect was not in the state, the statute is suspended. Serious crimes such as murder, sexual assault, or human trafficking don’t have a statute associated with them and can be prosecuted at any time.
Working With the Right Lawyer
Regardless of if you were charged with a small misdemeanor or heavy felony, we are here to help. We understand that putting together a strong defense is not only stressful but nearly impossible without the proper law experience.
Jesse Hernandez has been named one of San Antonio’s best lawyers for criminal defense, which means you can count on our team to help you through your legal struggles and produce the best possible outcome.
Contact Us Today
Having an experienced lawyer represent you is the best possible choice you can make, regardless of the crime you’re charged with or the classification of it. With the Law Office of Jesse Hernandez, you can and will have all the legal support you need to have the highest odds of winning your case.
Our priority is winning your case and accommodating your needs. Our skilled team has countless success stories handling criminal cases, ranging from the smallest misdemeanors to the most serious felonies. We’re committed to helping you win your case and obtaining the best possible solution.
Whether you need a drug defense attorney in San Antonio, criminal defense attorney, violent crimes attorney, or sexual assault attorney, we can do it all. If you’re facing a criminal offense, give us a call today.
San Antonio Office: 3107 Broadway Street, San Antonio, Texas 78209. (210) 672-1435.
Austin Office: 2025 Guadalupe Street Suite 260, Austin, Texas 78705. (512) 955-5871.
Houston Office: 3663 N. Sam Houston Parkway East, Office 607 Houston, TX, 77032 (713)-360-0074
