Austin Felony Defense Lawyer
No matter the charge, a felony automatically puts prison time on the table. Don't gamble with those stakes — every felony case is built like it's going to trial from day one.
Call/Text 512-827-7767Charged with a Felony in Travis County?
A felony charge changes the calculation entirely. The State has more resources, more time, and more willingness to take a case to trial — which means the defense has to match that posture from the very beginning. Joseph Aragon has devoted his entire career to representing people charged with crimes in Texas, and every felony case gets the same treatment: evaluated first for the fastest legitimate path to a dismissal, then prepared for trial in case the State won't move.
Prosecutors negotiate differently with a defense attorney who is actually prepared to walk into a courtroom. That posture, not just paperwork, is what moves felony cases toward dismissals, reductions, and favorable outcomes.
Felony Degrees Under Texas Law
| Felony Degree | Possible Prison Term | Possible Fine |
|---|---|---|
| State Jail Felony | 180 days – 2 years (state jail) | Up to $10,000 |
| 3rd Degree Felony | 2 – 10 years | Up to $10,000 |
| 2nd Degree Felony | 2 – 20 years | Up to $10,000 |
| 1st Degree Felony | 5 – 99 years or life | Up to $10,000 |
| Capital Felony | Life without parole or death | — |
Prior felony convictions can enhance the punishment range under the Penal Code's habitual offender provisions, sometimes pushing a lower-degree felony into a far more severe sentencing range.
From Arrest to Indictment: The Travis County Process
Grand Jury & Indictment
Felony charges must be presented to a grand jury before formal prosecution proceeds in district court. This is often the best window to get mitigating information in front of the DA's office.
Discovery & Pretrial Motions
Police reports, lab results, witness statements, and expert findings all get reviewed and challenged. Motions to suppress evidence can reshape or end a case before trial.
Trial Readiness
Every felony case is prepared as though it's headed to a jury. That's what changes how the State negotiates — and what protects a client if it doesn't.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
Misdemeanors carry fines and up to a year in county jail. Felonies carry state jail or prison time, from 180 days up to life, plus lasting consequences like loss of firearm rights.
Can a felony be reduced to a misdemeanor in Travis County?
In some cases, yes — through negotiation, pretrial diversion, or by challenging the evidence supporting the higher charge.
What happens at a grand jury?
The grand jury decides whether there's probable cause to formally indict. The defense doesn't present evidence at this stage, but the lead-up is often the best window to present mitigating information to prosecutors.
Will I lose my rights if convicted of a felony?
A felony conviction results in loss of firearm rights, exclusion from jury service, and can affect professional licensing, housing, and employment. Voting rights are restored once the full sentence is completed.
How long does a felony case take in Travis County?
It varies with the charge and the court's docket. Some cases resolve in months; more serious or contested felonies can take a year or longer to reach trial.