Repeat Offender Criminal Defense For The People Of Texas

Are you worried about how your prior criminal record could affect your sentence if you face a new criminal charge? You might feel as if the criminal justice system is stacked against you because of your past.

I understand your fear. I am Paul J. Smith, a board-certified criminal defense attorney serving Texas. I founded this firm in 1985 dedicated to criminal defense. With over 40 years of experience, I can provide small-town service with big-city results. At the Law Office of Paul J. Smith, I build trial-focused strategies to help you avoid harsh enhanced punishments due to your past record.

What Is A Repeat Offender In Texas, And How Does It Change Sentencing?

Under Section 12.42 of the Texas Penal Code, prosecutors can seek enhanced punishments for repeat offenders, or people who have prior felony convictions on their records. This rule is known as the habitual criminal or habitual offender statute. It makes a new felony charge even more serious than usual.

For example, a second-degree felony usually carries a sentence of two to 20 years. If you have a prior felony conviction, the maximum sentence jumps to 99 years or life. For a third felony, you could face a life sentence for a repeat offense in Texas. It does not matter whether the prior felony involved a sex crime, a violent offense or a drug charge. Prosecutors aggressively pursue these harsh penalties. This is why you need a tenacious defense from a habitual offender attorney in Texas.

Can A Lawyer Avoid Enhanced Punishment For Someone With Multiple Prior Felony Convictions?

Yes, a criminal defense lawyer can try to fight enhanced sentencing. I have helped numerous clients with felony convictions avoid enhanced punishment for a repeat felony in Texas. I carefully review every one of your prior convictions, looking for errors in the original charging documents or sentencing. If the state cannot prove the prior conviction enhancement, the court cannot use it to increase your sentence. I challenge the state’s case through detailed investigation and look for mitigating factors. My goal is always to reduce the potential penalties and protect your future.

When Should I Hire A Trial-Ready Attorney For A Repeat Offense Case?

Bring a trial-ready attorney into your case immediately. With repeat offender sentencing in Texas, the stakes are too high for you to rely on a quick plea. My entire career focuses on trial defense. Instead of getting a quick plea bargain to wrap up a case, I am always ready to represent you before a jury. This aggressive trial posture often forces the prosecution to rethink their original sentencing demands. If you just want to roll over and accept any plea bargain, do not contact me; I am not the lawyer for you.

Contact A Texas Criminal Defense Attorney For A Free Consultation

You need aggressive repeat offender defense from a Texas repeat felony lawyer. I am the trial attorney who will fight for your freedom. Your initial consultation with a multiple-felony defense lawyer in Texas is free. Please call my office at 361-585-4562 or send me an email today.