Understand Your Criminal Charges

The Law Office of Gill & Brissette wants you to understand your charges and know what potential consequences you face. While this may be your or your family’s first time being thrown into the court system, our legal team has the experience and skill to defend against every level of the felony charge and misdemeanor offenses. Crimes defined by Texas statutes fall into two broad categories felonies and misdemeanors. Generally, felonies carry the possibility of incarceration in a penitentiary, for up to life in some cases, and thousands of dollars in fines. In a capital murder case, death by injection could be used against the defendant. Typical felony charges include murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated sexual assault, indecency with a child, arson, burglary, and aggravated assault. State jail felonies carry the possibility of a sentence of up to two years in a state jail and include crimes such as forgery, auto theft, credit card abuse, and possession of small amounts of controlled substances. Repeat felony offenders face an increased maximum range of punishment. The Law Office of Gill & Brissette is experienced in the trial of all levels of felony offenses.

 Misdemeanor offenses carry the possibility of incarceration for up to a year in county jail, and or a fine of up to $4,000. Typical misdemeanor charges include DWI, assaults, family violence assaults, thefts of property valued under $1,500, and possession of marijuana. Repeat offenders face an increased minimum range of punishment. People who have never been convicted of a felony offense are generally eligible for a probated sentence, otherwise known as probation, or deferred adjudication community supervision. Some categories of offenses are not eligible for certain types of probated sentences or deferred adjudication community supervision. The legal team at The Law Office of Gill & Brissette has had success securing community-based sentences for clients charged with all types of offenses. We are ready and able to assist our clients in receiving the most beneficial outcome for their cases. We do not handle Class C misdemeanors (traffic citations) or parking citations. 

  Criminal Penalties  

  Capital Murder  

 Death by injection or imprisonment for life without parole. 

 First Degree Felony  

       5-99 years; possible fine of up to $10,000   

  Second Degree Felony  

 2-20 years; possible fine up to $10,000

  Third Degree Felony  

       2-10 years; possible fine up to $10,000   

  State Jail Felony  

       180 days to two years; possible fine of up to $10,000  

  Class A Misdemeanor  

       Up to 1 year in county jail or a fine up to $4000, or jail and fine  

  Class B Misdemeanor  

       Up to 180 days in county jail or a fine up to $2000, or jail and fine   

  Class C Misdemeanor  

       Fine only not to exceed $500