Consequences & Laws of Repeat Offenders

Under specific circumstances, Texas law permits certain sentencing enhancements for criminal charges. One such circumstance is when an individual is identified as a repeat or habitual offender. If you fall into this category, you may be subject to more severe penalties for the same charge compared to a first-time offender without any prior convictions.

However, in order for the court to apply this enhancement, it must verify that you meet the precise definition of a repeat offender. If you do not meet the criteria, the enhancement cannot be utilized against you.

Habitual or Repeat Offenders

Similar to many states across the country, Texas adopts a strict approach towards individuals with multiple felony convictions. If you have been convicted of two or more felonies in the past and commit a third offense, you may be labeled as a habitual offender, leading to more severe sentencing.

However, there are certain circumstances that could apply in such situations. Some of these scenarios include, but are not limited to:

• If you have a prior conviction for a third-degree felony or a more serious offense and are currently being charged with another third-degree felony, your sentence will be imposed as if it were for a second-degree felony.
• If an individual has a prior third-degree felony or higher conviction and is now charged with a second-degree felony, their sentence will be treated as a first-degree felony.
• In the case of a prior third-degree felony or higher conviction and a first-degree felony charge, the sentence will be treated as a capital felony with a minimum prison term of 15 years.
• For those with two prior state jail felony convictions who are now facing a new state jail felony charge, their sentence will be treated as a third-degree felony.
• If you have two previous third-degree or higher felony convictions committed consecutively, and you receive a new state jail felony charge, your conviction will be sentenced as a second-degree felony.

Texas Three Strike Rule

In Texas, repeat offenders are subject to the Three Strike Law, which imposes the most severe penalties for certain crimes when there are one or more prior convictions. To fall under this law, both previous convictions must have occurred after the completion and sentencing of each other. However, if there is any overlap in the timing of the convictions, they are not considered as “prior felony convictions.”

If you have two previous felonies that fall within this rule and are now facing a third felony conviction, you may face the following penalties:

• Life imprisonment.
• A prison sentence of up to 99 years.
• A prison sentence of no less than 25 years.

Additional Enhancements for Repeat Offenders

With just one prior conviction, certain repeated offenses may result in a life sentence. These crimes are so serious that a repeat offense could lead to a person being permanently taken out of society.

• Sexual Assault
• Agresión sexual con agravantes
• Aggravated Kidnapping
• Indecency with a Child

In the event that you have any of these convictions on your criminal record. It is crucial that you engage the services of a lawyer who possesses expertise in handling cases involving repeat offenders. Failure to do so may result in you being subjected to a life sentence.

¿Arrestado? No se declare, ¡llámeme!

Si se enfrenta a cargos penales, es muy recomendable que busque la ayuda de un abogado penalista con experiencia. Un abogado de defensa criminal contratado puede proporcionarle asesoramiento jurídico esencial, orientación y representación durante todo el proceso legal.

Como un abogado con experiencia en defensa criminal podemos revisar los hechos de su caso criminal, investigar los cargos en su contra. Y desarrollar una fuerte estrategia de defensa legal adaptada a su situación específica. Así como negociar con la fiscalía en su nombre y abogar por sus derechos e intereses en los tribunales.

Además, podemos proveer de usted la información sobre las consecuencias potenciales de la exposición indecente de una convicción. Incluyendo la posibilidad de tiempo en la carcel, multas, y otras penalidades. Y trabajar para minimizar el impacto de los cargos en su vida y futuro.

En general, el sistema de justicia penal puede ser complejo y aterrador. Contar con un abogado penalista experimentado puede mejorar significativamente el resultado de su caso. Su abogado puede ayudarle a comprender el proceso legal, esbozar sus opciones, y proporcionar asesoramiento y apoyo. También puede ayudarle a revisar las pruebas reunidas en su contra, preparar las declaraciones de los testigos e investigar cualquier circunstancia atenuante.