Austin Felony Criminal Defense Attorney

Defending Against Felony Charges in Texas

A felony accusation threatens your freedom, your record, and your future. Whether you were just arrested, learned about a warrant, or have a family member in custody, you need clear information and a defense team that knows how to navigate serious criminal charges in Austin and across Texas.

At Lance Kennedy Law, we focus on serious state and federal criminal matters. Our team includes multiple former prosecutors who now defend individuals facing significant felony allegations under Texas and federal law. From our principal office in Austin, we represent clients in Travis County and surrounding courts and throughout the state.

Our leadership includes two attorneys who are Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and a former Assistant United States Attorney, former Assistant District Attorney, and former U.S. Army Judge Advocate. That combination of credentials and courtroom experience shapes how we evaluate cases and how we work to protect our clients.

Call us today at (737) 324-7540 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our felony criminal defense lawyer in Austin.

Why Clients Choose Us?

When you are deciding who should stand between you and the government, the background of your defense team matters. Many firms describe themselves as trial-oriented. We can point to hundreds of jury trials in Texas and federal courts and thousands of criminal cases handled across the state.

Several of our attorneys served as prosecutors before joining our firm. That includes experience as an Assistant United States Attorney handling federal prosecutions, as an Assistant District Attorney in Texas courts, and as a U.S. Army Judge Advocate. We do not guess how prosecutors think. We have been in that role, and we use that experience to evaluate how cases are charged, which facts prosecutors are likely to emphasize, and where their arguments may be vulnerable.

Board certification in criminal law is another key difference. Two of our attorneys are Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Board certification reflects substantial involvement in criminal cases, peer review, and additional testing. For you, it means your defense is guided by attorneys who have been recognized for advanced knowledge in this field.

We also know that many felony cases do not resolve in a single hearing. Our approach is to treat every serious case as if it may go to trial. We work thoroughly with discovery, motions, and investigation so that if trial becomes the right path, we are prepared. This level of preparation also influences negotiations because prosecutors understand that our team has tried federal and Texas jury cases, not just talked about trial.

Common Felony Charges in Texas

Some of the most common felony charges seen in Texas:

Drug Offenses

• Possession of controlled substances (in larger quantities)
• Drug distribution or delivery
• Manufacturing illegal drugs
• Possession with intent to sell

Violent Crimes

• Aggravated assault (causing very serious bodily injury or using a weapon)
• Aggravated robbery
• Manslaughter
• Murder

Theft & Property Crimes

• Theft of high-value property
• Burglary of a habitation (home burglary)
• Burglary of a building or vehicle (in certain circumstances)
• Embezzlement or fraud involving significant amounts

Weapons Offenses

• Unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon
• Illegal use or discharge of a firearm
• Possession of prohibited weapons

Sex Crimes

• Sexual assault
• Aggravated sexual assault
• Indecency with a child
• Possession or distribution of child pornography

White Collar Crimes

• Credit card or identity theft
• Money laundering
• Insurance fraud
• Large-scale forgery or deception schemes

Other Common Felony Charges

• Driving while intoxicated (DWI) with prior convictions (felony DWI)
• Tampering with evidence
• Evading arrest with a vehicle

What To Expect In A Felony Case

Uncertainty about the process often adds to the stress of a felony accusation. While every case is different, most felony matters in this area follow a general path. Understanding that path can help you prepare and can make conversations with your attorney more productive.

A case may begin with an arrest at the scene, a later arrest on a warrant, or a request that you surrender. In Travis County, arrested individuals are typically taken to county facilities for processing and a magistrate hearing, where bond conditions are addressed. When we become involved early, we can work to address bond issues, gather initial information, and start protecting your rights from the outset.

In state court, felony cases are usually presented to a grand jury for indictment. In federal court, prosecutors may proceed by complaint and later indictment. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. It is a charging step that defines the formal allegations. Once charges are filed, the case proceeds through settings that may include arraignment, pretrial conferences, motion hearings, and, if necessary, trial.

Throughout this process, we obtain and review discovery, which can include police reports, video, laboratory results, and witness statements. As former prosecutors, we evaluate the evidence not only for what is present but also for what is missing and how the government is likely to present its case at trial. We identify legal issues, such as search and seizure questions, confessions, or identification procedures, and we pursue appropriate motions when justified by the facts and law.

Communication with you remains central at each stage. We explain upcoming court dates in Austin or other counties, what each hearing is likely to involve, and what decisions may need to be made. When negotiations with prosecutors occur, we discuss proposed resolutions with you, the risks of going to trial, and how different choices could affect your record, sentence exposure, and long-term goals. Our aim is that you do not feel unsure about what is happening or why strategic decisions are being considered.

In some matters, cases resolve through agreements that take into account weaknesses in the government’s proof or mitigation we have developed. In others, trial becomes the appropriate choice. Because we prepare with trial in mind, we are positioned to present your side of the story to a judge or jury when that is the path you choose.

What are the Penalties for a Felony in Texas?

In Texas, a felony is the most serious category of criminal offense, and the penalties generally reflect that level of severity. While the exact consequences depend on the specific charge and circumstances, here is a high-level overview of what a felony conviction can involve:

• Incarceration in a state prison rather than a county jail, depending on the case and outcome
• Possible community supervision (probation) instead of, or following, incarceration, often with strict court-ordered conditions
• Parole supervision after release, in some cases, with ongoing monitoring and restrictions
• Loss or restriction of civil rights, such as firearm possession rights and certain legal privileges, while under supervision
• Employment consequences, including difficulty passing background checks or qualifying for many jobs
• Professional licensing impacts, where certain careers may be limited or licenses suspended or revoked
• Immigration consequences for non-citizens, which can include serious impacts on legal status or removal proceedings
• Housing and financial barriers, including challenges with renting property or qualifying for loans and assistance programs
• Long-term criminal record effects, which can follow a person permanently unless later sealed or expunged in limited situations

Texas felony offenses are also classified by severity (such as state jail, third, second, first degree, and capital felony), and while each category carries different sentencing ranges, the overall structure reflects increasing penalties based on seriousness.

What Steps Should I Take After An Arrest?

The first hours and days after a felony arrest or learning about an investigation can feel chaotic. Having a simple plan can help you avoid missteps that may complicate your defense. Even if charges have not yet been filed, the choices you make now can affect what options you have later.

You are not required to explain yourself to investigators, and what you say can be used against you. It is usually in your interest to remain polite but to decline substantive questioning until you have spoken with a lawyer. The same caution applies to talking about the case with friends, coworkers, or on social media, since those conversations can sometimes be brought into court.

If a loved one has been taken to a Travis County facility or another county jail, try to gather basic information, such as the full name, date of birth, and any booking or case number that is available. Sharing that information with us can help us locate the case more quickly and determine whether a bond has been set or can be addressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do right after a felony arrest?

First, avoid discussing the facts of the case with law enforcement or anyone else until you speak with a lawyer. Then, contact a criminal defense firm as soon as you can so they can address bond issues, preserve evidence, and guide your decisions about interviews and court appearances.

How can former prosecutors help with my felony case?

Former prosecutors understand how cases are investigated, charged, and presented to juries. Our attorneys use that insight to anticipate the government’s strategy, identify weaknesses in the evidence, and evaluate which motions or negotiations may be productive in your specific situation.

Will my felony case go to trial?

Many felony cases resolve without a trial, but some do proceed to a jury. Whether a trial is appropriate depends on the strength of the evidence, available defenses, your goals, and the offers on the table. We prepare cases with trial in mind so you have that option if needed.

How will you keep me informed about my case?

We strive to keep you updated about major developments, upcoming court dates, and strategic decisions. Our attorneys explain what each step means, answer your questions, and work to respond promptly to calls or messages so you are not left wondering what is happening.