Defendants considering a plea deal need to know how long they will actually serve before they are eligible for parole. A key component to understanding your parole eligibility calculation is the “Good Time Credits” awarded by the TDCJ. When calculating ballpark eligibility, family members sometimes rely on the rule of thumb that if the inmate is not in trouble, they are credited one day for each “calendar” day they serve (inmates usually refer to the calendar ). as “flat time”).
But the actual rules are more complicated. While you certainly don’t need to understand every nuance of the law, it’s important to have a general idea of how much good time you can earn (and take away) when planning for a post-prison future.
Federal Sentencing Guidelines
What other ways are there to reduce a prison sentence? In addition to cooperation, there are more than 100 provisions in federal prison guidelines that can reduce your sentence, but not all of them will apply to you.
Federal judges are limited in handing out a reduced federal prison sentence because of US sentencing guidelines, which may set mandatory minimum sentences for certain crimes. In the absence of these mandatory minimum penalties and other laws, a penalty may be reduced as much as possible based on the arguments of a knowledgeable defense attorney who understands the mitigating factors.
First-degree felonies are the second most serious felony in Texas.
These crimes carry severe penalties but are not punishable by the death penalty. First-degree crimes are crimes such as attempted capital murder, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery, and aggravated sexual assault.
TEXAS SUSPENDED LICENSE ATTORNEYS
Driving on a suspended or invalid license is a felony in Texas. If you are arrested or charged with driving without a license or with a suspended license in Texas, it is important that you contact an attorney immediately.
- Can I check the status of my Texas driver’s license online? The Texas Department of Public Safety website provides real-time online driver eligibility information. Learn more.
First-degree felonies
A clean criminal for a first degree felony faces a sentence of 5 to 99 years imprisonment or life imprisonment. The penalty may also include a fine of up to $10,000. However, aggravated sexual assault is an exception to these sentencing guidelines, with the addition of a minimum of 25 years for the victim
How can I avoid the mandatory minimum prison term in Texas?
The average criminal conviction rate in Texas is about 82 percent. If you are charged with a crime in Texas, hiring an experienced attorney can help you avoid lengthy prison terms and expensive fines. A lawyer can help you narrow your charges to crimes that do not have mandatory minimum penalties.
Andrew Williams’ law firm serves clients in Kingwood, Houston, The Woodlands and throughout the state of Texas. Andrew J. Williams has over 20 years of experience defending clients’ rights and has handled more than 500 cases during his career. Andrew J. Williams, certified by the Texas State Board of Criminal Defense, will work hard to help you avoid prison and mandatory minimum sentences. Contact us about your case.