Felony Criminal Defense Attorney

Serious Felony Charges Call For Clear Guidance & Strong Representation

Facing a felony accusation in Texas can change the course of your life. A conviction can mean time in prison, a permanent record, and long-term damage to your career, family, and reputation. When so much is at stake, you need a felony attorney who can step in quickly, explain what is happening, and start building a strategic response.

At Milam & Fanning, PLLC, we defend people accused of serious crimes in Waco and the surrounding communities. Our firm offers a rare combination of personal attention and substantial resources, so clients are not forced to choose between a small practice that feels accessible and a large operation that can support complex cases. We work to give you both, along with clear communication at every stage.

We understand that you may feel overwhelmed, embarrassed, or unsure of your next move. Our role is to bring structure to a frightening situation, help you understand your options in real terms, and work to protect your rights and your future from the first conversation forward.

Contact Milam & Fanning, PLLC today for a case review with an experienced felony attorney in Waco. Call us at (254) 237-5602 or contact us online to begin.

Understanding Felony Classifications in Texas

Texas law categorizes felonies into five distinct degrees, each with its own set of mandatory punishments. As your Waco felony lawyer, our first priority is to analyze the degree of your charge and identify every possible avenue for a "downward departure" or a reduction to a misdemeanor.

• State Jail Felony: The least severe felony, punishable by 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility and a fine of up to $10,000. Common examples include low-level drug possession or theft of property valued between $2,500 and $30,000.
• Third-Degree Felony: Punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. This often includes a third DWI offense, stalking, or tampering with evidence.
• Second-Degree Felony: Punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison. Common charges include aggravated assault, manslaughter, or arson.
• First-Degree Felony: Punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison. This is reserved for the most serious crimes, such as murder, aggravated robbery, or large-scale drug trafficking.
• Capital Felony: The most serious classification, punishable by life without parole or the death penalty. This is exclusively for capital murder offenses.

Under the newest 2025 laws, certain offenses that were previously misdemeanors, such as specific organized retail thefts or DWI with extreme blood alcohol levels, can now be elevated to felonies. We use our deep understanding of the Texas Penal Code to challenge these elevations and fight to keep your case in the lower courts whenever possible.

What To Do After A Felony Arrest Or Investigation

The period immediately following a felony arrest or learning that you are under investigation can feel overwhelming. Taking a few deliberate steps early can help protect your rights and give you more control as the situation unfolds. Choosing not to discuss the facts with law enforcement until you have spoken with a lawyer is one of the most important protections available to you.

Steps to Take After a Felony Arrest or Investigation

• Exercise your right to remain silent: Avoid discussing the case with police or others and request to speak with an attorney.
• Understand the booking and bond process: After an arrest, booking and a bond hearing may occur quickly. Bond conditions can affect travel, possessions, and daily activities.
• Pay attention to bond conditions: Carefully follow any restrictions or reporting requirements while the case is pending.
• Gather key information: Keep track of charges, arrest location, paperwork, cause numbers, and upcoming court dates.
• Contact a felony lawyer early: Early legal guidance helps with bond issues, court preparation, communication decisions, and protecting your position from the start.

How Our Attorneys Build A Felony Defense Strategy

Listening To Your Story & Reviewing The Evidence

When you hire our team, we begin by listening to your account of what happened and reviewing the information that is available. As more material is produced, such as police reports, audio or video recordings, and other records, we analyze how the State is trying to prove its case. We look for legal issues, such as questions about how evidence was obtained, and factual issues, such as inconsistencies or gaps in the story presented against you.

Aligning Strategy With Your Goals

Your goals are a central part of how we approach strategy. Some clients want to focus on avoiding certain consequences, such as incarceration or a particular type of conviction. Others are concerned about professional licenses, immigration concerns, or family matters. We work to align our plan with what matters most to you, while also giving you a realistic picture of the risks and possibilities associated with different paths.

Navigating Options & Adapting As The Case Develops

In many felony cases, there are several potential avenues. These can include raising motions that challenge evidence, negotiating with prosecutors about charge levels or potential resolutions, or preparing for trial when that is appropriate. We cannot control every factor, such as which prosecutor is assigned or how a court rules on specific issues, but we can control how prepared we are and how clearly we present your position.

As cases develop, new information and unexpected obstacles often appear. Our attorneys use their experience across criminal and related areas to address these roadblocks and adjust strategy where needed. Throughout the entire process, we keep you involved, explaining the choices in front of you so that any decision about plea offers, hearings, or trial is made with full information rather than guesswork.

Why Work With Our Felony Defense Team

When you are dealing with a serious criminal case, the way your lawyer is set up matters. Our firm is built as a hybrid between a boutique practice and a larger law office. That structure lets us provide the personal attention of a smaller team while relying on meaningful resources that can be critical in felony cases, such as time for in-depth preparation and the ability to address unexpected issues that arise during a case.

Our attorneys handle criminal defense as one of our key practice areas, alongside family law, personal injury, and estate planning. This broader perspective helps us see how a felony charge can affect other parts of your life, such as your family arrangements, your ability to work after the case, and the long-term protection of your assets.

We do not rely on one standard approach to felony defense. Our goal is to develop a strategy that fits your specific facts, criminal history, and personal goals. That can mean looking closely at how evidence was gathered, exploring options to reduce or reframe charges, or preparing for trial when that is the right path. Throughout the process, we focus on straightforward communication, so you know what is happening, why it matters, and what choices you have.

Talk With Our Team About Your Felony Case

When you contact Milam & Fanning, PLLC, we focus first on listening to your story and identifying the most urgent issues, such as upcoming court dates or bond concerns. We then talk through potential paths in plain language, so you can make informed choices about your defense. The consultation is confidential, and you are not obligated to take any particular step as a result of that conversation.

To discuss your felony case with our team, call (254) 237-5602 or reach out online today.