In the State of Texas, a 3G offense (which is named after Section 42.12(3)(g) of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure) is a certain subset of serious felony criminal offenses. If you are convicted of a 3G offense in Texas, you will likely be facing several harsh criminal penalties, including time in jail and other consequences that could impact your eligibility for parole or probation.
A Texas judge is not allowed to give you a period of straight probation (following your jury trial) if you have been convicted of any 3G offense. Likewise, if you are convicted of a 3G offense, you will likely have to serve at least one-half of the prison sentence that is associated with your charge prior to your becoming eligible for parole.
The Houston criminal defense lawyers at Turnbull Legal Group could assist you with defending against your 3G charge and work to minimize the potential consequences associated with any conviction. You can call Turnbull Legal Group today at (832) 479-2104 or contact us online to learn more about how we could help you defend against your 3G charge.
Overview of Texas 3G Offenses
There are numerous crimes which are classified as 3G offenses in the State of Texas. Those criminal offenses include all of the following:
- Capital murder
- Murder
- Sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault charges
- Child indecency charges
- Aggravated kidnapping
- Injury to a child or to a disabled individual
- Aggravated robbery
- Trafficking of persons
- Sexual performance involving a child
- Burglary of a home (i.e., while the accused intends to commit a felony)
- Compelling prostitution
- Offenses where the accused uses a deadly weapon to commit the offense or while fleeing the scene of a felony offense
- Some instances of criminal solicitation
- Certain drug charges
Defending against a 3G Offense
Even though 3G criminal charges are felony charges in the State of Texas, you may still be able to assert one or more criminal defenses in response to one of these charges. After all, in a criminal case, the prosecution always has the burden of proving that the accused is guilty of committing the underlying offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Potential defenses could include self-defense (or defense of others), alibi, mistaken identity, or police entrapment, to name a few. A successful defense could result in a dismissal of your criminal charge and/or of your entire criminal case.
Talk with a Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you have been charged with committing a serious 3G criminal offense in Texas, it is essential that you retain an experienced attorney to represent you in your criminal matter as soon as possible. The legal team at Turnbull Legal Group could immediately set to work on helping you develop a strong legal defense to your 3G charge. If you have already been convicted, we can work to minimize or eliminate the potential penalties and consequences associated with your conviction.
To schedule a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a Houston criminal defense attorney, please call us at (832) 479-2104 or contact us online to learn more about how we could assist you.
