Many times, we receive clients who have 3G offenses who don’t know what a 3G offense is. Once they come into the office and we explain the severity of a 3G offense in Texas, they are shocked and scared because the punishments are harder than other offenses.
A 3G offense is a type of criminal offense that is classified as a serious felony in Texas. The term 3G stands for “aggravated offenses” under Section 3G of the Texas Penal Code. These are crimes that are considered particularly heinous or dangerous, and they carry harsher penalties than other types of felonies.
Some examples of 3G offenses in Texas include:
– Murder
– Indecency with a child
– Aggravated Assault
– Felonies with a deadly weapon
– Sexual assault
– Aggravated Robbery
– Aggravated Kidnapping
– Burglary of a habitation with the intent to commit a felony
These are just a few of the possible 3G offenses and the ones we see the most often; however, there are more beyond this shortlist.
If someone is convicted of a 3G offense in Texas, they may face a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison, and they will not be eligible for parole until they have served at least half of that sentence. Additionally, 3G offenses are considered “strike” offenses under Texas law, meaning that if someone is convicted of three 3G offenses, they may face a life sentence without parole. This is something to be mindful of because a person would be required to serve a minimum of half the sentence if they receive time in TDCJ.
Additionally, a judge cannot sentence straight probation to a person charged with a 3G offense, except on rare occasions when a jury recommends probation after a trial. Deferred Adjudication is the only probation allowed if the judge agrees under the circumstances.
If you are charged with a 3G offense in Texas, you must contact an attorney to assist you with the case because the outcomes are extremely serious and life-changing. Having an experienced attorney to assist you with your case and explain the nuances of 3G offenses
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