At Barbieri Law Firm, P.C., we defend people facing felony charges in Plano and throughout Collin County. Founding attorney Heather Barbieri holds Board Certification in Criminal Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a credential fewer than 1% of Texas attorneys carry.
The firm has practiced criminal defense since 2000, with more than 55 years of combined team experience and 260+ client reviews. Cases are handled with discretion first, because for most clients a career and a reputation are on the line alongside their freedom.
A felony is any charge that carries more than a year of confinement, from state jail felonies like small-quantity drug possession to first-degree offenses. Defending one means controlling every stage: the bond terms, the grand jury, the evidence, and the narrative around it.
Our in-house investigation team reconstructs timelines and tests the state’s evidence from day one, while in-house reputation support protects your professional standing. Caseloads stay limited so you speak directly with your attorney.
What Clients Say About Barbieri Law Firm, P.C.
“From the top down everyone here is professional and 100% engaged in assisting you and fighting for you until the end.” Josh H.
Limited caseloads mean the whole team stays engaged, not just at filing deadlines.
“They care about you and your reputation and will not back down.” Lisa G.
Reputation is treated as part of the defense, handled in-house and privately.
“She was extremely helpful through the whole process, as I was clueless on what to do and felt I had nowhere to turn.” Lydia S.
The first days after an arrest come with no roadmap, and that is where the firm starts.
“As a fellow criminal defense attorney, I have had the privilege of observing the work of the Barbieri Law Firm, and I am consistently impressed by their dedication and results.” Angelica C.
Peer recognition from other defense attorneys speaks to standing in Collin County courtrooms.
Why Work With Barbieri Law Firm, P.C. in Plano
Board Certified in Criminal Law
Heather Barbieri has been Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2005. Fewer than 1% of Texas attorneys hold that credential.
Early intervention, before charges are filed
When possible, the firm engages during the investigation stage and shapes it rather than reacting to a filed indictment. Involving counsel early is a discretion advantage, not an exposure risk.
In-house investigation team
An investigator with decades of high-stakes criminal experience works alongside the legal team from day one, reconstructing timelines, analyzing digital and forensic evidence, and finding the gaps in police work. Nothing waits on an outside vendor.
In-house reputation management
A dedicated team protects your professional and personal standing during and after the case, working privately and proactively.
Limited caseloads and direct attorney access
Caseloads are capped on purpose so you speak with your attorney, not a junior associate. Payment structures are discussed privately during your consultation.
26 years and 55-plus years of combined experience
The firm has defended serious charges since 2000. Under Texas Government Code Section 508.145(d), a deadly-weapon finding requires serving half the sentence, or up to 30 years, before parole eligibility.
Our Felony Services in Plano
- Drug felony charges
- Aggravated assault
- Felony domestic violence
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Theft and property felonies
- Weapons offenses
- Felony DUI/DWI
- Vehicular homicide or manslaughter
- Sex offense felonies
- White-collar felonies
- Fraud and embezzlement
- Kidnapping
- Homicide and murder charges
- Probation or parole violations
- Felony warrants
- Felony expungement or record-sealing eligibility
- Felony appeals and post-conviction relief
- Federal felony charges
Facing charges? Talk to a Frisco defense attorney today.
What Are the Different Felony Charges and Penalties in Texas?
Texas divides felonies into several levels based on the seriousness of the alleged offense. The classification affects the possible prison sentence and fine, although enhancements, prior convictions, and other circumstances can increase the potential punishment.
| Felony Level | Possible Confinement | Possible Fine |
|---|---|---|
| State Jail Felony | 180 days to 2 years in a state jail | Up to $10,000 |
| Third-Degree Felony | 2 to 10 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
| Second-Degree Felony | 2 to 20 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
| First-Degree Felony | 5 to 99 years or life in prison | Up to $10,000 |
| Capital Felony | Life imprisonment or other punishment authorized by Texas law | Varies |
A felony classification is only the starting point. Prior felony convictions, allegations involving a deadly weapon, protected victims, or other statutory enhancements can change the punishment range a defendant faces.
Get To Know Barbieri Law Firm, P.C.
Barbieri Law Firm, P.C. was founded in 2000 and operates from Frisco, serving Plano and the wider North Texas and DFW Metroplex. Heather Barbieri has been Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2005, with recertification in 2010, 2015, and 2020, a credential fewer than 1% of Texas attorneys hold.
The firm is built for high-stakes, high-visibility matters, like serious felony charges, federal cases, sex crime allegations, and white-collar accusations against professionals and public figures. An in-house investigation team and in-house reputation management mean evidence work and narrative control happen under one roof, not through outside vendors.
Caseloads are intentionally limited. Clients get direct attorney access, consistent communication, and the discretion these cases demand, including early intervention before charges are formally filed when timing allows.
What Is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor in Texas?
The main difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is the severity of the charge and the punishment it can carry. Texas misdemeanors are generally punishable by fines, county jail time, or both, while felony convictions can result in confinement in a state jail or prison and significantly longer sentences.
Felony cases also typically involve a different court process. In Collin County, serious felony charges may proceed through indictment and district court, while lower-level misdemeanor cases are generally handled in county-level courts.
The consequences can also extend beyond incarceration. A felony conviction may affect employment, professional licensing, firearm rights, and other areas of a person’s life, making the distinction important well beyond the immediate criminal penalties.
How We Work in Plano
1. Confidential Intake
Reach out by phone, web form, or referral and complete a brief intake. We gather the essentials: what happened, where the case sits, how urgent it is, and your readiness to move forward.
2. Review And Priority Scheduling
Our intake team reviews your inquiry and schedules you with the right attorney. Urgent matters, including active investigations and imminent charges, are escalated the same day.
3. Private Consultation With An Attorney
You meet directly with an attorney to review the facts, assess exposure, and outline a defense strategy. This is where expectations, next steps, and discretion are established.
4. Engagement And Case Opening
Once you retain us, you sign an agreement and submit an initial payment. Your case is formally opened and you are onboarded with clear communication about what happens next.
5. Immediate Defense Building
Our team starts work right away: investigation, evidence review, and proactive strategy development. We keep you informed throughout and adjust as facts and the prosecution’s position evolve.
6. Resolution And Beyond
You receive ongoing updates and guidance through dismissal, negotiation, or trial. Where it matters, we also address reputation considerations and the long-term impact on your professional life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Felony Charges
What Is Actually Considered A Felony Under Texas Law, And How Is It Different From A Misdemeanor?
In Texas, a felony is any offense punishable by more than one year of confinement, served in state prison rather than county jail. Felonies run from state jail felonies up through first-degree felonies, which carry five to 99 years or life.
How Much Does A Felony Lawyer Cost In Plano, And Why Won’t Firms Publish A Price?
Felony defense is priced by case, not by menu, because a pre-indictment resolution and a three-week trial are very different pieces of work. Barbieri Law Firm discusses fee structure directly in the consultation, including payment arrangements.
Will I Definitely Go To Jail If I’m Charged With A First-Degree Felony In Texas?
No. A first-degree felony carries a punishment range of five to 99 years or life, but probation remains possible for some first-time defendants, and charges are frequently reduced or dismissed before that range is ever in play.
Can A Felony Charge Be Reduced To A Misdemeanor Before It Goes To A Grand Jury?
Yes. Prosecutors can reduce, refuse, or decline to present a case, and defense counsel can submit evidence to the grand jury or to the intake prosecutor before indictment.
How Long Does A Felony Case Take In Collin County Courts?
Most felony cases in the Collin County courthouse in McKinney take several months to over a year from arrest to resolution. Indictment alone can take 90 days or longer, and trial settings are often reset.
Will My Employer Or Licensing Board Find Out About The Arrest?
Arrest records in Texas are public, and many licensing boards require self-reporting within a set window.
Do I Need A Different Kind Of Attorney If The Felony Involves A Sex Offense?
Yes. Those cases carry registration exposure and evidentiary rules that other felonies do not, and a defense must be built around that from day one.
Should I Hire A Lawyer Before Charges Are Formally Filed, Or Wait To See What Happens?
Before.
Helpful Resources in Plano for Felonies
- Collin County District Court
Handles serious criminal cases at the district level for Collin County, located in McKinney.
- Collin County Courthouse
The main judicial and administrative hub for Collin County legal proceedings.
- Collin County District Attorney’s Office
Prosecutes criminal cases on behalf of the state within Collin County.
- Plano Municipal Court
City-level court handling local violations and lower-level criminal matters within Plano.
- Collin County Jail
The county detention facility where individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences are held.
- Plano Police Department
The primary municipal law enforcement agency serving the city.
- Collin County Clerk’s Office
Maintains official court records and case filings for Collin County courts.
- Collin County Community Supervision & Corrections
Oversees probation and community supervision for individuals sentenced in Collin County courts.
- Collin County Pretrial Services
Assesses defendants and monitors those released on bond prior to trial.
Talk to a Felony Defense Attorney in Plano
A felony charge in Collin County moves quickly, and the first days after an arrest or a notice of investigation are when strategy matters most. Early intervention gives us room to shape the investigation, preserve evidence, and protect your privacy before the case hardens into a public record.
Call us for a confidential consultation. Caseloads are intentionally limited so you speak directly with a board-certified attorney, not a junior associate, and payment structures are discussed privately during that first conversation.
