Can a mistake from years ago still affect your future today? In Texas, the answer is yes—especially when it comes to the criminal justice system. If you’re facing new charges and you have one or more prior convictions, the consequences can be significantly more severe. Courts tend to look closely at a person’s criminal history, and repeat offenses often lead to longer sentences, higher fines, and fewer plea options. This is not just a legal hurdle—it’s a life-altering challenge.
At the Law Office of Robert M. Maurer II & Associates, we understand how much is at stake. With over 30 years of experience handling criminal cases throughout San Antonio and South Texas, our team has deep roots in the community—and deep understanding of how to defend its people. We’re available 24/7, speak Spanish, and believe every client deserves both personal attention and strong legal protection.
This blog will help you understand how prior convictions can impact current criminal charges, how Texas sentencing laws work in these cases, and what legal steps may reduce the penalties you’re facing.
Repeat Offenses Mean Harsher Penalties
Texas law takes prior convictions seriously. Whether you’re charged with a misdemeanor or felony, your history matters.
Here’s how prior convictions can increase penalties:
- Sentence Enhancements: For many offenses, prior convictions trigger mandatory enhancements, which can shift a misdemeanor to a felony or increase a felony to a higher level.
- Habitual Offender Status: Multiple prior felonies may result in a longer minimum sentence or even life imprisonment in extreme cases.
- Limited Plea Options: Prosecutors are often less willing to offer lenient plea deals when a person has a criminal history.
- Probation Denial: Judges are less likely to allow probation or alternative sentencing if they see a pattern of offenses.
Even one prior conviction—especially for violent or drug-related offenses—can dramatically change the outcome of your current case.
What You Can Do About It
While having prior convictions makes things more difficult, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help by:
- Challenging the Validity of a Prior Conviction(for example, if there were constitutional issues in the original case)
- Negotiating for Lesser Charges or Sentencing Alternatives such as treatment programs, probation, or time served
- Filing Motions to Exclude Certain Convictions from being considered during sentencing
- Presenting a Strong Mitigation Cases howing rehabilitation, stable employment, or community ties
In many cases, the right legal strategy can mean the difference between years in prison and a second chance.
Do You Know How Much Your Record Could Affect Your Future?
If you’ve been charged again and have one or more prior convictions on your record, you don’t have time to wait. The decisions you make now can impact your future for years to come. That’s why it’s critical to speak with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Texas who understands how to fight for reduced consequences in repeat-offense cases.
At the Law Office of Robert M. Maurer II & Associates, we’ve been defending Texans for over three decades. Robert Maurer knows the courtrooms, the prosecutors, and the judges in San Antonio and surrounding counties—and he uses that insight to fight hard for every client. When you call us, you’ll talk to someone who knows your name, not just your case number.
If you need a serious, experienced criminal defense lawyer in San Antonio who knows how to handle prior convictions and get results, reach out to us today for a confidential consultation. We’re ready to stand with you—day or night.
