What Happens if I Am Accused of a 3G Offense While on Parole?

 Posted on March 12, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Being on parole in Texas when accused of a 3G offense is a serious situation that can lead to severe consequences, including criminal charges. Texas law imposes strict penalties for 3G crimes, and when combined with an alleged parole violation, the stakes are even higher. A skilled Texas criminal defense lawyer can help you understand your options and the potential outcomes and help you make informed decisions about how to move forward.

What Are They Called 3G Offenses?

In Texas, serious crimes that carry enhanced penalties are called 3G offenses. The name comes from the section of the law where these regulations used to appear, in 42.12(3)(g), even though they are now listed under 42A.054 in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Examples of 3G offenses include:

• Murder
• Sexual assault
• Aggravated robbery
• Human trafficking
• Some types of assault involving serious bodily injury or family violence

One key characteristic of 3G offenses is that those convicted must serve at least half of their sentence before they can even be considered for parole, which is not guaranteed.

Does Being on Parole Change What Happens When You Are Charged with a 3G Offense?

If you are on parole and accused of a 3G offense, you could face two major legal issues:

New Criminal Charges

The new 3G offense will be prosecuted separately from the one you are on parole for. If you are convicted, you could face substantial prison time and restrictions on parole eligibility.

Parole Revocation

Being accused of a new crime when you are on parole can trigger a parole revocation hearing. Even if you are not convicted of the new charge, your parole could still be revoked by going through the following steps:

• Warrant: When the authorities believe you have violated the conditions of your parole, a warrant is issued for your arrest. This can happen quite soon after the alleged offense.
• Preliminary hearing: This hearing determines whether there is probable cause to believe you violated your parole conditions.
• Revocation hearing: At this formal hearing, evidence is presented regarding the alleged 3G offense. The standard of proof is lower than a regular criminal trial. The state only needs to demonstrate a "preponderance of evidence" rather than proving you did what you are accused of "beyond a reasonable doubt."

If your parole is revoked, you could be ordered to serve the remainder of your original sentence in prison, along with any additional sentence imposed for the new 3G offense.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Houston, TX 3G Defense Attorney

If you are accused of a 3G offense while on parole, the stakes are too high to handle this without proper legal representation. An experienced Houston, TX criminal defense lawyer can build a strong case to defend you against the new charges and protect your parole status. At Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C., we are dedicated to giving you your best chance of achieving the best possible outcome for your case. Call us at 713-229-8333 to schedule a free consultation.