Welfare fraud under TX state law, what are the elements of welfare fraud and punishments

Based on what you stated here you might not be guilty of this crime! You are presumed to be innocent. Accordingly, the burden of proof is on the State. You are also entitled to a trial regardless of your financial situation. Nevertheless, more investigation needs to be done before deciding what to do with your case.

Since the amount in question is more than $1,500 and less than $20,000 this is classified as a state jail felony. A state jail felony is the lowest level of felony. Nevertheless, the punishment range is from 180 days to two years in a state jail facility. Moreover, you are eligible for community supervision (deferred adjudication or Probation) since you have never been in trouble before this event. As stated above, you may be innocent of this crime so do not take the easy way out and just plead guilty to something "to take care of things."

I am not sure how Bexar county handles felony warrants, but in Houston, Harris county they rarely afford a defendant the opportunity of a pre trial bond for a felony. I would confirm that the information that you are given is correct. It is very common for government workers to say that you will not go to jail and then when you are in custody the say differently. You may want to contact several bail bonds offices in your county to determine the validity of the pre trial services comments. You will always be able to make a bond in your case without going to jail with a bonding company.

I am not sure if San Antonio has a public defenders office dedicated to your type of case. This statement is from the Bexar County Public Defender's office "The Bexar County Appellate Public Defender's Office will zealously represent the client within the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct and the laws of this State and the United States." I am sure there are very competent public defenders in San Antonio. One of the biggest negatives about being appointed a public defender is that you do not have a voice on who you get appointed. Thus, you may be appointed that is quite competent and you can along with or you may get someone that lacks experience and you do not feel comfortable handling your case. I would hope that every lawyer would work hard on your case and try to accomplish what you want or better regardless if he is court appointed or hired by you.

I guess this is all procedure because I was told the exact same thing you were. I called to see when this is all going to happen so i can get prepared financially and so on. But, the investigator told me it could take months.