Criminal Defense Attorneys Serving Clients Across Texas
When someone is charged with a crime in the state of Texas, they are facing a lifetime of uncertainty. Consequences of a criminal conviction can range from a simple fine to life in prison. If you have been arrested in Texas, it is important to have an experienced legal team on your side who can effectively represent your interests and fight to protect your future. Our law firm fights for clients throughout the Lone Star State as they face serious criminal charges. Some of the counties we serve include Atascosa, Angelina, Aransas, Austin, Bandera, Bastrop, Bee, Blanco, Brown, Burnet, Caldwell, Calhoun, Colorado, Comal, Dimmit, Dewitt, Frio, Gillespie, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Hays, Howard, Jackson, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, La Salle, Live Oak, Llano, Maverick, Medina, Nacogdoches, Nueces, Pecos, Rusk, San Patricio, Sutton, Taylor, Tom Green, Uvalde, Val Verde, Victoria, Walker, Washington, Webb, Wharton, Wichita, Wilson, and Zapata. Our attorneys would be happy to assist you with any criminal law matters you may be facing. Contact us today!
Our Criminal Defense Services
Our Texas attorneys have served clients across South Texas since 1998. We understand the lasting burdens that a criminal record can have on your life and are committed to helping clear your name or reduce your charges. If you have been charged with a crime, you can count on us to represent your interests. Some of the many areas of criminal defense we can assist you in include the following:
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Crimes
- Gun Crimes
- Sex Crimes
- Theft, Robbery & Burglary
- Violent Crimes
- White Collar Crimes
Criminal Defense FAQ
As Texas criminal defense attorneys, we understand that upon being arrested and charged with a crime, many people are curious about their rights and what happens next. Below are answers to some of the many frequently asked questions that you may have if you or a loved one has been arrested.
Understanding Your Miranda Rights
It is common knowledge that a police officer must read from his or her card that you have the right to remain silent; anything you say can be used and will be used against you, etc. These are known as your Miranda Rights. The failure of a police officer to read the warning to you does not invalidate an arrest, just the statements you make after you are arrested may be suppressed. Of course, most statements are made before someone is arrested and the Miranda Rights do not apply. If you are arrested, the law enforcement officer should read you the following statement informing you of your rights:
You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to have an attorney present any time police or law enforcement that want to speak with you, and the right to have an attorney represent you at trial. You have the right to bail except in certain cases such as murder. You have the right to have your felony case considered by a grand jury. You have the right to confront your accuser at the trial unless the victim is a young child where some exceptions are made. You have the right to trial by jury. If you are convicted, you have the right to file a writ of habeas corpus.
What is Bond?
Bond is the monetary assurance to the court that the defendant will show up for his or her court date and trial. It is a constitutional right except in certain cases to have a reasonable bond set since the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a competent court of law. There are certain cases where the defendant can be held without bond such as murder, flight risk, motions to revoke probation or parole. The attorney will have to set the case for a hearing to get bond set.
What is a Plea Bargain Agreement?
A plea bargain is an agreement between the prosecutor, the defendant and the defendant’s attorney to issue a lesser punishment instead of trying the case. The court must approve it. The defendant may plea no contest or guilty. If the court rejects the plea, the defendant may withdraw the plea. No evidence may be later introduced to a jury that the defendant had pled guilty or no contest in the case.
How Does Probation Work?
The court often gives probation instead of jail or prison time. The defendant has to regularly report to their probation officer, perform community service hours, make restitution, pay fines and monthly reporting fees. If you fail to live up to your end of the bargain, the court may revoke your probation. When the court revokes probation it may put you back on probation with additional conditions, send you to a drug or alcohol treatment center, or send you to jail or prison.
Contact Our Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been arrested for a crime in Texas, you need a team of attorneys you can count on to protect your future. Our Texas criminal defense attorneys have served the region for over 20 years and can effectively represent your interests when it matters most. To discuss your situation with an experienced legal team, contact our firm today.