Criminal Defense Attorney in Houston

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, you still need a criminal defense attorney to represent you. One of the most common mistakes defendants who have been charged with misdemeanors make is that since it is considered less severe than a felony, it is not anything to be overly concerned about. Even though there may not be a threat of jail time, you still have a criminal conviction on your record, making it challenging to obtain or hold onto specific professional licenses or attend a higher learning institution. The best advice is to hire an experienced attorney who may be able to have the charges dropped.

Invoking your legal right to remain silent is the best advice if you have been arrested and charged with a criminal offense. When defendants are arrested, they are read their Miranda Rights, which explain they have the “right to remain silent” and that anything they say can be used against them in court. As a result, if you have been arrested, do not try to explain your situation or offer up a defense to the police or the court. Instead, you should only make a statement with your lawyer present. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can advise you on any questions you should or should not answer.

In many instances, after an individual has been arrested and arraigned for domestic violence, the court may issue an emergency protective order. An emergency protective order sometimes called a restraining order, can force you to leave your home for 60 days or more. The protective order can also prohibit you from possessing any weapons or firearms or going near the home, workplace, or school of anyone who has sought protection. Because only the court that issued the order can have it modified or dismissed, you need to hire an attorney who can request that the order be changed to allow you to return home.

Texas has strict laws to deal with individuals who have been convicted of sex crimes. In many cases, defendants who have been convicted of sex crimes are sentenced to lengthy terms in jail or prison. However, suppose a defendant has an experienced criminal defense attorney. In that case, their legal representative may be able to negotiate with the prosecution or judge to try and have the defendant placed on community supervision (probation), house arrest, or request deferred adjudication. However, individuals who do not have quality legal representation are often more prone to being sentenced to jail or prison for sex offenses.

If you have been caught with drugs in Texas, you must hire an experienced defense attorney who can explore your legal options. The type of legal defense your attorney may be able to use on your behalf will depend significantly on the type of drug charged and the amount and type of the illegal substance in question. However, one of the most common legal defenses for Texas drug charges is “illegal search and seizure,” where evidence was obtained illegally by law enforcement and, therefore, must be thrown out by the court. A well-trained defense attorney can evaluate the case and determine which defense may apply to your situation.

Federal charges are more severe than state charges frequently due to Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Criminal penalties for federal crimes typically involve longer prison sentences and more significant fines. If a criminal offense has risen to a federal level, the government has reason to believe that national security may be at stake. Additionally, federal prosecutors have much experience in trying cases and have more financial resources to build and strengthen their cases. If you face federal charges, you must hire an attorney with the qualifications to handle your case.

Criminal charges can be dropped or dismissed for several reasons. Often, the prosecutor may feel there is insufficient evidence to pursue the criminal charges. However, criminal charges are often dropped or dismissed because a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can poke holes in the state’s case. For this reason, anyone who has been charged with a criminal offense must obtain legal representation immediately. An attorney can review the evidence and file motions to suppress evidence or argue that the case should be thrown out, saving clients valuable time and money.

If you are involved in a car accident that results in the death of another person, you could be charged with manslaughter, depending on the circumstances involved. If you were driving under the influence or were operating your vehicle in a reckless manner, such as street racing, which results in someone being killed, you could face criminal charges. However, motor vehicle accidents happen every day, often resulting in death. If there are no mitigating factors involved in the accident, the chances are you will not be charged. However, discussing legal concerns with a qualified lawyer who can answer your questions is always best.