DALLAS Criminal Defense Lawyers

A criminal conviction in Texas may have a long-lasting impact on your future. If you are convicted of a crime in Texas, it can negatively impact your life in myriad ways.

Many offenses, including DWI, could result in the revocation of your driver’s license upon conviction. You could lose your job after being convicted of a job, and you may have trouble finding work with a criminal record. Many employers run background checks before hiring someone. If you have a criminal record, you may be turned down. Furthermore, professional licensing boards in certain fields could take away your license or decline to give you one.

If you are in college, you could get suspended or expelled. You will likely at least hear have to attend a hearing before your school’s disciplinary board. You may be unable to secure federal financial aid as well.

A convicted felon cannot possess a firearm in the state of Texas. However, after five years pass from the end of your prison sentence, parole, or probation, you may possess a firearm, but only in your home. If you are a foreign national, a conviction can prevent you from obtaining a green card or becoming a naturalized American citizen. You may also lose your job and be deported.

A criminal conviction in Texas may land you in jail or prison. You also may face probation, suspended sentences, restrictions, or sanctions depending on the severity of the charges.

A person convicted of criminal charges has to face a court trial. The judge can handout punishments of different types based on the severity of the crime. It may include a prison term, fines, or both.

In Texas, a criminal conviction on misdemeanor charges may include the following punishments:

• Class A misdemeanors: Up to 1-year imprisonment and $4,000 fine
• Class B misdemeanors: Up to 180 days jail and $2,000 fine
• Class C misdemeanors: Up to $500 fine

A felony conviction can lead to more serious penalties, including:

• Capital felony: Death penalty
• First-degree felony: Life prison sentence with $10,000 fine
• Second-degree felony: Up to 20-year jail sentence and $10,000 fine
• Third-degree felony: Up to 10-year jail with $10,000 fine
• State-jail felony: Up to 2-year prison term with $10,000 fine

An experienced Texas criminal defense attorney can help you in many ways. Below are some of the key benefits of hiring an attorney when you’ve been charged with a crime. A criminal defense attorney can help:

• Navigate the complex criminal justice system
• Negotiate for a favorable outcome
• Determine the right sentencing program for your situation
• Hire investigators and expert witnesses

Having a good lawyer by your side throughout your criminal trial can make all the difference in the world. Allow our attorneys to fight tirelessly toward a favorable resolution for your case.

Being arrested is one of the scariest and most confusing moments in an individual’s life, especially if it’s the first time it’s happened to you. If you are arrested in Dallas or anywhere else in Texas, you should be careful about what you say when dealing with police officers. If you are being questioned, don’t answer any questions until your attorney is present. Never sign anything without consulting with an experienced criminal defense attorney. If you believe you are being threatened or coerced by law enforcement after your arrest, let your lawyer know about this.

No matter if you have been arrested for a state crime or federal crime, police officers are trained to accomplish their main goal, which is to gather as much evidence as they can. This, it’s critical that you exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Immediately ask to speak to a qualified criminal defense lawyer.

The primary difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is that misdemeanors are less serious offenses. Misdemeanors are punishable with less than a year jail time, whereas felonies are punishable with at least a year of prison time.

A misdemeanor charge typically involves non-violent offense, meaning the illegal action did not cause harm to the alleged victim. Punishments for misdemeanor offenses include: fines, community service, court-ordered treatment, probation, and jail time that does not exceed one year.

In Texas, misdemeanors are classified into three categories according to the seriousness of the offense: (1) Class A misdemeanor; (2) Class B misdemeanor; (3) Class C misdemeanor.

In Texas, misdemeanors are classified into three categories according to the seriousness of the offense: (1) Class A misdemeanor; (2) Class B misdemeanor; (3) Class C misdemeanor.

• Shoplifting and theft
• Driving While Intoxicated (first and second offense)
• Indecent exposure
• Prostitution
• Harassment
• Unlawful carrying of a weapon
• Assault with injury
• Burglary of a vehicle
• Failure to pay child support
• Minor drug possession
• Lying to a police officer

Class C misdemeanors, the least serious misdemeanor offense, are punishable by fine only. Traffic citations like speeding and driving without a license are among the most common fine-only misdemeanor offenses.

A felony is the most serious type of criminal offense. Crimes in this category are reserved for violent and illegal actions that cause physical injury, financial harm, or death to another person. In addition to a prison sentence of over a year, hefty fines are imposed with felonies. The fine for a felony is usually more than a misdemeanor.

Examples of felonies include:

• Robbery
• Arson
• Kidnapping
• Indecent exposure to a child
• Intoxication assault
• Rape
• Murder
• Manslaughter
• Sexual assault
• Aggravated sexual assault
• Possession of child pornography
• Online solicitation of a minor
• DWI (third offense)
• Trafficking of persons

If a plea bargain cannot be reached during the pretrial conference, your trial date will be set. In some cases, it is better idea for a defendant to stand trial rather than take a plea bargain. It all depends on the facts and circumstances of the particular case. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will be able to determine your best course of action.

A criminal trial involves opening statements by your defense lawyer and the prosecutor. Witnesses are called and questioned. Evidence is presented. Your criminal defense lawyer and the prosecutor will make closing statements, and the judge will give the jury instructions. After deliberation, the jury announces its guilty or not guilty verdict.

In Texas, the jury’s verdict must be unanimous in order to convict the defendant. If a unanimous vote cannot be reached, a mistrial is declared. If a unanimous guilty vote is reached, sentencing commences. After the verdict has been rendered, your lawyer may attempt a post-trial motion, such as a motion for a new trial.