Criminal Defense Attorney In Fort Worth Delivering Results

What happens when you face criminal charges in Texas? The consequences can be dire. Whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony, knowing how to defend yourself in court is important. That said, seek help from a criminal defense attorney in Fort Worth who will help you navigate the charges and protect your rights.

However, is criminal defense necessary? What offenses can criminal attorneys defend you from?

What A Criminal Defense Attorney Can Do For You

Criminal defense ensures that you are afforded the opportunity to protect your rights. It is primarily about giving the accused a fair trial, regardless of who they are.

Criminal lawyers play a crucial role in protecting the future and rights of a defendant. They employ their experience and knowledge to challenge the prosecution’s case, developing strategies to tip the results into a favorable outcome.

They investigate the evidence, conduct interviews with witnesses, and skillfully cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses. Criminal attorneys craft arguments that support the defendant’s case or aim for reduced charges. 

Whether against a misdemeanor or a felony, they ensure that individuals facing criminal charges receive the representation they deserve.

How Texas Classifies Criminal Acts

The legal system in Texas carefully categorizes crimes into two distinct classifications: misdemeanors and felonies. These classifications ensure that the punishment aligns appropriately with the severity of the offense committed.

Classes Of Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors in Texas represent offenses of lesser severity compared to felonies. However, they are not without legal consequences. The legal system categorizes misdemeanors into three distinct classes, as shown below.

Class A misdemeanors cover significant offenses such as domestic violence or driving while intoxicated (DWI). Meanwhile, Class B misdemeanors include possession of small amounts of marijuana or a first-time driving under the influence (DUI) offense. While these may not be as severe as Class A misdemeanors, they still have appropriate consequences under the law.

Class C misdemeanors consist of offenses such as traffic violations or disorderly conduct. Although the least severe category, it is important not to overlook such charges. 

The Texas legal system ensures that each offense is treated with the appropriate level of seriousness. The classifications balance the need for accountability with the opportunity for rehabilitation and growth.

Different Degrees Of Felony

In Texas, the legal system prioritizes public safety by categorizing the most severe offenses as felonies. These crimes are recognized for their potential harm to society, prompting the law to divide them into five distinct degrees. 

At the highest level, capital felonies represent the most severe offenses, such as murder. These carry life imprisonment. Also, Texas is a state that allows for the death penalty. Individuals convicted of murder may face the possibility of being placed on death row.

First-degree felonies, such as aggravated assault or sexual assault, are considered grave offenses. Convictions for these crimes can lead to five to 99 years of prison sentences. Second-degree, third-degree, and state jail felonies encompass a range of offenses, each with varying penalties, including imprisonment and fines.

If law enforcement arrests you for misdemeanor or felony offenses, immediately get in touch with a misdemeanor attorney or felony lawyer. In such a situation, the following are certain factors to remember.

Avoid These Common Mistakes During An Arrest

Facing a criminal accusation can be difficult. The anxiety can cause you to commit missteps that can further incriminate you. It is crucial to be familiar with the common mistakes you may make during an arrest and how to avoid them. 

Safeguard Yourself Against Self-Incrimination

One of the most common errors you can make in a Fort Worth arrest is to answer inquiries from the authorities without your lawyer. Remember that they can use your answers against you in the future. In such situations, exercise your Fifth Amendment right, remain silent, and call a skilled criminal defense attorney.

Be Wary Of What The Police Say

During a criminal investigation, the police may manipulate the truth. For example, an officer might claim to possess sufficient evidence to secure a conviction for a specific crime despite not having any evidence. Addressing their inquiries can be detrimental to your case. It’s better to remain silent and contact a legal professional to represent you.

Reach Out To A Criminal Defense Lawyer

Dealing with the charges against you can be challenging. However, an attorney well-versed in criminal law can defend you against any accusations. They can build solid legal strategies to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Protect your rights and seek help from a criminal lawyer.

What A Criminal Defense Attorney In Fort Worth Can Offer

With their experience in assessing cases, developing strong defense strategies, and advocating for your best interests. A skilled assault attorney, for example, becomes an invaluable ally in safeguarding your rights and pursuing a favorable outcome. Their ability to negotiate on your behalf and provide dedicated representation in court ensures that you have a formidable advocate by your side throughout the legal process.

A Vast Experience In Criminal Defense

Criminal defense attorneys bring a wealth of experience in defending individuals facing criminal charges. They are equipped with extensive knowledge of Texas criminal laws. Moreover, they are well-versed in courtroom procedures and the strategies that prosecutors may employ.

Uphold The Rights Of Individuals

An attorney safeguards your constitutional rights during the legal process. They do this by carefully examining evidence, challenging unlawful searches and seizures, and preventing any infringements on your rights.

Develop Solutions & Strategies

A skilled criminal defense lawyer analyzes the case’s facts. This way, they evaluate strengths and weaknesses and craft a personalized defense strategy.

Argue For Acquittal Or Reduced Sentences

Attorneys possess essential negotiation skills to engage with the prosecution, aiming to secure reduced charges. They also explore alternative sentencing options or negotiate plea bargains. These efforts mitigate potential consequences for the accused.

Guide Clients From Start To Finish

Facing criminal charges can be mentally challenging. With a criminal defense lawyer, there is invaluable guidance, support, and reassurance throughout the legal process. Their presence eases the burden and helps alleviate the stress that people face.

Together with their skill and high competence, defense lawyers can help you fight the following charges.

Criminal Defense Practice Areas

Various crimes have different penalties. These penalties often depend on the severity of the offense and may range from misdemeanors or felonies.

Assault

Assault is a prohibited act that inflicts unwanted physical harm toward an individual. It may also refer to instilling a reasonable fear of violence in another person. 

Simple assault covers threats of bodily injury, causing bodily harm, or engaging in unwanted physical actions, while aggravated assault refers to more severe acts of violence. Causing harm toward vulnerable individuals and family members may be classified as aggravated assault. Additionally,  gun violence and violent resistance to police and authorities may be classified as such.

Assault and aggravated assault charges have serious consequences. Contact an assault lawyer immediately if you are facing such charges.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence refers to the intentional harm or threat of harm against a family member or romantic partner. It covers aggravated domestic assault, which involves using a deadly weapon against a relative, partner, or household member. 

Violating a protective order by contacting a victim after a restraining order is issued leads to additional domestic violence charges. Moreover, stalking an estranged partner or household member is also considered domestic violence. Examples include following, monitoring, or unwanted confrontation or contact.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense in Texas with significant legal consequences. For drivers under the age of 21, any detectable amount of alcohol in their system can lead to a DWI charge. Convictions for this type of crime can result in fines, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education programs. In some cases, even imprisonment, depending on the circumstances. 

It is also worth noting that repeat DWI offenses or cases involving aggravating factors such as accidents causing injury can lead to enhanced penalties. Texas law enforcement agencies emphasize the importance of responsible and sober driving to ensure the safety of all road users.

Skilled and experienced DWI lawyers can help you maneuver through the process to either get the charges dropped or get a more favorable outcome.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving refers to carelessly operating a motor vehicle. Excessive speeding and aggressive maneuvering fall under this type of offense. It may also cover running red lights or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

Convictions for this type of crime can result in penalties such as fines, license suspension, and mandatory driver education programs. It may also lead to imprisonment, particularly in cases involving severe harm or loss of life.

Do not take reckless driving charges for granted. Work with a reckless driving attorney early on to set up a solid defense.

Airport Crimes

Airport crimes cover a wide range of unlawful activities within airport premises or are connected to airports. They may include theft, such as incidents of stolen luggage, personal belongings, or unauthorized possession of property. Additionally, they may involve unlawful possession or transportation of illegal substances within airport areas.

Theft

The act of theft involves the unlawful taking of someone’s property without their consent. It encompasses various forms, including shoplifting, burglary, robbery, and embezzlement. The severity of the penalties for theft depends on factors such as the value of the property stolen and the individual’s criminal history.

Fraud

This offense is a deliberate deception to achieve personal or financial gain. This broad category of crimes includes various types of deceptive activities. One example is using another person’s personal information for fraudulent purposes. It can also take other forms like credit card, insurance, and securities fraud.

Gun Crimes

Unlawful firearm use can result in criminal charges. Previously, it was illegal to bring unlicensed weapons outside one’s home. However, recent changes have granted residents the ability to carry firearms in public without a license, except in specific locations like schools or courthouses. 

Note that selling or transferring a firearm to an individual under 18 can be considered a gun crime. Texas emphasizes the need for responsible firearm ownership and compliance with legal regulations.

Drug Crimes

Drug crimes in Texas encompass a range of illicit activities. Included are the possession, distribution, manufacturing, and trafficking of controlled substances. Penalties for these violations depend on factors such as the type and quantity of drugs involved. 

Texas law classifies prohibited substances into penalty groups, providing a framework for addressing drug possession charges.

• Penalty Group 1: Cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, ketamine,
• Penalty Group 1-A: Lysergic acid or LSD.
• Penalty Group 2: Mushrooms and Psilocybin.
• Penalty Group 3: Anabolic steroids, Xanax, and Lorazepam.
• Penalty Group 4: Compounds containing codeine or opium.

When found in your possession, these controlled substances can bring about fines, probation, and imprisonment. On another note, drug trafficking is a more serious offense that can lead to hefty fines and long prison terms. When facing such charges, contact a drug lawyer in Fort Worth immediately.

Murder

In Texas, murder charges are considered to be grave offenses. It has distinct categories and corresponding punishments. Capital murder can result in the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. First-degree murder carries a sentence of five to 99 years or life imprisonment. Meanwhile, second-degree murder warrants two to 20 years in prison. Similarly, manslaughter, involving unintentional killings, leads to penalties ranging from two to 20 years in prison and a fine. 

Sex Crimes

Just like murder, the state of Texas treats sex crimes with utter seriousness. Nearly all sexually-based criminal acts are classified as felonies. These consist of offenses such as sexual assault, statutory rape, and sexual abuse of a minor.

The consequences for these crimes carry penalties ranging from two years to life imprisonment. Offenders may be classified as sex offenders in a registry and will remain there for a certain period, according to severity. Schools, daycare facilities, and other institutions are prohibited from hiring individuals on the registry for the safety of everyone in these institutions.

Despite potential challenges with employment and reintegration, Texas remains dedicated to safeguarding communities and prioritizes the welfare of the victims.

Prostitution

Prostitution charges can lead to severe consequences. It is a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum $2,000 fine and 180 days in jail for a first-time conviction. Subsequent convictions carry harsher penalties, with a fourth conviction considered a state jail felony. You may spend up to two years in prison and fines up to $10,000. 

Promoting and compelling prostitution also have varying degrees of severity and penalties. Examples of these are pimping and human trafficking, both leading to severe consequences.

Solicitation

Solicitation involves offering sexual services for a fee. It can carry penalties ranging from fines and jail time to state jail felony charges. Charges involving a minor are a second-degree felony, regardless of knowledge, which leads to mandatory prison time. 

Student Defense

Common charges that students face include underage possession or consumption of alcohol, driving while intoxicated, drug possession, and providing alcohol to minors. In student defense cases, age plays a significant role. Even legal adults can face charges for possessing or consuming alcohol if they are under 21. 

More serious charges cover distributing drugs, sexual assault, battery, reckless driving, and theft. They often have more severe consequences that can result in fines and jail time. They may also lead to the loss of scholarships and the lack of future career opportunities.

Probation Violations

In Texas, individuals found guilty of a crime may be granted probationary supervision, particularly non-violent offenders. This is when the court recognizes underlying issues that may have contributed to their criminal behavior. 

Probation can consist of regular meetings, rehabilitation, counseling sessions, and providing evidence of employment. Any violation of the terms can result in the court revoking the probation and imposing alternative consequences.

Failure To Appear

Failure to appear in court is a serious offense with severe consequences. This is when individuals miss a scheduled court appearance after receiving a court order or legal summons. It often results in the issuance of a warrant and potential fines, imprisonment, or both. To avoid penalties, the accused should have a valid excuse for the absence.

Once you get arrested for serious criminal charges, do remember that it’s not necessarily the end of the road for you. Immediately seek the services of a criminal lawyer so you can make informed decisions. 

Expunction Of Criminal Records

A criminal record carries long-lasting consequences that can negatively affect job prospects and educational opportunities. However, expunction provides the chance for a clean slate. It allows the court to remove a criminal record. This opens doors to better opportunities, even in the face of a guilty verdict.

You must file a petition in court to seek record expungement. It is crucial to gather relevant conviction documents from the prosecutor’s office and be prepared for court proceedings. Expunction serves as a ray of hope, enabling you to leave the past behind. This way, you can embrace a future filled with improved prospects and brighter opportunities.

That said, an expunction attorney can ensure that you follow the whole process to the letter. That way, you increase your chance of a positive outcome.

Consult With A Criminal Defense Lawyer In Texas

Be sure to secure the assistance of a skilled defense lawyer when facing criminal charges. They can provide invaluable guidance and develop effective strategies specifically for your case. 

The Medlin Law Firm is a top-ranked criminal defense firm based in Fort Worth, Texas. They offer comprehensive representation, strategic counsel, and an unwavering dedication to protecting your rights. 

Whether you are facing assault, domestic violence, murder, or drug possession charges, The Medlin Law Firm will employ robust strategies. They will pursue the ideal possible outcome for your case.

Summary

Dealing with a criminal charge can be complicated. There is so much at stake, including your freedom and the future of your loved ones. Thus, knowing how to navigate the legal system is important to avoid making unnecessary mistakes. Seasoned criminal lawyers advocate for your rights, offer solutions, negotiate, and provide guidance and support.

Crimes such as murder, assault, domestic violence, drug possession, and sex crimes can result in hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences. When facing criminal charges, secure your rights by seeking a criminal attorney in Fort Worth.

Read about our Immigration Services.