Top Texas Criminal Lawyers

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If you or a family member have recently been accused or charged with a criminal offense in your state, such as theft or DUI, you probably are concerned about what will happen in the near future. You likely are wondering who will be willing to listen to your side of the events, and you want to know what your rights are and how your job and family may be affected. Most importantly you want to know who you can turn to for help.

At the first opportunity, you should consult an experienced attorney. This will help you avoid making mistakes and can also help to ease the consequences that often come with criminal charges. Now is time for a free consultation with a Texascriminal lawyer who has a proven track record in criminal cases just like the one you or a loved one may be facing. You have the right to remain silent and protect your interests, but the sooner you meet with a criminal attorney the better off you will be. Remember, just because a person is charged with a state offense does not mean that they will be found guilty. Hiring a good criminal lawyer can help protect you and your family and will provide you with information on the rights and options that you may have. Many attorneys will even offer free advice during the initial meeting so that you can decide the next steps you wish to take.

Are You Looking for an Experience Criminal Lawyer?

We have an experienced and professional team of criminal attorneys that are well-versed in many areas of crime from domestic violence to fraud to DUI. We have capable lawyers who specialize in areas of criminal defense like theft, aggravated assault, manslaughter, sexual offenses, weapons charges and much more.

The sooner you act the better. It doesn't matter if you are actually facing charges or you simply fear that there will be repercussions for an act in your past, the longer it takes to get legal counsel, the fewer options you will have. Our Texas criminal attorneys have the expertise to fully understand how state law works and they will be able to offer valuable advice to you during your first meeting.

Build Up a Strong Defense for a DUI Charge

One of the most common charges at the state level is a DUI. Though consequences of this action can vary, many times they will include a night in jail, alcohol education classes, heavy fines and even a suspended driver's license. A smart move is to find a Texas criminal attorney who has the expertise and knowledge in DUI cases like the one you may be facing. Our experienced lawyers can help to find out if you qualify as a first time offender, to explain the fines and other penalties that you could face, and how you can plan, together, the defense strategy. They will also help you to understand how this type of charge may affect other parts of your life like your auto insurance and even your job.

Good Lawyers are Focused on Specific Areas of Law

Our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys concentrates on certain areas of the law. This helps them to gain thorough knowledge of their legal specialty and also helps them build up strong track records in specific types of cases. They will also have comprehensive information about particular state laws and know how they relate to your personal case. Our lawyers will use this background to formulate a solid defense strategy for your individual case. We help to match you with the perfect lawyer for your unique situation.

What to Expect From Your Criminal Lawyer

When you first meet with your criminal lawyer for a consultation you will need to discuss the facts of your case. Your attorney will be able to share their own expertise of the law and how it will relate to the charges being brought against you. You should always be as candid as you can be with your lawyer and be willing to ask them questions. Your attorney will make sure to keep your information confidential and will strive to represent your best interests. It is important for you to follow any advice that is given to you by your attorney and to understand that patience may be needed.

A Strong Reputation Will Count

Our lawyers belong to a variety of professional groups like the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. You will be able to track the success rate of our attorneys throughout their careers which can give you peace of mind. Our attorneys have been thoroughly screened in order to ensure they are providing top notch legal counsel.

You Can Trust Our Attorneys

The perfect criminal lawyer for you will be the one who is going to advocate for your best interests. They will be able to earn your trust, adhere to the highest ethical standards and provide you with that extra boost of confidence that is always needed in these situations.

Our lawyers will know the common methods of defense for you and will handle your case with the urgency and care that you need. Avoid mistakes early on in the criminal process by choosing an attorney quickly. It is important to have the trustworthy legal support that comes from professional counsel. Call one of our qualified attorneys today!

Are You Facing Criminal Charges in Texas?

Of all the states in which you might find yourself facing criminal charges, Texas is one of the harshest. The laws of Texas prescribe some of the most substantial sentences and penalties in the country and, upon conviction, often specify both minimum and maximum punishments which are handed down in the form of either jail or state prison incarceration. The severe repercussions faced by those convicted of criminal charges in Texas make it even more important for you to gain familiarity with the applicable Texas criminal law.

Every crime in Texas is specifically described in the Texas Penal Code. This set of written statutes contains the definition of each criminal offense and its category – including whether a particular criminal charge is considered a felony or a misdemeanor – and the narrower, more specific subclassification into which it falls. This information, which is readily available to the public, also describes the potential sentences faced by those convicted of specific charges.

Under the Texas Penal Code, and as in other states, felonies are the more serious crimes. These crimes include such offenses as aggravated assault, grand theft, and murder. All felonies are more narrowly classified as either a capital felony, first-degree felony, second-degree felony, third-degree felony, or state jail felony. Within each of these classifications, certain specified minimum and maximum jail sentences create a schedule of potential terms of imprisonment imposed upon those convicted of crimes in Texas. The maximum punishment in Texas – which is imposed only upon conviction of a capital felony – is capital punishment.

Despite the fact that they are considered less serious crimes under Texas criminal law, misdemeanors are handled in a similarly detailed fashion. The primary difference between felony and misdemeanor convictions is that the maximum sentence handed down for any misdemeanor will be one year in jail. Also, these shorter sentences are not served under the state penitentiary system – the Texas Department of Corrections (TDC).

For many people, one of the most important aspects of criminal charges and sentencing is not just whether the crime of which he or she is accused will be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, but whether a conviction is likely to require them to serve their sentence in a county jail or within the TDC. The TDC is the state penitentiary for the State of Texas, and it is comprised of a network of state prisons that house the most dangerous criminals. Typically, sentences longer than one year are served in a TDC facility.

If you are facing criminal charges in Texas, it is very important for you to understand all of the specific elements and potential outcomes that accompany your charges. For that reason, obtaining a basic, clear understanding often makes it imperative for you to seek the advice and counsel from the best criminal lawyer in Texas.

Find the right Texas criminal attorney here.

Five Common Crimes Charged in Texas

A significant amount of information about criminal records is readily available throughout Texas, including detailed descriptions of the criminal justice system itself – as well as each of the specific crimes the state addresses. However, much of this information is directed toward trained and experienced Texas criminal defense lawyers. In the paragraphs that follow, Criminal Lawyer offers you a straightforward look at some of the crimes that are most commonly charged in Texas.

If, as is quite common, this information raises additional questions about criminal charges in your mind – especially questions about your specific case or how to go about building your defense – then your best option is to contact a criminal lawyer in Texas.

Burglary

In most states, trespass and burglary are treated as separate crimes that fall under separate statutes. However, the Texas penal code treats these two crimes as interrelated, and simply addresses certain variations on the same offense. Under this structure, criminal trespass is the less serious criminal charge, and burglary is the more substantial.

Criminal trespass is defined as entering or remaining on the property of another person without their consent and remaining on the property despite being aware that entry onto the property was illegal or ignoring requests by the owner to leave. Criminal trespass is usually treated as a Class B misdemeanor for which conviction will result in a maximum sentence of 180 days in jail.

However, in cases where mitigating or aggravating circumstances arise, criminal trespass can be charged as either a Class A or Class C misdemeanor. As a Class A misdemeanor, criminal trespass can be punished by one year in jail; however, if mitigating circumstances come into play, then the punishment for this Class C misdemeanor will be reduced to a $500 fine.

Burglary is charged in cases of criminal trespass when the defendant entered or remained on the property while intending to commit a felony, assault, or theft. In such cases, intent becomes a huge question when it comes to proving or defending against burglary charges in Texas.

Burglary can also be charged in various degrees. In cases involving burglary of a building other than a residential building, the offense is considered a state jail felony in Texas. This designation means the crime will be charged as a felony but, upon conviction, the maximum two-year sentence will be served in a state jail rather than in the county penitentiary or prison.

Burglary of a habitation – meaning a dwelling or residential building – is a second-degree felony for which conviction carries a possible prison sentence of between two and 20 years. More egregious charges of first-degree burglary will be brought in cases where a burglary occurs within a habitation where a felony other than theft is committed or attempted. First-degree burglary is a first-degree felony offense. As such, it requires a minimum prison sentence of five years, and conviction could possibly result in a maximum sentence of 99 years.

Find a top defense attorney in burglary in Texas.

DWI

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is very common, and very serious, offense in Texas. Under Texas DWI laws, DWI is described as operation of a motor vehicle when one is impaired by alcohol or a controlled substance. In Texas, the degree of impairment is typically determined exactly as it is in most states – by measuring the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of the driver.

If an individual has a BAC that tests above the legal limit of 0.08%, then he or she will be charged with DWI. It is also possible for a driver to be charged with DWI in Texas, even with a BAC that measures below the legal limit, if he or she is still considered too impaired to drive. This is true because, as in most states, Texas law recognizes that impairment and intoxication aren’t truly synonymous.

Under the DWI laws in Texas, a conviction for DWI results in both administrative and criminal penalties. Administrative penalties include loss of driving privileges, fines, and mandatory education sessions on alcohol abuse. Criminal penalties, on the other hand, include potential jail sentences. The exact length of a potential sentence that will result from conviction on DWI charges depends on whether the driver has a record of prior DWI convictions and the level of his or her BAC. Upon conviction:

A first-time DWI offender will serve between 72 hours and 180 days in jail unless the driver had a heightened BAC, in which case the maximum punishment is one year.

A second-time DWI offender will serve between 30 days and one year in jail.

A third-time DWI offender will serve between two and 10 years in prison

Other aggravating circumstances can lead to even harsher and more substantial sentences, including time to be served in state prison.

Find a top Texas DUI attorney.

Assault

In the United States, certain states address assault and battery as two separate and distinct crimes. In those states, the first – assault – is defined as simply threatening imminent physical harm or offensive contact, while the second – battery – is the actual act of carrying out these actions. However, states, such as Texas cover these crimes within a single statute which includes several degrees or classifications of the crime. In both instances, assault is always the lesser offense and battery is the more serious.

Under Texas criminal law, assault and battery is:

Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person

Intentionally or knowingly threatening to cause bodily injury to another person

Intentionally or knowingly touching another person in a way that is offensive or provocative

When an assault or battery charge results from acts of offensive or provocative contact, no evidence of physical harm to the victim is required for the act to be considered a crime.

More complex than the basic definition of assault and battery is the determination of exact charges for a given crime. It is possible for assault and battery to be assigned any classification of offense between a Class C misdemeanor and a first degree felony. Here is how these charges are determined, along with the potential jail or prison sentence for each:

Class C misdemeanor: threat of bodily harm or offensive contact, which carries a potential fine of $500, but no jail or prison sentence

Class B misdemeanor: an assault and battery that takes place during a sports contest, which carries a potential sentence of 180 days in jail

Class A misdemeanor: causing bodily injury to another person or offensive (or provocative) contact with an elderly person, which carries a potential sentence of one year in jail

Third-degree felony: an assault and battery carried out against a public servant, family member (if committed by intentionally or knowingly choking the family member), employee of family services, security officer (when it is known that such person is performing his or her official duties), or against emergency services personnel who are carrying out their official duties, which has a potential sentence of 10 years in prison

Second-degree felony: causing serious bodily injury to a family member or member of the same household, causing bodily injury if the offender has been convicted of a similar crime in the past, or causing serious bodily injury by intentionally or knowingly choking the individual. As a second-degree felony, the prison sentence for a convicted person must be between two and 20 years.

First-degree felony: causing serious bodily injury to someone with whom the actor is in a domestic relationship or to a police officer, EMT, security guard, witness, or police informant. The required prison sentence upoln conviction is between five years and life in prison.

Find a top assault defense attorney in Texas.

Robbery

Robbery is a property crime such as theft, embezzlement, or arson and, under Texas law, it is inextricably intertwined with the crime of theft. In fact, the statute on robbery in Texas specifically mentions theft as an element of robbery. The statute says that robbery occurs if, during the commission of a theft, the actor intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily harm to the victim or threatens such imminent harm.

As defined above, robbery is a second-degree felony. This means the penalty for a person convicted of robbery is anywhere between two and 20 years. The exact sentence will depend on the amount stolen from the victim, the degree of harm to the victim, and how the robbery was carried out. Additionally, robbery can be a heightened offense, which the Texas statute refers to as aggravated robbery.

Aggravated robbery is a first-degree felony. That means the minimum punishment for a convicted person is five years, and the maximum sentence can be life in prison. Robbery is elevated to the level of an aggravated robbery when the actor:

Causes serious bodily injury to the victim

Uses or displays a deadly weapon during the robbery

Causes bodily injury or threatens bodily injury to a person over the age of 65 or one who is disabled

Find a top robbery defense attorney in Texas.

Murder

Under the heading of criminal homicide, Texas law covers all crimes leading to the unlawful death of another human being. These crimes include killings that are premeditated as well as those that are unplanned. It also covers killings that are intentional and unintentional, those committed in the heat of passion, and those that are not. Based on this fairly broad scope, criminal homicide in Texas covers far more than just murder; however, murder is the most grave of all these offenses.

Capital murder is the most severe crime one can commit in Texas and, as such, it can be punished by a similarly severe sentence. Texas is one of the 31 states in the United States that still imposes the death penalty, and murder in the first degree is prosecuted as a capital felony under Texas law. Capital murders are the most egregious killings in the state and these severe charges are brought against a defendant when:

The victim is a peace officer or fireman carrying out his or her official duties

The murder is intentional and occurs during the commission of a separate felony offense

The murder is committed for hire or in return for payment

The defendant was trying to escape from prison

The murder takes place while the defendant is already in prison

The charge contemplates the murder of more than one person

The victim is under the age of 6 years

The murder is committed against a judge or jury member in retaliation for the outcome of a court case

In Texas, lesser murder charges are simply referred to as “murder.” These charges are felonies in the first degree for which conviction will result in a mandatory sentence of between five and 30 years. The offense is considered murder if:

The killing was done intentionally or knowingly

The defendant acted in a manner that was clearly dangerous to human life when trying to seriously injure the victim

The killing took place during the commission of a separate felony, including acts in furtherance of the felony itself or while the offender was in flight from a felony

Other charges criminal homicide charges under the Texas statute include manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. Although these crimes are less serious than murder, they are still very grave. If you are charged with any offense addressed within this statute, it is essential that you seek the experienced representation of a Texas criminal defense lawyer.

Other Crimes

The Texas criminal lawyers who comprise Criminal Lawyer are prepared to defend a variety of crimes in Texas. Our experience is not limited to just the most common crimes in the state. Instead, it extends to the successful defense of federal crimes and the building of appellate level defenses. Whether you are seeking a lawyer for defense against such serious charges as murder, or a less severe misdemeanor such as possession of a controlled substance, we can help.

Importance of an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

A criminal defense attorney in Texas has pursued specific training and acquired an intimate knowledge of Texas criminal law that is not possessed by every lawyer in the state. This is an incredibly important factor when it comes to forming a strong defense. This knowledge and acquired skill will enable you and your lawyer to build a strategic defense that is built on prior experience and a record of successful outcomes. Looking for an experienced lawyer will often lead you to hire a lawyer you can trust and rely on throughout your trial and afterward.

Most criminal defendants are uncertain when it comes to locating a reliable lawyer, but Criminal Lawyer offers you a convenient and easy-to-use directory that will enable you to choose the best criminal defense attorney in Texas.

If you are unsure where you should turn for defense against criminal charges in Texas, you can definitely turn to us.

[Disclaimer – this is not legal advice.]