Even those hardened by the constant barrage of news regarding ever-more-heinous criminal acts might have been surprised at the recent Houston case in which a woman was found guilty of murdering her University of Houston boyfriend…with a five and one-half inch stiletto heel. Testimony during the trial indicated the $1,500 stiletto-heel shoes were actually bought for the defendant, Ana Trujillo, by the victim who was stabbed at least 25 times in the face during an argument between the two. While Ms. Trujillo’s Houston criminal defense attorney claimed his client was simply defending herself from a vicious attack, the prosecution said the murder was nothing more than an act of violence committed during a fit of rage.
The jury apparently agreed with the prosecution, returning a guilty verdict in less than two hours. Those who have been accused of a criminal act are painfully aware that there may be two sides to the story, and that without an experienced Houston criminal defense attorney by their side, their own side of the story may never be heard. While no one condones an act of violence which causes harm to another, there are many instances in which the reasons for the act really do matter.
If you have been accused of a criminal offense, you must call a skilled Houston criminal defense attorney immediately. In the interim, it is important that you refrain from speaking to anyone, particularly to a police officer as you attempt to “explain” what took place. Like many people, you may be under the mistaken notion that if you fully cooperate with law enforcement and are honest about the events which took place, you will be allowed to go home. As your Sullo & Sullo Houston criminal defense attorney can tell you, law enforcement officers are highly trained in extracting information from suspects.
If you answer questions and offer information in an effort to explain what happened, your words are highly likely to be taken out of context and used against you in a court of law. Speak to a Houston criminal defense attorney at the first opportunity, and remember that Miranda rights are there for a reason. Whether you have been charged with a relatively minor misdemeanor or a much more serious felony offense, a conviction for either will result in a criminal record which will likely follow you for the remainder of your life.
A well-qualified Houston criminal defense attorney will evaluate your specific situation, then determine the best way to proceed in an effort to minimize the negative consequences of your charges. It is important to remember that those with a criminal record can find it very difficult to obtain a student loan, secure employment, rent a home, obtain a professional license, work with children or own a firearm. A single mistake you make now can have far-reaching effects which can literally last forever.
Because our system does not always deliver justice, it is important to have a knowledgeable Houston criminal defense attorney by your side from start to finish. A Sullo & Sullo Criminal Defense attorney will be a strong advocate, explaining the legal process along the way, laying out your options and defending your rights. The Houston criminal defense attorneys at Sullo & Sullo will work hard to defend the criminal charges against you.