Among the states in the U.S., Texas ranks second in the number of violent crimes, although once the population is factored in, Texas drops to number sixteen. As any Houston criminal defense attorney knows, of the nearly 1.2 million individuals arrested annually in Texas, nearly 13,000 of those receive a prison sentence. Fines and restitution fees for each person in Texas convicted of a criminal offense average $6,000—although that figure can be significantly higher for certain crimes. A Houston criminal defense attorney understands that sometimes criminal charges are the result of one bad decision and will work hard to minimize the damage to your future.
Why Hire a Houston Criminal Defense Attorney?
Criminal charges are extremely frightening to most people, however a good Houston criminal defense attorney may be able to alter the eventual outcome as well as allay your fears. Your experienced Houston criminal defense attorney can explain your rights through every stage of the criminal process. Once you understand your rights and your options, your Houston criminal defense attorney can discuss whether a plea bargain is a possibility or if you will fight together for a dismissal. No matter whether the criminal charges are serious or relatively minor, any person facing criminal charges is potentially facing very grave, life-altering consequences.
Criminal Offenses and Your Houston Criminal Defense Attorney
The reputation and knowledge of the Houston criminal defense attorney chosen can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your case. Depending on what crime you’ve been charged with, you will want to ensure your chosen attorney has experience in that area of Texas law. Some of the less serious—though still critical to your future—criminal offenses a Houston resident could be charged with include:
· Domestic violence
· Warrants
· Drug crimes
· Criminal mischief or criminal trespass
· DWI
· Theft
· White collar crimes
· Appeals
· Juvenile crimes
An experienced Houston criminal defense attorney who is brought on board early can minimize the effects of a DWI arrest; although DWI charges are generally misdemeanors, they are among the toughest misdemeanor to defend. In the same vein, charges of theft, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, white collar crimes, traffic warrants, domestic violence and juvenile crimes may not bring excessive criminal penalties, however the long-term damage from having a criminal record is significant.
A Houston criminal defense attorney understands the many negative consequences which can result from any criminal conviction including the inability to secure a government loan for college, the inability to obtain a professional license, the inability to secure employment or rent a home and the social stigma attached to any criminal conviction. An experienced Houston criminal defense attorney will have patience with your questions, be trustworthy, have extensive knowledge of your particular criminal charges, and be capable of mounting a successful criminal defense whether a plea bargain is necessary or the case will be heard before a jury.
Although some legal matters can be handled alone, a criminal arrest—no matter the level of offense—warrants speaking to a Houston criminal defense attorney who can ensure the protection of your rights. A knowledgeable Houston criminal defense attorney will have the necessary skill level to confidently and competently defend your case.