Farmers Branch Criminal Defense Lawyer

Farmers Branch Criminal Defense Attorney

Being accused of a crime can completely turn your life upside down. The fear of what this can mean for your future can leave those so overwhelmed that they are not even sure what their next move is. Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony, it’s critical to have a quality legal advocate fighting for your rights in the process. This is where a Farmers Branch criminal defense lawyer can help you work toward minimizing the impact this has on your life.

At Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, we take our role very seriously in ensuring that everyone has a strong defense and a fair shot at justice, no matter how severe the charge may be. Our clients appreciate our desire to make a difference and our non-judgmental attitude, which makes them feel more comfortable opening up about what happened. Whether you are looking for penalties to be reduced or a chance of having the case dismissed, we are here to help you.

The Reality of Facing Criminal Charges in Texas

Whether facing a misdemeanor or felony, facing criminal charges in Texas can carry significant consequences. However, sometimes, an initial charge doesn’t always account for the full context of what happened. It’s important to ensure this context is brought into consideration, as even first-time offenders run the risk of facing life-changing outcomes if they don’t secure strong legal support. Some common consequences of a conviction include:

• Jail or prison time, even for offenses that might seem only minor at first glance
• Fines and court costs that can escalate quickly and become a financial burden
• Loss of employment or housing opportunities, especially if the charge is a felony
• Driver’s license suspension, which is most often seen in drug and alcohol cases
• Strained personal relationships and damaged reputation in your community

In 2023, nearly one-third of new misdemeanor and felony filings in Texas were related to drug and alcohol use. This highlights just how easily everyday situations like a traffic stop or a night out with friends can lead to serious legal trouble. When this happens, you need a defense attorney working for you as soon as possible.

What You Need to Know About Violent Crime Charges in Farmers Branch

Violent crimes are prosecuted aggressively across Farmers Branch, Texas, including charges like aggravated assault, robbery, or even a simple argument that happened at the bar that escalated. While it’s true that the violent crime rates in Texas declined slightly in 2022, they remain a high priority for law enforcement and prosecutors.

If you are facing these charges, it’s important to understand:

• Intent matters: Prosecutors will look at your case to assess if your actions were intentional, knowing, reckless, or rather done in self-defense.
• Weapons make a difference: Just the sheer presence of a weapon can instantly elevate your charge to a more serious offense. This is sometimes unfair; it is the job of your defense attorney to make that point.
• Victim status counts: A charge might be more severe if the alleged victim is a public servant, a minor, or a vulnerable While the court might issue certain temporary protection orders while the case is ongoing, this doesn’t guarantee you will be found guilty in the end.
• Your prior record: Charges are also more likely to be elevated if you have a criminal history. This could result in harsher penalties or fewer plea options.

Texas reports a violent crime rate of 428.04 per 100,000 residents in 2022. It’s clear from this data that these types of cases are not rare across the state, which means you need to bring an experienced Farmers Branch Criminal Defense Lawyer to the table to combat the narrative of a likely equally experienced prosecutor.

FAQs About Farmers Branch, TX Criminal Defense Laws

Q: How Can I Tell If the Police Made an Error During My Arrest?

A: It’s a common concern that your rights were possibly violated during an arrest, especially if the process felt rushed or if you believe you are innocent. The Farmers Branch Police Department has been recognized for following the necessary standards in law enforcement, but that doesn’t always mean that every officer will get it right every time. A strong defense lawyer will review every step of your arrest to try to spot any examples of your rights being violated.

Q: What Is the Cost of a Felony Defense Attorney in Texas?

A: The total cost of hiring a Texas felony defense attorney will depend on the complexity of your case and how many years of experience your lawyer is bringing to the table. If you are facing serious charges, you will have to pay for the higher level of preparation that goes into this.

However, that doesn’t mean there won’t be a return on your investment. Be sure to discuss costs upfront with your lawyer if you have any budget concerns.

Q: What Are the Chances of Winning a Criminal Appeal in Texas?

A: While it is possible to win a criminal appeal in Texas, no one can guarantee it. Rather, a defense attorney can review the details of the original decision and advise if they believe you have a shot at an appeal. To do this, they will need to highlight if any legal errors were made during the original trial that should be investigated. Success is more likely when there is a clear issue related to the case’s original handling.

Q: Can a Felony be Dropped in Texas?

A: Yes, a felony to be dropped in Texas, depending on the circumstances of the case. If it can be proven that there is insufficient proof of the allegations, problems with how the evidence was obtained, or if a key witness is now unavailable, all of this can lead to a felony being dropped. Sometimes, a defense lawyer can also negotiate for charges to be reduced or dismissed altogether, especially if their client is facing a charge for the first time.

Contact Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC Today

If you have recently been accused of committing a crime in Farmers Branch, contact our firm today. We are ready to get started working on your behalf to ensure that no one takes advantage of your rights in the process.