Plano Criminal Defense Lawyer

Plano Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing criminal charges can be one of the most stressful experiences one faces in life. Whether you have been accused of a misdemeanor or a serious felony, the potential consequences for your freedom and reputation can be extremely overwhelming. To help mitigate the impact this has on your future, a skilled Plano criminal defense lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, protect your rights, and build a strong defense that makes an impact.

At Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, we commit to balancing an aggressive and personalized approach to representing your interests and challenging the charges you face.

Our team understands how unique every case can be, which is why we take the time necessary to thoroughly investigate the facts, examine all available evidence, and develop a strategy to help reduce or dismiss the charges you face. Connect with us today so you do not waste any more time.

Navigating the Texas Criminal Justice System

Since criminal statutes in Texas can sometimes be broad and difficult to interpret, being accused of criminal activity in the state can bring on a ton of emotional distress and uncertainty. Regardless of what type of crime you have been accused of, your future is at stake. Understanding the legal process is the first step to protecting your rights.

In most criminal cases, the journey follows this standard path:

• Arraignment and bail: You will appear in court to enter a plea. In many cases, bail will be set at this point.
• Investigation and arrest: Law enforcement often spends time investigating a case before they make an official arrest. Once you have been arrested, you are taken into custody and booked.
• Charges filed: The district attorney will then evaluate what evidence is stacked against you to determine what the formal charges will be.
• Discovery and pretrial motions: Your attorney will gather evidence, negotiate with the prosecution, and may even file motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence if they spot any.
• Trial or plea deal: If a resolution is unable to be reached, your case will proceed to trial. This is where a judge or jury will determine if you are guilty or innocent.
• Sentencing and appeal: If you are convicted, sentencing will follow. You may have the right to appeal the decision that was made, depending on the specifics of your case.

With more than 601,000 cases in criminal courthouses throughout Texas, the system is under a lot of pressure. This type of pressure can lead to mistakes. That’s why it’s so important to have a skilled Plano Criminal Defense attorney on your side to supervise the process and spot any mistakes made that can be addressed and benefit your case.

Common Types of Criminal Charges in Texas

Criminal charges in Texas are categorized by severity. This ranges from a Class C misdemeanor, like a traffic violation, to a first-degree felony, such as aggravated robbery or homicide.

Some of the most common types of charges individuals face include:

• DUI/DWI: Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a common offense that can result in your license being suspended, hefty fines, or even possible jail time. These cases often involve field sobriety tests, breathalyzers, and questions about whether the traffic stop was legal.
• Drug crimes: Charges for drug crimes can range from simple possession to manufacturing or trafficking of controlled substances. Many drug crime cases rest on how law enforcement obtained the evidence in question and whether any search and seizure violations were made.
• Assault and violent crimes: Offenses like domestic violence, aggravated assault, or robbery can carry serious penalties. They may also involve complex legal questions around self-defense, witness reliability, or intent to harm.
• Theft and property crimes: These include offenses such as shoplifting, burglary, or auto theft. In these cases, a prosecutor must prove that the defendant unlawfully took someone else’s property with the intent of depriving the owner of the item in question.
• Weapons offenses: Violations may involve unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a weapon without a license, or possession by someone legally prohibited from owning a weapon.
• White-collar crimes: These types of crimes often involve fraud, embezzlement, and identity theft. While they are non-violent in nature, they can involve lengthy investigations with significant financial penalties depending on how much harm was caused to others. These cases often require following paper trails and digital evidence.

As Texas law enforcement responds to shifting crime trends, such as an 8.33% increase in violent crime over the last five years, charges are being pursued more aggressively. That’s why it’s important to understand the nature of each charge to ensure your legal defense is built as effectively as possible.

Key Defense Strategies in Criminal Cases

No two criminal cases are exactly the same. There are many different factors that require a nuanced approach to solve each case, such as the nature of the charges, the strength of the evidence, and the background of the accused.

Some key strategies commonly used in Texas to defend clients against charges they face include:

• Challenging the legality of the stop or search: If law enforcement stopped your vehicle or searched your property without probable cause or first securing a valid search warrant, any evidence obtained during the interaction could be deemed inadmissible in court. When a defense lawyer can successfully suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, it can drastically weaken the prosecution’s case against you.
• Raising doubts about intent: Many criminal charges require evidence that the defendant acted with criminal intent. If the state is unable to prove this beyond a reasonable doubt, the charges might not be able to stand on their own. This strategy often applies in cases where there was a clear misunderstanding or accidental actions.
• Asserting self-defense: In cases involving violence, the defense may choose to suggest that they had to use self-defense to protect themselves from danger. This defense strategy can work if you are able to prove that you only used the level of force necessary to protect yourself or someone else from a proportionate threat.
• Negotiating lesser charges or diversion programs: A prosecutor may agree to reduce a charge or allow a defendant to participate in a pretrial diversion program. This is especially true for first-time offenders or those accused of a non-violent crime. Having this option can help individuals avoid jail time and keep a conviction off their record.

FAQs About Plano, TX Criminal Defense Laws

Q: What Is the Difference Between a Criminal Lawyer and a Defense Attorney?

A: The terms criminal lawyer and defense attorney can be used to explain the same function. However, sometimes, people may use one term or the other to distinguish a slightly different role.

For example, a criminal lawyer is a term used for an attorney who works within the criminal justice system, including prosecutors dealing with charges on behalf of the state. In contrast, a defense attorney represents individuals who are accused of committing crimes and need help defending their rights.

Q: Can a Felony Be Dropped in Texas?

A: Yes, a felony charge can be dropped entirely in Texas, depending on the specifics of the case. For instance, a prosecutor may choose to drop or reduce a charge if there is insufficient evidence to move forward, a key witness has become unavailable, or a legal error has been made. In some instances, a defense attorney can negotiate a plea bargain to help reduce a felony charge to a misdemeanor.

Q: What Should I Do If I’m Contacted by Police but Haven’t Been Charged?

A: If law enforcement contacts you for questioning, it’s important to exercise your right to remain silent and speak with an attorney before agreeing to answer their questions. Even if you are not being arrested, anything you say to an officer can be used later in court. Rather than answering, politely decline to respond until you have legal counsel present. This can protect you from unintentionally incriminating yourself or being misinterpreted.

Q: Can I Represent Myself in a Criminal Case in Texas?

A: While it is possible to represent yourself in a Texas criminal case, it is strongly discouraged for several reasons. First, criminal law is extremely complicated. Without formal training in this discipline, it’s easy to overlook critical issues like procedural errors or pitfalls in a plea deal. This could cause you to make a mistake that would unintentionally delay your case or lead you to deal with more intense consequences than you would have under attorney supervision.

Contact Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC Today

If you have recently been accused of committing a crime in the Plano area and are looking to secure quality legal representation, contact our firm today. We know what a solid defense strategy looks like and have the skills necessary to build one that can effectively combat the charges you face.