When you have been arrested you need to know your rights, and you need to know there is someone behind you. Your freedom could be taken from you. I make sure that your rights are protected. The best defense is a good offense. I aggressively investigate your case. You are facing the possible loss of your freedom, not to mention the indignity and unfair treatment that someone charged with a crime receives. You are presumed innocent and entitled to make the State can prove its case. I diligently represent clients and help them navigate the system. It is my job to recommend the best course of action for you to take, including effectively negotiating and advocating on your behalf with the State.
DWI
If you are charged with drinking and driving, there can be serious consequences with a conviction. Each time you are charged, the offense level rises. There are new laws that went into effect that can raise the level of the charge now if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is above a certain level. But, now there may also be a way if charged, for the conviction to never appear. Additionally, those charged with DWI usually have to show the state they are serious about staying sober. This can often make a difference in the type of sentence you receive. Contact me to help you know what your rights are and what you need to do to keep driving.
Misdemeanors
There are Class “A”, “B” and “C” misdemeanors. Class “A” misdemeanors are offenses such as Resisting Arrest, a second DWI, and Family Violence. If you are convicted of a Class “A’ misdemeanor you can face jail time of up to one year and a fine up to $4,000.00
Class “B” misdemeanors are offenses such as a first DWI, Possession of Marijuana (depending on the amount) and shoplifting. A Class “B” misdemeanor means you could be sentenced to up to 180 days in jail (6 months) and a fine up to $2,000.00
A Class “C” misdemeanor is a ticket for a moving violation, such as speeding or running a red light. It can also be a ticket for an offense such as Public Intoxication or Excessive Noise. The good news is that you cannot go to jail with a Class “C” misdemeanor. However, for some people there can still be serious consequences. For example, commercial drivers need to be careful not to have too many tickets.
Family Violence
Family Violence can be a felony or a Class “A” misdemeanor depending on whether you have been convicted previously and how serious the allegations of violence are. There are serious consequences to a Family Violence conviction. It can effect your ability to get a job. Many employers will not hire someone with a conviction involving violence on their record. It is therefore important to have legal representation to make sure your rights are protected.
Felonies
Felonies are serious crimes. Most people know the really bad ones–murder, rape, deadly assault. But, there are other felonies that are less serious crimes and yet a felony conviction will stay with you for the rest of your life. It can effect you ability to get a job and to qualify for certain benefits. It even effects whether you can vote. DWI, Family Violence and Assault crimes can often be enhanced to felonies either because of prior convictions, use of a weapon, or injury to another. Sometimes a felony can be reduced to a misdemeanor. If you are charged with a felony, you need an attorney dedicated to protecting and defending you. I have represented clients charged with felonies across the central Texas region.
Occupational Licenses / License Suspension
Many times people do not even know their license has been suspended. They are pulled over for a minor traffic violation and all of a sudden, they are charged with a crime. Make sure you know what to do if your license has been suspended. First, many people do not pay all the proper fines or do the paperwork necessary for DPS to reinstate their license after it has been suspended. Second, your license is automatically suspended if you refuse a breath test when you are suspected of DWI. If your license is suspended, there are ways I can help. I can fight your suspension. I can also help you get an occupational license. This will allow you to legally drive during certain hours so you can get to work, get the kids to school, and run necessary errands.