Traffic Offenses
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI): Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Reckless Driving: Operating a vehicle in a manner that endangers people or property.
- Hit and Run: Leaving the scene of an accident without stopping to provide information or aid.
White-Collar Crimes
- Fraud: Deceptive practices to obtain money, goods, or services.
- Embezzlement: Misappropriation of funds entrusted to one's care.
- Identity Theft: Unauthorized use of someone else’s personal information for financial gain.
Sex Crimes
- Sexual Assault: Non-consensual sexual contact or penetration.
- Indecent Exposure: Exposing one’s genitals in a public place.
- Child Pornography: Possession or distribution of sexually explicit images of minors.
Weapons Offenses
- Unlawful Possession of Firearms: Possessing firearms without required permits or in prohibited locations.
- Illegal Discharge of a Firearm: Firing a gun in a manner that endangers others.
Crimes in Texas are categorized into two main classifications: misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors typically involve non-violent or less severe criminal activities, such as petty theft, simple assault, or minor drug possession, while felonies are more serious crimes that often involve violence, significant property damage, or substantial harm to individuals. We defend clients against all types of misdemeanor and felony charges, including those involving juvenile offenders. Our thorough approach ensures every angle is considered when preparing your defense strategy.
Common Defenses Against Criminal Charges
Common defenses include:
- Innocence: Claiming that the defendant did not commit the crime and presenting evidence or alibis to prove it.
- Lack of Evidence: Arguing that the prosecution cannot satisfy the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt due to insufficient or unreliable evidence.
- Self-Defense: Claiming the defendant used reasonable force to protect themselves or others from harm.
- Defense of Others or Property: Similar to self-defense, but used when protecting another person or one’s property.
- Alibi: Providing evidence that the defendant was somewhere else at the time the crime occurred, making it impossible for them to have committed the offense.
- Mistaken Identity: Claiming that the defendant was wrongly identified as the perpetrator, often supported by eyewitness credibility issues or forensic evidence.
- Entrapment: Claiming the defendant was influenced by law enforcement to execute a crime they otherwise would not have committed.
- Duress or Coercion: Asserting the defendant was forced to execute the crime under threat of harm.
- Lack of Intent: Demonstrating that the defendant did not have the required mental state (mens rea) to commit the crime.
- Constitutional Violations: Challenging evidence obtained through illegal searches, seizures, or interrogations in violation of the defendant’s constitutional rights.
Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney in Arlington
Hiring a criminal defense attorney Arlington can provide numerous benefits if you are facing criminal charges. These legal professionals are trained and experienced in defending individuals accused of crimes, and they play a crucial role in safeguarding your rights and interests throughout the legal process.
Here are some of the key benefits of hiring an Arlington criminal defense lawyer:
- Legal Knowledge: Criminal defense lawyers deeply understand criminal law, including the specific statutes, procedures, and precedents relevant to your situation.
- Protecting Your Rights: Lawyers are well-versed in your constitutional rights, such as the right to remain silent, the right to legal counsel, and protection against unlawful searches and seizures.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Defense lawyers can thoroughly investigate the charges against you. This includes interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and examining the prosecution’s evidence for weaknesses or errors, fostering a strong counter-argument.
- Negotiating Plea Deals: In some instances, an attorney can negotiate with the prosecution to secure a plea deal that may result in reduced charges or a more lenient sentence.
- Customized Defense Strategy: Attorneys tailor their defense strategies to your specific situation. They analyze your circumstances, including the evidence and existing legal landscapes.
- Experienced Courtroom Presence: Defense attorneys are familiar with courtroom procedures and have wide-ranging experience arguing before judges and juries. They can present your situation effectively, cross-examine witnesses, and argue legal points in your favor.
- Minimizing Penalties: If you are found guilty, an attorney can work to minimize the penalties. They may seek alternatives to incarceration, such as probation, community service, or diversion programs.
- Legal Counsel and Guidance: Attorneys provide you with legal advice and guidance. They can explain the potential consequences and help you to make informed decisions.
- Emotional Support: Facing criminal charges can be emotionally taxing. A defense attorney can offer emotional support and reassurance, helping you navigate the stress of the legal proceedings.
- Protection of Your Future: A criminal conviction can have long-lasting consequences, affecting your employment, housing, and other aspects of your life. An attorney can work to minimize these collateral consequences, aiming to protect your prospects.
- Charge Dismissal or Acquittal: In some scenarios, a skilled defense attorney may be able to have your charges dismissed or secure an acquittal during proceedings.
Our Arlington criminal defense attorneys are ready to defend you inside and outside the courtroom and help achieve a favorable outcome. Do not hesitate to let us protect your rights, reputation, and freedom from start to finish. Our dedication ensures we give every client the attention they deserve.
Arlington’s Courts & Legal Landscape
Arlington has a judicial system that handles various criminal cases, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. Understanding the local courts and legal procedures can significantly impact the outcome of your case. The Tarrant County Courthouse is the primary venue for more severe offenses, while other municipal court branches might handle less severe crimes. Local law enforcement and prosecutors are experienced in dealing with a wide array of offenses, making it essential to have a criminal lawyer familiar with regional processes. The Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, PLLC is dedicated to navigating these intricate legal channels efficiently, ensuring that your rights are upheld in every step of the judicial process.
FAQs About Criminal Defense
What Should I Do If I Am Arrested?
If you are arrested, remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement while also protecting your rights. Avoid making statements without legal counsel present. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to understand your rights and prepare for any subsequent legal proceedings. An attorney from Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, PLLC can assist you promptly upon a call, ensuring your rights are respected from the onset.
How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help Reduce My Charges?
A criminal defense attorney Arlington can negotiate with the prosecution to potentially reduce charges or secure a plea agreement that offers lesser penalties. They analyze evidence and identify any procedural errors or legal loopholes that may work in your favor. The attorneys at Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, PLLC leverage their knowledge of local laws and procedures to advocate for the best possible outcome.
Is Hiring a Public Defender a Good Option?
While public defenders provide an essential service, they often manage numerous cases simultaneously, which might limit their availability for personalized attention. Hiring a dedicated criminal defense attorney, like those at Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, PLLC, ensures you receive focused and personalized legal support through every step of your defense process.
How Can I Get a Criminal Record Expunged in Texas?
Expungement, or expunction, refers to the legal process of erasing parts of an individual's criminal record. In Texas, certain criteria must be met for a record to be eligible for expunction, such as instances where charges didn’t result in conviction or certain juvenile offenses. Once expunged, the record is removed from both public and legal capacity, allowing individuals to legally claim they have no record. However, the process is complex and often requires navigating many legal stipulations, which is why having a knowledgeable Arlington criminal defense lawyer is beneficial in determining eligibility and facilitating a successful expungement process.
Contact Our Criminal Defense Attorney in Arlington Today
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, don't wait to get the legal assistance you need. Our Arlington criminal defense attorney is here to defend your rights and fight for the best possible result. Whether you're dealing with DUI, drug offenses, assault, or any other criminal matter, we offer reliable and aggressive representation every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first effort toward defending your future.
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call (817) 497-8148 to speak with our Arlington criminal defense lawyer.
