CRIMINAL LAW
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Defending Your Rights Against Criminal Charges in Texas
Whether you or a loved one have been arrested for alleged crimes or are being investigated for a crime in Texas, all hope is not lost. You have rights, including the right to defend yourself and to obtain legal representation.
At Alfredo Mares Law Firm, PLLC, our commitment to our clients goes beyond smart legal advice and criminal defense. We understand the emotional and personal toll that criminal charges can have. Contact our criminal defense attorney in Texas at 210-817-7576 to schedule a Free Consultation and to learn more about our approach to criminal defense.
Types of Criminal Cases in Texas
Criminal cases encompass a wide range of offenses, varying in severity and nature. Some of the more common types of crimes charged in Texas include:
- Property crimes, like burglary, theft, and vandalism
- Violent crimes, like assault, robbery, and homicide
- Drug crimes, like possession, distribution, and trafficking
- White-collar crimes, like fraud, embezzlement, and insider trading
- Sex crimes, like rape, sexual assault, and child pornography
- Traffic offenses, like DWI offenses and reckless driving
How your criminal case moves forward depends on many factors. For example, in which jurisdiction was the charge filed? Is the crime a misdemeanor, a felony, or another classification? Is the crime a general intent crime or specific intent crime? Did you plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest?
State vs. Federal Jurisdiction
Understanding the jurisdiction of crimes is crucial. Crimes can be local but are most often state or federal offenses, each with its own set of laws, types of offenses, enforcement, and penalties.
Understanding the jurisdiction of crimes is crucial. Crimes can be local but are most often state or federal offenses, each with its own set of laws, types of offenses, enforcement, and penalties.
Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction is an important distinction. State crimes are violations of state laws and are prosecuted by state authorities. Each state has its own set of laws, and offenses against these laws are typically handled by state courts.
Federal crimes, on the other hand, are violations of federal laws established by the United States Congress. These offenses are prosecuted in federal courts by federal authorities.
Misdemeanors vs. Felonies
Two main categories of criminal cases are misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors generally involve less serious offenses, such as petty theft or simple assault, punishable by fines, probation, or short-term incarceration. Felonies, on the other hand, involve more serious crimes like murder, rape, or robbery, often resulting in imprisonment for a year or more. Some states do not distinguish crimes as misdemeanors or felonies but still use a system to classify crimes in a similar fashion.
Pleading Guilty, Not Guilty, or No-Contest
Deciding how to plead is nerve-wracking for some people, especially when it is their first time facing a criminal allegation. Making this decision, however, is not an easy one. Having a criminal defense attorney in Texas review your case and getting smart legal advice is in your best interests because there are consequences for each of these pleadings.
At Alfredo Mares Law Firm, PLLC, we guide our clients through these options, whether it’s entering a plea deal, pleading guilty, not guilty, or pursuing a no-contest plea. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome for our clients.
Overview of Criminal Procedures in Texas
Criminal procedures are the rules and regulations we must follow during a criminal case. These rules vary according to jurisdiction, but generally, there are five basic phases of a criminal case.
- Investigation. Law enforcement gathers evidence and conducts interviews to determine whether a crime has been committed and who may be responsible.
- Arrest. If the police have probable cause to believe a person committed a crime, they may arrest them and take them into custody.
- Arraignment. The accused is informed of the charges and enters a plea of guilty or not guilty.
- Discovery. Both the prosecution and defense exchange relevant evidence, allowing each party to prepare their case.
- Trial. The presentation of evidence and arguments takes place before a judge or jury, who then renders a verdict based on the evidence presented. A trial may be avoided if the charges are dismissed, the defendant pleads guilty, or a plea deal is offered and accepted.
These procedures are supposed to ensure fairness and to protect the rights of the accused – though that is often not the case.
Why Choose our Criminal Defense Lawyer in Texas
When facing criminal charges, the criminal defense attorney you hire can make all the difference. At Alfredo Mares Law Firm, PLLC, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients. We understand the legal complexities and work hard to secure the best possible outcomes for those we represent. We also:
- Provide strong criminal defense. We possess in-depth knowledge of criminal law, procedures, and the nuances of the legal system, enabling us to build strong defenses for our clients.
- Protect your rights. We safeguard the rights of the accused, ensuring fair treatment throughout the criminal process and challenging any violations of constitutional rights.
- Provide case evaluation and strategy. We analyze the evidence, assess the strengths and weaknesses of the case, and develop effective defense strategies tailored to our clients’ specific circumstances.
- Negotiate plea bargains, when appropriate. We negotiate with prosecutors to secure favorable plea bargains, potentially reducing charges or penalties.
- Represent our clients from beginning to end. We represent our clients in court, presenting compelling arguments, cross-examining witnesses, and providing a robust defense to protect our clients.
States Crimes
At Alfredo Mares Law Firm, PLLC, we provide a range of legal services aligned with the needs of our clients. When you hire us, you will always receive one-on-one client attention and representation that helps you get the best outcome for your legal situation.
Federal Crimes
At Alfredo Mares Law Firm, PLLC, we provide a range of legal services aligned with the needs of our clients. When you hire us, you will always receive one-on-one client attention and representation that helps you get the best outcome for your legal situation
