Grimes County Criminal Defense Attorneys

Providing Skilled Legal Representation to Fight Your Criminal Charges

Texas is well-known for imposing harsh sentences and steep fines for those convicted of criminal offenses. If you or a loved one have been arrested and charged with a crime, you must seek skilled legal representation from a defense lawyer who will work diligently to protect your freedom.

Even a misdemeanor conviction can result in losing job opportunities, making it challenging to attend the school of your choice or serve in the military. Felony convictions have further legal implications, which can impede your ability to hold a professional license, legally own or possess a firearm, or vote.

Regardless of the charges you are facing, it is in your best interest to hire a Grimes County criminal defense attorney to help you avoid life-changing consequences. Our attorneys have comprehensive experience in helping clients avoid criminal convictions that allow them to continue their lives.

The attorneys of Shane Phelps Law have 30 years of combined experience defending clients and will work diligently to ensure you are treated fairly through every stage of the legal process. Our attorneys have a high success rate of dismissing charges and obtaining not-guilty verdicts.

Contact Shane Phelps Law today to schedule a free consultation so that we may professionally evaluate your case and determine what legal options are suitable for your needs.

What are the Most Significant Benefits of Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

If you have been arrested, you are probably trying to process what has happened and what the future may hold. Many defendants are under the impression that they cannot afford the services of a criminal defense attorney or that they can handle the case independently.

However, having a defense lawyer on your side will prove invaluable when dealing with the Texas criminal justice system. Texas criminal law can be challenging to understand without formal legal training, as those who try to handle a case alone soon realize.

One of the most critical services a defense attorney offers clients is the ability to act as their legal advocate and negotiate with the prosecution.

For example, some defendants who have been arrested for DWI may think they should just plead guilty to get their case over with and put it behind them. However, even a first-offense DWI conviction can result in a defendant being sentenced to up to 180 days in jail, a license suspension, and a $2,000 fine.

However, a criminal defense attorney can determine if the police officer had probable cause to pull over the defendant or challenge the results of field sobriety tests.

Other benefits of hiring a criminal defense lawyer include:

Comprehensive understanding of Texas criminal law
Ability to scrutinize the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s case
Negotiate with prosecutors to try and have charges dismissed or possibly reduced
If negotiations fail, take the case to trial to help clients obtain a favorable outcome

If you are still determining the benefits of hiring a criminal defense lawyer, contact our Grimes County, TX, law office to learn more about our legal services.

What is the Difference Between State and Federal Crimes in Texas?

Texas is well-known for prosecuting criminal offenses in state and federal courts. However, many people are unsure what legal elements differentiate which legal entity has jurisdiction.

State crimes are investigated by state law enforcement agencies, including the police and Texas state prosecutors, and heard in local courts like the Grimes County courthouse. State crimes are those outlined in the Texas Penal Code and may include offenses such as burglary, assault, drug possession, or DWI.

Conversely, federal crimes are investigated by federal law enforcement agencies, which include the DEA, FBI, or ATF, and tried in federal courts.

Federal crimes are typically those involving large quantities of drugs or illegal substances that have crossed the U.S.-Mexican border or made their way to or from Texas through interstate commerce. Other criminal offenses that may be charged as federal crimes include those that have occurred on federal lands such as government parks or through the United States postal system.

Finally, one of the most considerable differences between state and federal crimes is the criminal penalties associated with each one. Generally, federal crimes carry longer prison sentences and steeper fines than state crimes. Individuals convicted of these types of crimes are sentenced to federal prison.

If you have been charged with a criminal offense, do not try to handle your defense without the help of a highly qualified attorney. Contact our Grimes County defense lawyers today so that we may review your charges and determine how we can help.

What Should I Do if I am Arrested?

No one likes the idea of being arrested. However, if you find yourself being taken into custody, there are several steps that you must take to protect your rights and your ability to fight criminal charges. Failure to follow these steps could worsen the charges against you, making winning your case more challenging.

Do not resist arrest: Once it is clear that you are being taken into custody, do not resist the officers. Resisting arrest is illegal and can potentially lead to other charges.
Ask to speak to a lawyer: One of the first steps you must take after being arrested is to ask to speak to a lawyer. Because any statement you make can be used against you, it is always best to have an attorney present during questioning who will advise you of your legal rights.
Do not agree to any search: Unless the police have a warrant, you should never agree to allow the police to search your person or property, such as your motor vehicle.

If you are arrested, you must follow these steps. Many individuals who have been arrested agree to speak to police because they think they can explain the situation and be released from custody. However, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is agreeing to speak with the police without having your lawyer present. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney understands police tactics and helps protect you from self-incrimination.

If you have been arrested and are facing charges in Grimes County, Texas, contact Shane Phelps Law immediately to discuss your criminal case.

How Can a Criminal Conviction Impact a Person’s Life?

In Texas, a criminal conviction can severely impact your life and ability to pursue personal and professional pursuits. Additionally, criminal charges can further complicate your situation if you deal with other legal troubles, including divorce or child custody.

For example, if you are arrested for domestic violence against a family member, it will undoubtedly affect obtaining child custody rights or possibly being allowed to visit with your children. Furthermore, a Texas criminal conviction can also negatively affect your immigration status and may result in removal proceedings or your U.S. visa being canceled.

Other significant impacts a criminal conviction can have on your life include:

Challenges in finding gainful employment: Modern technology allows employers to conduct extensive background checks, which will detect a criminal conviction. Most employers shy away from hiring individuals with a criminal record, especially if the crime involves theft, fraud, aggravated assault, or other violent acts.
Inability to secure adequate housing: Rental agencies also utilize background checks before renting properties to applicants. Individuals who have criminal histories, especially felonies, often find it challenging to secure suitable housing in safe neighborhoods.
Difficulty with college admission: Most college applications inquire whether the applicant has a criminal history. Colleges and other higher learning institutions often want to keep their distance from individuals who have criminal convictions, especially for violent crimes such as domestic violence or sexual assault. Applicants with convictions are subject to more in-depth scrutiny or rejection.

Finally, many individuals with criminal convictions also find obtaining loans, financial aid, or government benefits difficult. Our Grimes County law firm is passionately committed to helping clients avoid criminal convictions and will work hard to protect your future interests.

Do all Criminal Cases Have to Go to Trial to Be Resolved?

Individuals unfamiliar with the Texas legal system often believe all criminal cases must be resolved at trial. Most criminal cases are settled through negotiations between the prosecutor and the defendant’s defense attorney.

However, several phases in the legal process may occur before a case can be resolved through negotiations. These legal stages include:

Suppression hearings: During a suppression hearing, the defendant’s attorney can file a motion alleging that false statements have been provided, an improper search was conducted, or evidence was seized illegally. If the court grants a motion to suppress the evidence, it cannot be used against the defendant.
Discovery phase: During the discovery phase, the prosecution and the defendant’s attorney exchange information regarding evidence each side plans to use in the case. However, unlike other states, the defendant’s legal representative must file a motion requesting permission to review the evidence, including witness statements, documents, recordings, photos, and electronic evidence.
Plea negotiations: During this stage of the legal process, a defendant’s attorney will try to negotiate the terms of a plea agreement to avoid going to trial. A plea agreement can require the defendant to plead guilty instead of no contest or waive certain rights. However, the judge overseeing the case has the final say on whether the plea agreement will be honored.

If you want more information about how cases can be resolved without going to trial, contact our Grimes County, TX, law office today to schedule a free consultation.

What Makes Your Grimes County Criminal Defense Lawyers the Right Choice for My Legal Needs?

No one likes the idea of being arrested and having to go through the exhausting legal process so they can resume their lives. Our criminal defense law firm recognizes that dealing with legal issues for a prolonged period can be overwhelming.

It is critical to note that even if plea negotiation fails, the case may not go to trial. The state still has the option to dismiss the case. If the prosecutor decides to proceed with the case, a pre-trial hearing will be held, and the case will proceed to trial to be settled. However, even if a case goes to trial at any time, the prosecution may choose to drop the charges or offer a favorable plea deal.

Therefore, you must consult a defense attorney immediately if you or a family member have been arrested and are worried about how the criminal charges and possible conviction can affect your life.

Shane Phelps Law has extensive experience negotiating with Grimes County prosecutors. One unique advantage that sets us apart from other law firms is that we have a former Brazos County district attorney on our legal team who understands how the state prosecutes criminal offenses. Our defense attorneys and staff use this valuable insight to craft custom-tailored defense strategies to help our clients obtain favorable outcomes for their legal problems.

Contact our Grimes County, Texas, law firm today by calling 979-596-6843 and ask to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a defense attorney to learn how we will fight to protect your rights and freedom.