Washington County Criminal Defense Attorneys

Providing Clients With the Aggressive Legal Representation to Fight Criminal Charges

If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, the first step to protect yourself is to hire a criminal defense attorney. The Texas criminal justice system can be challenging to understand without legal training, and hiring a defense attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Texas takes a tough stance on all criminal cases, and a conviction can result in you having a permanent record that can impact your future. Even a misdemeanor conviction can result in jail time, interfere with your immigration status, or make it challenging for you to enroll in the college of your choice. Felony convictions can result in prison time and negatively impact your voting and gun rights.

Regardless of the crime you are facing, it is always in your best interest to hire a criminal lawyer with comprehensive legal experience. Hiring a Washington County criminal defense lawyer can help you have peace of mind and successfully navigate the Texas legal system.

Shane Phelps Law is a Washington County law firm dedicated to helping clients with their criminal defense needs. Contact our law office today to schedule a free case evaluation to learn more about our legal services and how we can help.

How Can I Protect My Legal Rights When Facing Criminal Charges?

If you are facing criminal charges, you probably wonder what will happen next as you navigate the Texas legal system. Even though you have been charged with a crime, it is critical to remember that you have legal rights that protect you from unfair treatment by police or prosecutors.

The best way to protect your rights is to hire a criminal law attorney who will act as your legal advocate. Individuals who choose to handle their defense quickly realize that the legal system is more complicated than they initially believed.

One of the first steps a lawyer will take is to thoroughly review the state’s evidence to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the case. A knowledgeable lawyer can identify areas of concern that can give you an advantage.

For example, suppose you have been charged with a DWI. Still, your attorney determines the police officer did not have probable cause to stop your vehicle or that the field sobriety tests were administered incorrectly. That being the case, an attorney can file a motion to argue that your rights were violated or that field sobriety test results should be thrown out.

Furthermore, many defendants are initially unaware that most cases are settled out of court without the need to go to trial. When you hire a skilled criminal defense attorney, they can negotiate with the prosecutor to try to dismiss or reduce the charges.

If a plea agreement cannot be reached, a qualified trial lawyer will represent clients in court to ensure they receive qualified legal representation.

Why Do I Need to Have a Lawyer Present During Questioning?

One of the most common tactics police use is to get individuals accused of crimes to speak to them without having a lawyer present. Often, police officers will try to make defendants believe that they can obtain leniency in exchange for their statements or that legal issues can be quickly resolved, and they will be free to leave. It is vital to remember that law enforcement officials’ job is to try to coax statements from defendants that state prosecutors can use against them in court.

For these reasons, if you have been arrested and accused of a crime, you have the right to have a criminal defense lawyer present during questioning. A defense lawyer will ensure you do not make incriminating statements that can be used against you in court.

Some of the other reasons to have a criminal defense attorney present during questioning include:

Advise you of your legal rights
Help you understand the interrogation process
Informing you of when it is best to remain silent and not answer questions
Ensure the police adhere to the law and do not violate your civil rights
Help to ensure any statements you make are not misrepresented by law enforcement officials

If you have been arrested, contact Shane Phelps Law immediately. Our Washington County, TX, attorneys have over 30 years of combined experience in criminal defense law and will ensure that the police do not try to mislead you into implicating yourself.

Will I Have to Do Jail Time if I Am Convicted of a Crime?

The most common concern for individuals facing criminal charges is whether they can go to jail if convicted. Although the prospect of serving jail time is frightening, it is important to remember that a criminal conviction does not automatically result in jail time.

One of the most significant differences between a misdemeanor and a felony conviction is the severity of the criminal penalties. For example, crimes such as theft under $50 or a minor in possession of alcohol are usually charged as a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by no jail time and a fine of up to $500.

Felony charges are punishable by time in jail or state prison. However, anyone charged with a crime should always remember that any prior criminal history or the circumstances involved in the case can impact the judge’s decision regarding final sentencing.

Some examples of felony sentencing guidelines include:

State jail felony: The lowest felony charge is punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail; examples include making a false report or DWI with a minor in the car.
Third-degree felony: Punishable by up to two to 10 years in state prison; examples include assault on a public servant and stalking.
Second-degree felony: Punishable by two to 20 years in state prison; examples include aggravated and sexual assault.
First-degree felony: Punishable by 5 to 99 years in prison; examples include violent crimes such as attempted murder and crimes involving large quantities of controlled or illegal substances.
Capital felony: Punishable by life imprisonment or death; examples include capital murder, such as the killing of a police officer or multiple victims during the same criminal act.

What Type of Criminal Defense Services Does Your Law Firm Offer to its Clients?

Shane Phelps Law is dedicated to helping clients who have suddenly become involved with the Texas criminal justice system. Our criminal lawyers have in-depth experience handling various criminal charges and know what it takes to get results.

Our Washington County law firm offers the following legal defense services to clients that include violent crimes such as:

Assault
Battery
Domestic violence
Homicide
Kidnapping
Manslaughter
Robbery

Our criminal defense attorneys also handle cases involving theft crimes that can impact the ability to obtain gainful employment or a professional license. We assist college students in trouble and clients accused of DWI and juvenile, computer, white-collar, and drug crimes. Finally, we have extensive experience helping individuals who have been accused of life-changing sex crimes and are prepared to use aggressive defense strategies to protect their rights and personal freedom.

No matter the nature of your criminal charges, you must have a criminal defense attorney who will level the playing field to help you avoid a maximum sentence for the offense. Our criminal attorneys work daily to help clients who may face harsh penalties if convicted.

Why Should I Hire Your Criminal Defense Attorneys to Defend My Case?

When deciding who to hire as your criminal defense attorney, you should always focus on who can provide you with the best possible result for your legal needs. Shane Phelps Law has over 30 years of combined legal experience and a proven track record of helping clients win criminal cases.

Furthermore, our criminal defense attorneys and legal team have extensive trial experience and are fearless in challenging state prosecutors. Our criminal attorneys are skilled negotiators and will work with the prosecutor to try to have your charges dismissed or reduced or request probation or diversion programs.

No matter what your criminal charge may involve, contact our Washington County law office at 979-596-6843 and ask to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation so that we may evaluate your case and determine a defense strategy that addresses your needs.