Have you ever woken up to a small cell, a thin pad that barely qualifies as a mattress, wearing clothes that definitely aren’t yours? If you have, you know that this is a decent description of jail.
Landing in jail, especially for your first time, can be intimidating, scary, and anxiety-inducing. You may not know what the protocol is to leave or if the charges you were arrested for even warrant you being there.
When you finally do leave, there may be a period of uncertainty of what will happen. If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to consider a Houston criminal defense attorney.
We’re going to tell you a few more specifics as to when you should consider a criminal defense attorney — keep reading for more information!
1. Driving Under the Influence
While some people may see a DUI as a charge that is relatively simple, it can have a major impact on your life. Although a first offense is a misdemeanor, there is often jail time, fines, classes, and community service involved as your penalty.
Additionally, you will likely face a driving license suspension. Without proper help, you may end up at the mercy of taxi or ride-sharing services. A criminal defense attorney can help obtain a hardship license, enabling you to go to and from school, work, church, and doctor’s appointments.
If this isn’t your first DUI charge or there were aggravating causes, an attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to lessen your sentence.
2. Crimes Sexual in Nature
Being accused of a sex crime–guilty or not–can have serious implications. Emotions will run high with your family, the victim, and the community. You may lose your job or be placed on indefinite leave until the charges are sorted out.
Hiring an attorney is the first step you will take to get your life back under control. The best attorneys will help you handle your public relations, if needed, and be able to suppress rumors as well as false news.
In the event of a guilty decision, your attorney will attempt to negotiate your sentencing or reduce your charges. This may look like house arrest instead of jail time, or fulfilling other requirements in lieu of a long stay in prison.
3. Identity Theft or Fraud
Fraud is quickly becoming a hot-button issue. Everyone knows someone who has had their identity stolen or credit card compromised, and prosecutors are going to great lengths to punish those at fault.
The penalties for this crime can be harsh because this is a crime that destroys so many people’s financial lives. If found guilty, you will likely be required to pay restitution or serve jail time.
There is no reason to risk a guilty conviction, especially if you are innocent. An attorney will be able to bring to light the evidence needed to exonerate you.
4. Age of Consent Issues
Although sexual crimes have been mentioned, this category is one of its own. Ignorance isn’t a defense, but many young people look older than they are and may even carry fake identification.
The best idea is to never engage in inappropriate behavior with someone younger than 17. Should you be accused of such conduct, an attorney that knows the law and will treat you as innocent will help present the best possible defense.
5. Crimes Involving Firearms
It’s not a secret that Texans love their guns. However, if you are unable to possess one and get caught with a firearm on your person, you may be in for a world of trouble.
It is also worth noting that should you be accused of any type of assault or robbery, the involvement of a firearm automatically complicates things. Whether or not the weapon was fired, there are certain laws in place to protect victims.
6. Any Degree of Homicide
If you’ve watched any crime-based television programs, you probably already know that there are multiple types of homicide. Of course, there are the first, second, and third-degree charges, but there is also negligent and vehicular homicide.
Being charged with any type of murder is scary as there are numerous possible outcomes. The case could be completely dismissed due to lack of evidence or you may face life in prison. Chancing this matter alone shouldn’t be an option.
7. Drug-Related Crimes
For many addicts, crime is a way of life. However, simply being in possession of any controlled substance can place someone in jail for months or years.
Although the country seems to be lessening the penalties for marijuana charges, many other substances are taking its place. Something as simple as having a prescription that is not in its correct bottle may be cause for arrest.
8. Expungements
For the person that has already served their time and paid their debt to society, having a record may inhibit them from gainful employment or pursuing other dreams.
A criminal defense attorney is familiar not only with court proceedings of an active charge, but also with how to expunge an old one. Removing a previous conviction from your record may open doors you may never knew existed and allow you to move on with your life.
Houston Criminal Defense Attorney: Your Best Bet
Given that Houston is often seen as one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S., it isn’t far-fetched to say that you may be wrongly accused of some type of crime.
The judicial system strives to be fair and consistent, yet some people end up on the wrong side of it. This is where having an excellent Houston criminal defense attorney comes in.
Hiring a defense attorney means you will be advised on your proceedings and what to say during questioning. They will be an ear for your concerns and offer hope when you have none.
If you are facing any criminal charges in the Houston area, take a minute to contact us to find out what your course of action should be.
