Being arrested or charged with a crime – even a minor offense – can affect your life for years to come. In addition to prison time, fines, and community service, you could face issues getting jobs and securing housing.
Prosecutors have one goal: to secure “guilty” verdicts. Instead of hoping that the prosecution will “go easy” on you, our Allen criminal defense lawyers can serve your interests. We can evaluate the charges against you and craft a defense that protects your future.
Underwood Law Office has a team of trial-ready lawyers prepared to fight for you.
What Types of Practice Areas Does Our Criminal Defense Firm Handle?
We’ve defended clients against the following criminal charges:
- Driving while intoxicated (DWI)
- Assaults
- “White-collar” crimes
- Domestic violence
- Other misdemeanor and felony charges
During your first consultation, we can discuss the facts of your case and what legal strategy could benefit your future.
For a free legal consultation with a criminal defense lawyer serving Allen, call (972) 535-6377
How a Criminal Defense Lawyer from Our Firm Can Help
Our team can serve you by:
Evaluating the Evidence Against You
Investigators can’t just collect evidence from an alleged crime scene and press charges. There are certain protocols they need to follow. For instance, if the police entered your home without a warrant, they generally can’t use any evidence they found against you.
We can determine whether the prosecution’s evidence was fairly collected. If not, we can move for its dismissal from your case.
Reviewing the Details of Your Arrest
Similarly to collecting evidence, the police can’t arrest you without following procedures. Upon your arrest, the arresting officer should have:
- Read your Miranda rights
- Explained the reason for your arrest
- Arrested you without undue aggression, violence, or harassment
- Had adequate grounds for an arrest in the first place
Police officers are not infallible. If your arrest wasn’t conducted in good faith, we can determine whether your case has grounds in the first place.
Informing You of All Case-Related Developments
We do not resolve criminal cases overnight. We will take the necessary time to secure a fair outcome. As your case progresses, we will inform you of all important updates. When you arrive in court, you will understand everything relevant about the case against you.
Dealing with Police, Prosecutors, and Other Authorities
We protect your rights by shielding you from potentially harmful interactions. We will deal with the police, prosecutors, judges, and other authorities who are involved in your case. This way, we can protect you from:
- Admitting guilt, either intentionally or unintentionally
- Making statements that authorities may use against you
- Accepting an unfavorable plea agreement
- Any other circumstances that may negatively affect your future
There is no reason to risk such negative outcomes. Our firm will handle all case-related interactions for you.
Allen Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (972) 535-6377
Aiming for the Best Possible Outcome
We want to protect your future. If possible, we will aim for one or more of the following outcomes:
- A reduction of your charges. Sometimes, a “not guilty” verdict isn’t possible. However, we can seek a reduction of the charges against you. For instance, if you’re facing a drunk driving charge, we can request a reckless driving charge instead. This would have less serious implications on your future.
- A dismissal of your charges. This means that, after pleading your case, the judge saw no reason to continue with the matter. We can aim for this outcome if evidence doesn’t support your charges, or you have an alibi for the night of the alleged crime.
- A “not guilty” verdict. If your case makes it through to a conclusion, we will do everything possible to aim for a not guilty verdict. We will cross-examine witnesses, take depositions, and build your case’s strategy to secure this outcome.
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Consequences You May Face for a Criminal Conviction in Texas
Texas classifies criminal charges into different categories. Those categories, ranging from felonies to misdemeanors, determine the consequences that you face for a conviction.
Your alleged crime’s penalties depend on the discretion of the judge and jury. Per the Texas Politics Project, if convicted, you could face:
- Prison time. You could spend anywhere from a few weeks to several years in prison, depending on the nature of your alleged offense.
- Class C misdemeanors can result in fines up to $500. Felonies can lead to fines exceeding $9,000.
- Community service. In addition to fines, the court may ask you to complete community service.
Probation is more than “getting off with a warning.” It involves meeting with a probation officer, completing reeducation courses, and reporting certain activities to law enforcement.
Per Texas Penal Code § 12.31, you could even face the death penalty if charged and convicted of a capital felony.
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Questions You Can Ask During Your Case Review
As noted, we offer case reviews to prospective clients who want to learn more about their options. While consulting with our representatives, you can get answers to the following:
- Do you have experience handling case types like mine?
- What outcomes did you achieve for other clients?
- Which lawyer from your firm could represent me?
- What are the qualifications of the lawyer who will be handling my case?
- What will you do to provide a strong defense?
- What are my possible case outcomes?
- Why should I trust your law firm to handle my case?
Do not hesitate to ask these and any other questions you find relevant. Choosing a lawyer is an extremely important decision, and we want you to feel confident in your decision when selecting us.
Allen Criminal Defense FAQ
When you are facing criminal charges in Allen, you may be feeling scared and worried about your future. We understand how difficult this time in your life must be.
In the hopes of helping you better prepare for your defense, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions regarding criminal defense cases in Allen below. If you have additional questions that were not answered here, be sure to contact our office for a confidential case review.
Should I Accept a Plea Agreement?
Before you accept the prosecuting attorney‘s plea agreement, you can review the agreement with your criminal defense lawyer in Allen. Plea agreements can contain specific provisions and stipulations you will want to be aware of before you agree.
Make sure you take steps to review the plea agreement with your attorney, explore your defense options, review the evidence of your case, and consider your future before you accept a plea agreement.
Can I Get My Criminal Conviction Expunged?
It is possible that you could get your criminal conviction expunged depending on the type of crime you are charged with and convicted of. There are specific types of criminal convictions and charges that cannot be expunged from a criminal background.
However, if you are found not guilty or the charges against you were otherwise dropped or dismissed, it is possible these charges could be removed from your record. If you have been convicted of a crime and are interested in learning more about your options for expungement, reach out to an Allen criminal defense attorney for help.
What Are the Collateral Consequences of a Guilty Verdict?
If you are found guilty of a crime in Allen, you can face serious criminal penalties. However, the collateral consequences of a conviction could be what alters the course of your life forever. Some of the more common ways in which your life could be affected if you are found guilty of a criminal offense in Allen include:
- Child custody issues
- Loss of gun rights
- Immigration or citizenship issues
- Difficulty finding or retaining gainful employment
- Trouble securing safe or affordable housing
- Registration as a sex offender
- Loss of federal student aid eligibility
- Damage to your personal and professional reputations
- Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license
- Suspension or revocation of your professional licenses
Call Underwood Law Office to Explore Working with Our Defense Team in Allen
A criminal defense lawyer from our firm can start defending your rights today. Do not wait to call our team, as we want to begin work on your case in Collin County as soon as possible.
Call Underwood Law Office to discuss your case. We will provide all relevant details about our representation and answer any questions that you have.
Call or text (972) 535-6377 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
