Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Allen, TX

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Allen, Texas?

  The non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Allen, Texas is 214-509-4321

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Allen, Texas?

  You can get a copy of the police report for incidents related to your case in Allen, Texas from the Allen Police Headquarters at 205 W McDermott Drive. You can request the copy in person, by mail, or online. Requests in person must be made during regular business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday). The cost of an incident report is $6.

• How stringent are the gun laws in Allen?

  You don't need a concealed permit or a license to carry in Allen to have a gun in your vehicle as long as it's hidden. The penalties for gun crimes vary depending on the charges; for example, unlawfully carrying a firearm is only a misdemeanor. Unlawfully carrying would be having a gun in your automobile but not having a license to carry and having the gun visible.

• What are the penalties for DWI charges in Allen?

  The first DWI is classified as a Class B misdemeanor. Any conviction before or after it will affect the punishment range. For example, if you are charged with DWI and have a prior DWI conviction, your penalties are increased to a class A misdemeanor, punishable by a year in jail and a maximum fine of $4,000. There are also additional license fees that must be paid.

• Will you be tried immediately if you have been detained in Allen for committing a crime?

  The answer is dependent on when the arrest took place. After a grand jury meeting, an arrest may take place. This indicates that the individual is further along in the criminal justice system. If someone is arrested in Allen on probable cause, it is only an arrest until a grand jury convenes. The person is simply accused of a crime at this time, not indicted.

• Do you need to hire a criminal lawyer if you have been arrested in Allen?

  Yes, you need to hire an attorney. It is advisable to contact a criminal counsel if you have been arrested in Allen for a crime, whether you are suspected, accused, or want to plead guilty. A criminal defense attorney can help safeguard your constitutional rights and prepare a strong defense.

• What happens following a trial in Allen?

  After a trial in Allen, you will be declared guilty or not guilty by a jury or a judge. The jury or judge will then sentence you to one of the punishment options outlined in the Texas Criminal Code. When you plead or are found guilty in a federal case, your sentence will be determined by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.