Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Bryan, TX

FAQs

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

  Call the Bryan Police Department at 979-361-3888 for non-emergencies.

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

  Request reports personally from the records division of the Bryan Police Department located at 303 East 29th Street. You can also send mail to the given address, make a request through fax at 979-209-5346, or call 979-209-5345.

• How do you get a copy of a disposition in a criminal case in Bryan?

  You can find the disposition in a Bryan criminal case on the Brazos County Judicial Records Search webpage. You can also submit a request via email, phone, or in person at the District Clerk's Office in the County Courthouse at 300 E. 26th Street Suite, 1200/1201 in Bryan. The clerk's office can be reached by phone at (979) 361-4230 and by email at ggarcia@brazoscountytx.gov. All requests have to be put in writing.

• Is it possible for a minor to do extra community service to help with the fees in a juvenile delinquency case in Bryan?

  Yes. Extra community service can be an option to help with the payment of fees in a juvenile delinquency case in Bryan. However, you have to make a request to the judge and explain your situation, and the judge would have to approve this option. There are many types of activities that may already count as community service, including GED prep courses, job skills training programs, and drug abuse rehabilitation programs.

• What are the penalties for a marijuana conviction in Bryan?

  A person caught selling seven grams of marijuana in Bryan faces a $2,000 fine or up to 180 days in jail. Selling more than 50 pounds of marijuana could lead to a sentence ranging from five to 99 years. Selling marijuana to someone under the age of 18 could result in up to 20 years in prison.

• Should you hire a lawyer when facing Title IX charges in Bryan?

  Title IX charges could cost you suspension or expulsion from school and a Code of Conduct violation mark on your transcript. A lawyer knowledgeable in Title IX law can help you navigate the process of clearing the charges against you. These lawyers can file paperwork within the deadline, ensure that all school policy procedures are followed properly, and defend your rights.

• How do you know if you have a warrant in Bryan?

  You may contact the Bryan Municipal Court during regular business hours at 979-209-5400 for traffic violation warrants. The municipal court is located at 401 S. Tabor Avenue in the metro. Get in touch with the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office at 979-361-4900 for all other types of warrants. The sheriff's office is situated at 1700 Highway 21 W. in Bryan.

• 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.