Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Mesquite, TX

FAQs

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

  The Mesquite Police Department can be reached at (972) 285-6336 for non-emergencies.

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

  You can request a copy of a police report from the Mesquite Police Department Records Section at 777 N. Galloway Ave. Mesquite, TX 75149. The Records Section is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also make a written request and mail it to the address below. Please include as much information as you can about the police report you need. Enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Mesquite Police Department Records Section P.O. Box 850137 Mesquite, TX 75185-0137

  Additionally, police reports are available online at http://www.cityofmesquite.com/requestforrecords

• What should you expect during your arraignment in Mesquite, TX?

  The arraignment comes after your arrest and booking at the Mesquite police station. You will have to appear in court for the arraignment. The prosecutor, a police officer, or the grand jury will present you with your charges and provide you with the police report containing information on the accusation and your criminal involvement. The last procedure in the arraignment is entering your plea. If you pled “not guilty,” your trial date will be set.

• Is there anything you can do if you think the prosecutor or judge handing your case in Mesquite is biased?

  Yes. Discuss with your Mesquite criminal defense attorney why you believe the judge/prosecutor is biased against you. If there is a solid case for judicial bias, your attorney may ask the judge or prosecutor to step down from the case or submit a motion with the court. The trial records will be reviewed to determine if your constitutional right to a fair trial has been violated.

• What will happen if you miss your court date in Mesquite, TX?

  You will probably be issued a failure to appear warrant by the court. This warrant allows mesquite police officers to arrest you anywhere you’re sighted, including at work. Failing to appear in court as scheduled may also result in a new felony or misdemeanor charge on top of your existing charge.

• If you have a case in Mesquite, do you have to be present at every court setting?

  It depends. If you are facing felony charges, yes, you must be present at all court sessions. For misdemeanor cases, defendants only have to appear at dispositive court settings, such as for their trial or for entering their plea. Note that this is specifically for criminal cases in Dallas County where Mesquite is located. Other counties have their own court rules.

• When can the Mesquite police conduct a search of your property?

  The Mesquite police can only search your home or car in the following circumstances:

  • They have a search warrant
  • You are being arrested
  • A crime is currently happening
  • There is a risk that criminal evidence may be destroyed
  • You consented to the search
  • There is probable cause, such as visible drug paraphernalia

• 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.