Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Pharr

FAQs

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

  To reach the Pharr Police Department, call 956-402-4700.

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

  To obtain a police report from the Pharr Police Department, make a request in person at 1900 S. Cage Blvd. You can also send a fax of the request to 956-784-7839.

• Can you still have privacy over your criminal record if it cannot be expunged in Pharr?

  There can still be a way. You may want to talk to your criminal defense attorney in Pharr about an Order of Nondisclosure and see if you are eligible for it. It is a court order that prevents certain public entities, such as police departments, from providing information about your criminal record. Be informed that it only applies to a particular offense and not to all in case you have committed multiple offenses.

• What are the penalties if you're caught in possession of controlled substances in Pharr?

  There are many things to consider when it comes to the corresponding punishments for illegal drug possessions. The most common of these is the amount the individual was in possession of. If the amount is small, the least severe charge they could face is a Class C misdemeanor which carries a fine of up to $500. If they were found to be in possession of a substantial amount, they may face a first-degree charge which can get them jailed for life.

• Is marijuana illegal in Pharr?

  Unfortunately, it is. Just the mere possession of 2 oz of marijuana or less in Pharr can get you jailed for 180 days and paying a fine of up to $2,000. It is even worse for people caught selling this, as the case is automatically a first-degree felony and carries a sentence of at least 5 years imprisonment and a fine that can reach up to $10,000.

• Are there any penalties for locals in Pharr who unknowingly harbored undocumented immigrants?

  There shouldn't be a case against you at all if you didn't know that the people you were sharing your home with are undocumented. However, proving your innocence in a case like this is very challenging. The wisest course of action to take is to acquire a criminal defense lawyer who's handled a case like this before. If the defense fails, the Pharr local may be looking at jail time anywhere from five years to life.

• Can you get charged for firearm smuggling in Pharr?

  Law enforcement in Pharr can arrest you simply on the belief that you are operating a business that deals with illegally obtained firearms and that there is no need to prove that this business is on a large scale. If convicted, the offender will be facing a third-degree felony sentence which is prison time of up to 10 years and paying a fine of up to $10,000.

• 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.