Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Cypress

FAQs

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

  Non-emergency concerns and administrative calls for the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Police Department can be made to (281) 897-6495. If a non-emergency police dispatch is needed, you may also contact (281) 897-4337.

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

  All requests for a copy of police reports must be addressed to the following in person, by mail, or by fax to (832) 927-6230: Harris County Precinct 4 Records Division 6831 Cypresswood Dr. Spring, TX 77379 Response times can take up to 10 business days, and police reports over 10 pages will also incur a fee.

• What is the penalty for criminal negligence in Cypress?

  Negligent conduct that puts another person's life in danger is referred to as criminal negligence and can be fined up to $10,000 in Cypress. You can also face jail time of 180 days to two years. The penalties may vary depending on the seriousness of the injury, whether death occurred, and whether weapons were involved.

• What is the deadline for appealing a case in Cypress?

  In Cypress, direct appeals follow strict deadlines. You have 30 days from the time you receive your sentence to formally notify the trial court of your intent to appeal. If a motion for a new trial is filed within 30 days of the sentence, the deadline for filing appeals is expanded to 90 days.

• Can I await the resolution of my case out of jail in Cypress?

  Yes. In some cases, individuals may be allowed to put up bail as a promise to appear in court in Cypress. Usually, those charged with a crime hire a bail bondsman to pay the county the entire bail amount and charge 10% of the bond. For example, a $30,000 aggravated assault bond in Harris County can be paid directly to the county or can be covered by the bondsman for a non-refundable fee of $3,000.

• If the police in Cypress ask me to submit to a blood, breath, or urine test, am I required to do so?

  It is in your best interest to submit to the test since many states automatically suspend licenses for a year for refusal to submit to a chemical analysis. In Cypress, not taking the test would also impact you negatively if your case goes to trial and the prosecutor informs the jury of your refusal.

• What happens during the pre-trial process for criminal cases in Cypress?

  In the 48 hours following an arrest for a crime in Cypress, the police must present the suspect to a court official. During this time, the judicial officer will read the Miranda rights and inform the suspect of the charges against them. An initial bail determination will also be made.

• 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.