Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Edinburg

FAQs

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

  The Edinburg Police Department has its non-emergency line at 956-289-7700.

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

  The Records Department of the Edinburg Police Department accepts requests through mail at 1702 S Closner Blvd., Edinburg, TX 78539, and through phone calls at 956-289-7795.

• What are the crimes that criminal defense lawyers typically see in Edinburg?

  Criminal defense lawyers in Edinburg will often see property crimes. According to 2021 statistics, there were 22.32 such offenses for every 1,000 people in the city. Of these, there were 19.02 thefts for every thousand, followed by 2.47 and 0.83 per thousand for burglaries and motor vehicle thefts, respectively. Violent incidents cap out at 3.49 for every thousand individuals.

• Besides appeals, what are the other remedies available to criminal defendants in Edinburg?

  Criminal defendants in Edinburg may resort to record sealing, deferred adjudications, and expunctions in place of appeals. The former two may allow a convicted person to hide previous evidence of their criminal offenses and avert the difficulties associated with background checks and employment processes. Deferred adjudications are essentially probations where the suspect retains a clean record after the designated period.

• What qualities should a defendant look for in a criminal defense lawyer in Edinburg?

  A defendant in Edinburg should look for a criminal defense counsel who has extensive experience in penal law, practice, and procedure. Being a former member of the prosecution service is a plus as it shows familiarity with how the government proves guilt beyond reasonable doubt and knowledge of effective countermeasures.

• If a police officer in Edinburg has no search warrant and pats you down, can your criminal defense attorney have the evidence obtained suppressed?

  It depends on whether the police officer in Edinburg had the right to arrest you or not. Cops across the state can conduct a search incident to a lawful arrest without securing a warrant because it is reasonable to assume that a suspect is armed and poses a threat. The arrest here can be effected through the necessary court-issued warrant or fall under an exception to this requirement.

• What are the penalties faced by juvenile criminal defendants in Edinburg?

  Under the state law applied in Edinburg, juveniles generally receive lighter penalties than adults. They are entitled to restitution and probation in place of imprisonment. Deferred prosecution is a possibility where the suspect is effectively under probation for six months, and if all goes well, the charges are completely dropped. A child may also be required to undergo supervision and counseling.

• 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.