Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Edinburg

Frequently Asked Questions

• 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.