Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Garland

FAQs

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

  (972) 485-4840 is the non-emergency contact number for the Garland Police Department.

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

  You can get a copy of your police report related to your criminal case from the Garland Police Department. Complete the Open Records Request Form (https://www.garlandpolice.com/DocumentCenter/View/1285/Open-Records-Request-Form) and submit it in person. Police report requests are processed within 10 days of submission. The local police department also charges $0.10 per page of police reports.

• How can your criminal lawyer defend you in a DUI/DWI case in Garland?

  If you were charged with a DUI/DWI offense in Garland, your criminal lawyer may employ a variety of strategies to defend you in court. Your legal team could challenge the traffic stop, the officer's suspicion that you were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and the results of your field sobriety test. Your lawyer could also question the officer's ability to read your Miranda rights and whether or not you voluntarily consented to the breath test.

• Can you choose to plead guilty to the crime you are accused of in Garland?

  You have the option to just plead guilty to the crime you are being accused of in Garland. However, any criminal conviction, even a minor misdemeanor, can have long-term consequences, ranging from losing your professional license to spending several years in jail. A skilled criminal defense attorney can assist you in pleading guilty to lesser charges or having your case dismissed.

• What should you do if you get arrested for a criminal offense in Garland?

  If you were arrested for a criminal offense in Garland, you should reach out to a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you have the chance to make a phone call. The longer you delay, the harder it is for you and your legal team to prove your innocence in court. Additionally, juries generally assume that innocent people act quickly and without hesitation.

• What are your rights if you have been arrested for a crime in Garland?

  If you have been arrested for a crime in Garland, you have legal rights as indicated in the Constitution. These rights include the right to an attorney, the right to due process, the right to a speedy and fair trial, and the right to legal search. Additionally, you have the right not to incriminate yourself.

• What can you do to fight criminal charges in Garland?

  If you have been convicted of a crime in Garland, you have three options to fight criminal charges. These include the dismissal of your charges, the reduction of your charges, and going to court. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you protect your rights and possibly dismiss your criminal charges.

• 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.