College Station Criminal Defense Lawyer

College Station Criminal Defense Attorney

An arrest or criminal charge can leave you feeling scared, confused, or even angry. You don’t need to face this overwhelming moment in your life alone; our College Station criminal defense lawyers are here to fight for your freedom and your future.

Criminal Cases Covered by Defense Lawyers

At The Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, our team concentrates on a wide range of criminal defense work while customizing our approach for each individual we serve. You can rely on us to provide exceptional criminal defense representation for a wide range of criminal cases, including:

Sex Crimes

Sex crimes in Texas are any offenses that involve a sexual act against another person without their consent. These actions can include sexual assault, child sexual abuse, human trafficking, voyeurism, and indecent exposure. The charges and penalties for these crimes will depend on the circumstances of the case but can include fines, jail time, and the potential for being listed for life on the sexual offender registry.

Theft

Theft is the unauthorized taking of another person’s property, and it also includes the theft of a person’s services. The penalties associated with theft charges vary based on the value of the stolen items and whether anyone was injured, and consequences for the act can include fines or incarceration. Burglary and robbery also fall under this category.

Drug Crimes

Drug offenses in Texas include drug possession, distribution, manufacturing, and trafficking. The state utilizes the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) scheduling system to determine the penalties for drug-related crimes. Substances are categorized based on their potential for abuse and medical value, with Schedule I drugs considered the most dangerous. If you are convicted, you could face fines, incarceration, mandatory treatment programs, and educational courses.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is the physical, emotional, or psychological abuse of a family member, member of your household, or intimate partner. The penalties for domestic violence convictions are severe and can include fines, prison time, forfeiture of parental rights, termination of professional licenses, and restraining orders.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

DWI occurs when a person operates a vehicle with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or greater or while under the influence of any controlled substance. Alcohol and drugs can impair a person’s judgment, decrease their reaction time, and create a dangerous situation for both the driver and other people using the road. First-time DWI offenses in the state are generally misdemeanors and can result in fines, license suspension, and incarceration.

Impact of a Criminal Conviction in College Station, TX

Beyond prison time and fines, a criminal conviction comes with lifelong consequences. It can make it more difficult to get a job, get a place to live, go to school, or even keep your job if you need a professional license. Depending on the crime, you might lose the right to vote or own firearms. To protect your future, a criminal defense lawyer in College Station will explore different defense strategies to reduce or dismiss the charges altogether.

Potential Defense Strategies

Some common defense strategies include:

• Lack of sufficient evidence: This may include questioning witness reliability, forensics, or how custody was handled.
• Lack of criminal intent: Proving the defendant was unaware that their actions were against the law.
• Self-defense or defense of others: Demonstrating that the defendant acted in self-defense or to protect others.
• Alibi: Presenting evidence that the defendant was somewhere else at the time of the crime, either using documentation or witness testimony.
• Statute of limitations: If the prosecution waited too long to bring charges, the statute of limitations may have expired.

In some cases, the defendant’s lawyer may negotiate with the prosecution to get a reduced sentence and to avoid a lengthy trial. The opportunity to accept a plea deal depends on the case circumstances, the defendant’s criminal history, and how strong the prosecution’s case might be.

Why You Should Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are looking for the most favorable outcome in your case, you need a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer because they can:

• Explain your legal rights.
• Build a strong defense on your behalf.
• Negotiate a plea deal for a lesser charge or sentence.
• Represent you in court as your advocate while arguing your case.
• Guide you through the often overwhelming and difficult court process so you can make informed decisions.

The Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation for a wide range of criminal cases and strives to provide our clients with a sense of security as they move forward with their lives.

FAQs About College Station, TX Criminal Defense Laws

Can My Charges Be Dismissed or Reduced?

Yes, it is possible to have your criminal charges dismissed or reduced. Some of the more common reasons this could happen include insufficient evidence on the prosecution’s side, procedural errors or constitutional violations, plea bargaining, and new evidence that could exonerate you. Your attorney can evaluate your case and help you decide on which route may lead to dismissed or reduced charges.

Which Are Strategies That a Defense Attorney Might Consider?

Defense attorneys use a range of tactics to defend their clients, from challenging evidence and questioning witnesses to presenting strong defenses. Sometimes, a plea deal will be the strategy of choice because it can lessen the sentence or even remove the charges. The strategies that will be most effective depend on your case specifics, and our attorneys work closely with our clients to develop an approach that suits their situation.

How Long Will My Case Take to Resolve?

No one answer fits all for how long a criminal case will take to resolve. The type and severity of the charges, either misdemeanor or felony, will influence the length, as well as court availability, the investigation process, pre-trial motions, and potential plea negotiations. Many trials can take several months to over a year.

What Is the General Cost of an Attorney in TX?

The cost of a criminal defense attorney in TX depends on their experience, the case complexity and type, and how the attorney structures their fees. On top of the attorney’s fees, there will be court costs, investigative costs, and sometimes expert witness fees. We recommend discussing potential costs with your lawyer at your first consultation.

Don’t let criminal charges define your future. Contact The Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, today for a consultation. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the outcome you deserve.