Could Hiring a Houston Criminal Defense Attorney Change the Outcome of Your Criminal Charges?

As most any Houston criminal defense attorney knows, the reaction of most people to criminal charges being filed against them is shock, disbelief and anxiety. Suddenly a future is unclear and lives may be changed forever. A Houston criminal defense attorney also understands that good people make bad decisions and often times those people deserve a second chance. If you have been charged with a criminal offense in the Houston or Harris County area, it could be beneficial to speak with a knowledgeable Houston criminal defense attorney. Although the state of Texas certainly differentiates between misdemeanor and felony charges as far as penalties and consequences, in truth any criminal conviction can have far-reaching consequences to your life.

Your Houston criminal defense attorney can explain the three levels of misdemeanors in Texas (Class A, B and C), however in general a DWI is a class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail. Second DWI offenses can be bumped up to a Class A misdemeanor. Further examples of a Class A misdemeanor include assault, resisting arrest, evading arrest, furnishing alcohol to a minor, shoplifting—depending on the value of the items taken—and prostitution. A Houston criminal defense attorney can also protect clients in the event of criminal felony charges. The varying degrees of criminal felony charges include a state jail felony (punishable by up to 180 days to 2 years in a state jail and a $10,000 fine), a 3^rd degree felony (punishable by 2-10 years in prison) a 2^nd degree felony (subject to 2-20 years in prison), and a 1^st degree felony (punishable by 5-99 years or life in prison).

Lesser—yet still very serious—criminal charges which can benefit from the services of a Houston criminal defense attorney, include domestic violence, warrants, some drug crimes, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, theft, white collar crimes, DWI, appeals, juvenile crimes and prostitution charges. Most everyone who is arrested on criminal charges are frightened and stressed out—and rightfully so. A reputable Houston criminal defense attorney can help reduce those fears as well as potentially changing the outcome of criminal charges. Your Houston criminal defense attorney will explain and protect your rights from start to finish while offering the benefit of experience with your particular criminal offense.