Our Fort Worth criminal law attorneys address some of your most frequently asked questions.
When facing criminal charges in Tarrant County, it is important to act quickly in building a strong legal defense. At the Law Office of Kyle Whitaker, our experienced Fort Worth criminal law attorneys protect you against severe penalties associated with a conviction. Frequently asked questions from clients include:
What Is The Difference Between A Public Defender And A Private Attorney?
In theory, there is no difference. Both public defenders and private attorneys are educated and licensed to practice criminal law. However, in practice, there are a lot of important distinctions. Many criminal defense attorneys begin their careers as public defenders. They gain experience and then move into private practice. They often do this so they can spend more time with each case. Public defenders are frequently burdened with heavy case loads, and they often do not have time to interact with their clients the way a private attorney can.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire An Attorney?
Every attorney determines his or her own fee arrangements. At our law firm in Fort Worth, Texas, we pride ourselves on delivering quality work at a fair price. We will discuss our fees upfront so there will be no surprises for you, and we start every case with a free, no-obligation consultation. Call 817-332-7703 or send an email today.
Will My Case Go To Trial?
Trial is rare in criminal defense cases. More often than not, cases are resolved by plea bargaining. This entails negotiation between your attorney and the prosecutor. After a thorough investigation of your case and the evidence against you, an experienced attorney will strive to negotiate the best possible outcome, including dismissal of your case or a reduction of charges. It is important to keep in mind that, regardless of whether or not your case ultimately goes to trial, you should choose an attorney with a reputation for trial success. The ability to succeed at trial gives a lawyer leverage when negotiating with a prosecutor and may be a critical factor in the outcome of your case.
If you are in need an attorney that you can trust to fight for you, then go see Kyle. He knows the ropes and understands the system, and has earned his reputation as an aggressive attorney who will unapologetically get the job done right the first time!
Will I Go To Jail?
Incarceration is a very real possibility, depending on the severity of the crime and other factors. However, an experienced attorney will fight the charges and take steps to keep you out of jail. One of the biggest benefits of hiring an attorney who is experienced and devoted to criminal law is that the attorney is more likely to be aware of things like diversion programs that are often available to keep first-time offenders out of jail.
What are the Chances of Getting My Charges Dropped or Reduced?
When it comes to law enforcement, police and prosecutors do not play games. To protect yourself against criminal charges, get our Fort Worth criminal law attorneys on your side. We can take the immediate legal action needed in your case.
One of the first steps is reviewing your charges and the circumstances surrounding your arrest. Under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, mistakes or procedural errors can be used to get your case dismissed. We will also review the evidence collected against you to see if it warrants going to court. While each case is different, you can count on us to aggressively negotiate with police and prosecutors to get your charges dropped or reduced.
What is the Difference Between Misdemeanor and Felony Criminal Charges in Fort Worth?
There are two general types of crimes that are prosecuted through the Tarrant County Criminal Court: misdemeanor crimes and felonies.
Misdemeanors are less serious offenses and include charges such as first offense Driving Under the Influence (DUI), disorderly conduct, minor drug crimes, trespassing, shoplifting, and other petty thefts. Penalties for misdemeanor criminal charges include up to a one-year sentence in the county jail and fines ranging from $500 to $4,000, depending on the seriousness of the offense.
Felony charges are a far more serious matter. In addition to exorbitant fines and court costs, a conviction could result in a lengthy prison term, including the potential for a life sentence or even the death penalty. Examples of felony crimes in Fort Worth include multiple DUI offenses, major drug crimes, armed robbery or other weapons offenses, rape, assault, and murder.
Both misdemeanors and felony convictions can remain a part of your permanent record even after your sentence is served. This could prevent you from getting jobs, housing, loans, or education for years into the future. It can also jeopardize your rights concerning your children and in family court proceedings.
What are Common Criminal Defenses That Might Apply in My Case?
To help avoid facing harsh penalties for misdemeanor and felony crimes in Tarrant County, reach out to our experienced Fort Worth criminal law attorney right away. We can build a strong legal defense to protect you against your charges, which may include proving your innocence, providing an alibi, disputing evidence, and claiming a case of mistaken identity or that you acted in defense of yourself or others.
Contact Our Fort Worth, TX, Criminal Law Attorneys Today
Find out more about the actions our Fort Worth criminal law attorney can take to help you avoid a conviction. Call or contact the Law Office of Kyle Whitaker online and request a consultation today.