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Our firm approaches representation through a team-based defense framework, guided by our core philosophy of “Helping Good People Through Tough Times.” Instead of assigning your legal issues to a single attorney operating in a vacuum, our structure allows over a dozen defense lawyers—including multiple former prosecutors—to collaboratively evaluate the state’s case against you. Every case file undergoes strict internal case-review sessions where our team analyzes police work, searches for procedural defects, and reviews grand jury packet opportunities. This gives your defense the combined weight of our entire roster’s courtroom experience.
Your primary advocate will always be a fully licensed, experienced criminal defense attorney who is specifically chosen based on the nature of your charges and the county where you were arrested. While senior partners Shane Byrd and Stephen Lyle Hamilton direct firm-wide legal operations and trial consulting, your assigned attorney will personally manage your hearings, handle state discovery review, negotiate with the prosecution, and appear with you in court. Our paralegals and legal assistants serve an administrative role by compiling your documents and updating schedules, but a dedicated defense lawyer remains directly behind the wheel of your case file.
Having former prosecutors on our legal defense team gives us an intimate understanding of how the State of Texas builds a criminal case. Our attorneys know the exact checklists, evidentiary hurdles, and investigative benchmarks that local district attorneys use when determining whether to press forward with an indictment or offer a reduction. This background allows us to anticipate the state’s courtroom tactics, accurately evaluate the strength of their witness testimonies, and identify critical gaps in their evidence long before your case ever reaches a jury.
We provide comprehensive criminal defense across all levels of the Texas penal system, representing individuals facing everything from local Class C misdemeanors up to high-consequence first-degree and felony murder. Whether you are dealing with a first-time shoplifting charge, a standard Class B driving while intoxicated (DWI) arrest, a complex domestic violence allegation, or an aggressive federal drug conspiracy indictment, our team brings the exact same level of detail, resources, and aggressive defense advocacy to your case.
Public defenders are licensed attorneys who understand the law, but they are frequently burdened by staggering caseloads that limit the individual hours they can allocate to a single file. By retaining our private defense firm, you are securing a dedicated team with the time and resources necessary to investigate your case thoroughly. We perform independent witness interviews, hire specialized forensic experts when needed, file targeted motions to suppress illegal evidence, and maintain consistent communication with you. We provide the comprehensive focus required to explore every possible path toward a dismissal or reduction.
We maintain a widespread, active statewide presence across Texas to ensure our clients have local access to elite defense representation. Our firm operates fully staffed regional offices in, Lubbock, Midland, Odessa, Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, McKinney, and Houston.This expansive network allows us to provide reliable defense coverage throughout West Texas, the Panhandle, the Permian Basin, Central Texas, and the major metropolitan areas of the state.
Because our defense attorneys routinely practice within the specific counties we serve, we possess firsthand familiarity with the local court cultures, the individual procedural expectations of local judges, and the negotiation tendencies of county District Attorneys. A strategy that works effectively in a metroplex courtroom might require a completely different approach in a rural West Texas county. Knowing how local prosecutors evaluate evidence allows us to customize your defense and your grand jury packets to the specific jurisdiction handling your charges.
You can initiate your consultation by contacting any of our regional offices via phone or by filling out the secure case evaluation form directly on our website. Our intake representatives are available to gather the introductory details of your situation and match you with an attorney who fits the specific requirements of your legal matters. We prioritize scheduling consultations quickly because early intervention is one of the most reliable ways to protect your rights after an arrest.
Yes, every piece of information you share during your case evaluation is completely protected by attorney-client privilege. This legal protection applies from the moment you contact our firm, regardless of whether you ultimately choose to retain our services or if we mutually agree to move forward. You can speak with absolute candor about the facts of your arrest, your prior history, and your concerns, knowing that your disclosures are bound by strict legal confidentiality rules.
We offer complete flexibility through comprehensive virtual services to accommodate your schedule, location, or privacy preferences. We can conduct your initial consultation, follow-up strategy sessions, and document reviews via secure phone lines or video conferencing platforms like Zoom. Additionally, we use secure digital client portals that allow you to sign your retainer agreements, review evidence files, upload documents, and message your legal team completely from your smartphone or computer.
To maximize the value of your evaluation, please provide any documentation generated by law enforcement during or after your arrest. This includes your bond release paperwork, the formal citation, any search warrants executed by officers, property inventory sheets, and specific statutory warnings—such as the temporary paper driving permit (DIC-25 form) issued during a DWI arrest. If you do not have access to these files yet, do not delay your consultation; our team can immediately access public court portals to retrieve the necessary baseline documents.
The moment you formally retain our firm, we provide an immediate legal shield between you and law enforcement. We will file a formal notice of representation with the investigating agency and the prosecutor’s office, which legally bars detectives and officers from contacting or questioning you without your defense attorney present. This cuts off aggressive police interrogation tactics and prevents you from inadvertently making statements that could harm your defense file down the road.
We do not view a driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge as an automatic conviction. Our firm breaks down the state’s case into distinct tactical phases. First, we challenge the legality of the initial traffic stop to ensure the officer had valid reasonable suspicion. Second, we audit the administration of the standardized field sobriety tests using available dashcam and bodycam footage to show where environmental factors or officer errors compromised the performance. Finally, we scrutinize the scientific reliability of the breathalyzer machine or the specific medical protocols used during your blood draw to uncover gaps in the prosecution’s evidence.
Following a DWI arrest, you face an immediate administrative driver’s license suspension that operates completely separate from your criminal court case. You have exactly fifteen days from the date of your arrest notice to formally request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. When you hire our firm, we immediately request this hearing on your behalf, which pauses your suspension and keeps you legally on the road while we fight the case. We use the ALR hearing to subpoena the arresting officer, allowing us to cross-examine them under oath and lock in their testimony before the criminal trial begins.
If your license has already been suspended due to an ALR ruling or a subsequent conviction, we can petition the appropriate court to secure an Occupational Driver’s License (ODL). This is a restricted court-ordered license that allows you to legally operate a non-commercial motor vehicle for essential daily activities, such as driving to your place of employment, dropping children off at school, attending medical appointments, or handling grocery shopping. We manage the entire filing process, compile the required financial responsibility documentation (SR-22), and represent you at the court hearing to secure your driving privileges.
A high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15 percent or greater enhances a standard first-time DWI from a Class B to a Class A misdemeanor, which doubles your potential fines and jail exposure. When defending against high-BAC blood evidence, we audit the entire laboratory chain of custody. We review the maintenance logs, calibration histories, and quality control data of the specific gas chromatography machines used by the state lab. We look for technical issues like blood fermentation or improper refrigeration within the vial, which can synthetically elevate alcohol readings and undermine the reliability of the state’s scientific evidence.
Domestic violence and family violence allegations are frequently charged based on minimal physical evidence and highly emotional statements. Our strategy centers on a rapid, independent investigation. We work to secure cell phone records, text messages, social media communications, and independent witness statements that can expose false accusations, exaggerations, or ulterior motives—such as gaining leverage in an ongoing child custody dispute. We focus heavily on building a comprehensive grand jury packet aimed at convincing prosecutors to decline formal indictment before the case ever reaches an open courtroom.
While an Affidavit of Non-Prosecution signed by the alleged victim is a helpful defense tool, it does not result in an automatic dismissal. In Texas, the local District Attorney’s office holds sole authority over whether to pursue or drop a criminal charge. Prosecutors routinely push forward with family violence cases against the express wishes of the complaining witness, relying on 911 audio recordings, officer bodycam footage, and medical notes. We use a signed affidavit as part of a broader negotiation strategy to show prosecutors the fatal evidentiary hurdles they will face if they try to force the case to trial.
Texas drug laws treat chemically extracted THC concentrates—such as vape cartridges, wax, dabs, and infused edibles—as automatic Penalty Group 2 felonies, which carry significantly harsher penalties than leaf marijuana flower. Our defense approach focuses heavily on constitutional protections against illegal searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment. We file motions to suppress evidence if the police searched your vehicle, home, or personal property without a valid warrant, lacked probable cause, or prolonged a routine traffic stop unlawfully. If we can show the search was unconstitutional, the judge can throw out the chemical evidence, which typically forces a dismissal.
Constructive possession cases occur when prohibited substances are found in a shared environment—such as a vehicle glove box, a rented apartment, or a common room—rather than directly on your physical person. To beat these charges, we focus on breaking the legal “links” between you and the contraband. We present evidence demonstrating that you lacked exclusive dominion or control over the area, had no knowledge of the drugs’ hidden presence, or that multiple other individuals had equal access to the space, creating reasonable doubt that you ever possessed the items.
White-collar defense involves navigating thousands of pages of financial records, bank statements, corporate structures, and digital communications. We approach these cases by auditing the state’s paper trail, frequently working alongside forensic accountants to review the movement of funds. Our defense centers on demonstrating a lack of criminal intent. We work to show that financial discrepancies or losses were the result of standard business risks, poor accounting practices, or organizational miscommunications rather than a deliberate, knowing scheme to defraud or embezzle assets.
Sex crime allegations carry immediate public stigma and life-altering long-term penalties, including mandatory sex offender registration under Chapter 62. Our approach is highly analytical and deeply investigative. We challenge the reliability of the state’s evidence by scrutinizing the timing of disclosures and checking digital communication history for consistency. In cases involving minors, we review the recording of the child’s forensic interview to check if the interviewer used leading or suggestive questioning that could have contaminated the narrative or introduced false recollections.
Aggravated assault charges require the state to prove the use of a deadly weapon or the infliction of serious bodily injury, exposing you to significant prison terms. We counter these serious charges by exploring all available affirmative defenses, such as self-defense, defense of others, or defense of property under Texas law. We look for video footage, surveillance angles, and eyewitness accounts to demonstrate that your actions were a reasonable, proportional response to a threat of physical harm, or that the injuries involved do not meet the strict statutory definition of serious bodily injury.
While every case involves different variables, a standard criminal prosecution follows a specific procedural path. Following your arrest, you will attend an initial magistration and arraignment hearing where your bond conditions are set and your initial plea is recorded. For felony offenses, the case must clear a grand jury review stage. If an indictment occurs, your case enters the pre-trial phase, which consists of multiple announcement or status court settings. During this time, your attorney reviews the state’s discovery files, conducts independent investigations, and files pre-trial motions. The case then concludes either through a negotiated reduction or dismissal, or by proceeding to a formal jury trial.
There is no single timeline for a criminal case, as the duration depends heavily on the classification of the offense and the specific county handling your file. Misdemeanor charges generally move faster, frequently reaching a resolution within three to nine months through standard pre-trial negotiations. Felony charges take longer, often requiring twelve to eighteen months or more, because clearing the grand jury process takes time, and state laboratories face backlogs when processing chemical, DNA, or digital evidence. We provide realistic timeline expectations during our ongoing case updates.
To build a strong defense, we expect our clients to maintain an active partnership with our team. Your core duties include showing up on time for every scheduled court appearance, maintaining open lines of communication with your attorney, and strictly following every condition of your bond—such as wearing electronic monitors, avoiding specified properties, or completing random drug screenings. Crucially, you must not discuss the facts of your case with anyone outside your legal team, including on social media platforms, as those statements can be used against you by the prosecution.
Missing a required criminal court setting without an emergency or prior authorization from the judge results in immediate, severe legal consequences. The court will instantly revoke your bond, forfeit your bail money, and issue a warrant for your arrest. Additionally, the district attorney can file a brand-new, standalone criminal charge against you for Failure to Appear under Texas Penal Code Section 38.10. This new charge proceeds independently and carries real penalties, even if your original underlying case is eventually dismissed.
If a negotiated settlement or dismissal cannot be reached during the pre-trial phase, we prepare your case for a full jury trial. We conduct extensive trial preparation sessions with you to review every piece of evidence, practice cross-examination questions, and walk you through the structural mechanics of the courtroom. We explain your constitutional options regarding whether to testify on your own behalf, ensuring you feel completely informed, prepared, and confident before the first juror is selected.
A Pre-Trial Diversion (PTD) program is a highly restricted, supervised program run by local District Attorney offices, typically reserved for first-time, non-violent offenders. If admitted, you sign an agreement to complete specific requirements over a set period—such as community service, regular drug testing, or educational counseling. Once you successfully finish the program, the prosecution dismisses your criminal charges completely. Our firm puts together mitigation packages highlighting your clean record, professional goals, and personal character to convince prosecutors that you are an ideal candidate for diversion.
Yes, we routinely file petitions for expungement (expunction) under Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to help clients erase their criminal history. To qualify for a complete expungement, your underlying case must have resulted in a specific legal outcome: an acquittal at trial, a formal dismissal by the prosecutor without community supervision, a grand jury declining to indict via a No Bill, or the successful completion of an authorized Pre-Trial Diversion program. An expungement orders every state agency to destroy all records of your arrest, mugshot, and booking file.
An Order of Non-Disclosure is a record-sealing mechanism designed for individuals who successfully completed a deferred adjudication probation. Unlike a full expungement, which completely destroys the files, a non-disclosure order leaves the records intact but permanently seals them from public view. Private background check companies, landlords, and general employers will see a clean result when running your name. However, state licensing boards, government agencies, and law enforcement personnel retain the legal right to view the history during background checks or future investigations.
Yes, Texas law places strict limitations on record relief under Government Code Section 411.074. You are completely barred from obtaining an Order of Non-Disclosure if your case involved an affirmative finding of family violence or domestic abuse, stalking, murder, human trafficking, or any offense that requires registration as a sex offender under Chapter 62. These entries remain permanently visible on public databases, regardless of whether you received deferred adjudication or successfully finished your probation terms.
Yes, thanks to legislative reforms, certain individuals with a single, first-time DWI conviction can petition the court for an Order of Non-Disclosure to seal their record from the public. To be eligible, the DWI must have been a misdemeanor offense with a blood alcohol concentration below 0.15 percent, you must not have caused an accident involving another individual, and you must have successfully completed all terms of your sentence. If you used an ignition interlock device for at least six months during probation, you can apply two years after your case closes; if no interlock was used, you must wait out a five-year holding period.
We build our pricing model around clear, transparent flat fees for our criminal defense representation. During your initial consultation, we evaluate the complexity of the charges against you, your prior history, and the specific court jurisdiction handling your case, and then provide a precise flat fee quote. This means you will know the exact cost of your legal defense upfront. There are no surprise hourly bills, hidden administrative costs, or unexpected fees for phone calls and emails.
We recognize that an unexpected arrest can create immediate financial pressure on a household. To help ensure high-quality legal defense is accessible, we offer customized, flexible monthly payment plans tailored to your specific financial situation. After evaluating your case and providing your flat fee quote, we can break down your total balance into manageable monthly installments that fit within your budget, allowing you to secure dedicated legal protection right away.
We accept a wide range of payment methods to make managing your account as simple and accessible as possible. You can pay your retainer or installment fees using cash, direct debit cards, electronic bank transfers, or any major credit card, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Payments can be processed securely over the phone, in person at any of our offices, or directly through our secure online client portal.
Our standard flat-fee contracts are specifically structured to cover all extensive pre-trial work. This includes performing investigations, filing motions to suppress, constructing grand jury packets, and handling all negotiation settings with the district attorney. Because the vast majority of our cases are successfully resolved during this pre-trial phase, structuring our fees this way keeps your initial financial investment lower. If a fair resolution cannot be reached and a jury trial becomes necessary, a separate, clearly outlined trial fee will be structured and discussed well in advance.
We maintain a strict communication protocol designed to keep you updated throughout every phase of your legal journey. You will receive direct updates from our team whenever an active development occurs on your file—such as when we receive the state’s discovery evidence packet, when a motion is filed, or when a court date is officially set or rescheduled. We work to ensure you never feel left in the dark about your future.
We understand that facing a criminal charge creates ongoing stress, so we treat client questions with clear urgency. For general inquiries regarding schedules, court dates, or document submissions made during normal business hours, our attorneys and support staff typically respond within the same business day or within 24 hours. We use a secure client messaging portal alongside direct phone lines to ensure your questions are answered quickly and accurately.
Yes, we provide responsive emergency assistance for individuals who have been arrested and remain in custody. If your family member or loved one is currently detained, you can contact our firm to coordinate an expedited jail visit or an emergency bond evaluation. Our defense lawyers can step in to represent them at their initial magistration hearing, argue for a reduction of an excessive bail amount, or secure a Personal Recognizance (PR) bond where eligible, ensuring their rights are protected from day one.
If you face an immediate legal crisis outside of regular business hours—such as a late-night arrest, a sudden contact attempt by law enforcement detectives, or an immediate threat of a bond revocation—you can call our primary office lines. We maintain an emergency response framework to ensure that high-stakes situations are routed to a firm representative, providing you with quick legal guidance when time is a critical factor.
We maintain an updated collection of real case results and client testimonials directly on our digital platforms. Our track record highlights a broad range of successful outcomes across Texas, including complete felony dismissals via pre-trial grand jury packets, Class A DWI reductions down to standard non-reporting traffic offenses like Obstruction of a Highway, and full jury trial acquittals. Reviewing these verified case profiles can give you a clear look at the aggressive defense strategies we bring to our clients’ files.
Our extensive collection of independent client reviews highlights our consistent communication, lack of judgment, and professional courtroom advocacy. Clients frequently praise our firm for taking the time to explain the legal process clearly, responding quickly to late-night concerns, and treating them like family rather than just a case number. Most importantly, these reviews document real-world instances where our team-based approach directly resulted in dismissed charges, reduced penalties, and preserved careers.
We recognize that a criminal charge can threaten your livelihood, corporate status, or professional state licenses long before a final verdict is reached. We work to protect your career by handling your public court appearances efficiently and seeking options that minimize disruptions to your work schedule. Additionally, our focus on secure virtual management tools ensures your case is handled with high discretion, keeping your personal legal challenges as private as possible while we work toward a resolution that protects your long-term record.
Yes, you have a chance of your charges being dropped if Miranda Rights were not read. If you do not remember being read your Miranda Rights, contact Texas Criminal Defense Group immediately and we will review your case.
With locations in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio Texas. we are ready to help you.
Exercise your right to remain silent. Contact Texas Criminal Defense Group immediately.
With locations in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio Texas. We are ready to help you.
Yes, we are Criminal Defense Lawyers who are here to help with your criminal case. Contact Texas Criminal Defense Group if you have been charged in a criminal act.
With locations in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio Texas. We are ready to help you.
Yes, we offer services for Felony crimes. If you have been charged with a felony, contact our Criminal Defense Lawyers at Texas Criminal Defense Group immediately and we will review your case.
With locations in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio Texas. We are ready to help you.
Yes, we offer services for Misdemeanor crimes. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, contact our criminal defense attorneys at Texas Criminal Defense Group immediately and we will review your case.
With locations in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio Texas. We are ready to help you.
Yes, we offer services for Assault crimes. If you are facing Assault charges, contact our Criminal Defense Lawyers at Texas Criminal Defense Group immediately and we will review your case.
With locations in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio Texas. We are ready to help you.
Yes, we are a Bond Lawyer. If you need assistance, please contact Texas Criminal Defense Group.
With locations in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio Texas. We are ready to help you.
Yes, we can help with a 2nd DWI charge. If you are facing DWI or DUI charges, contact our DWI Lawyers at Texas Criminal Defense Group immediately and we will review your case.
With locations in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio Texas. We are ready to help you.
Yes, we do offer services for Drug trafficking. If you find yourself being charged with Drug trafficking. Please contact our Drug trafficking lawyers at Texas Criminal Defense Group immediately and we will work to fight your case.
With locations in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio Texas. We are ready to help you.
Yes, we do offer services for Marijuana crimes. If you find yourself being charged with possession of Marijuana. Please contact our Texas Criminal Defense Group immediately and we will review your case.
With locations in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio Texas. We are ready to help you.
Yes, we do offer services for Theft crimes. If you find yourself being charged with Theft, please contact our Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers immediately and we will review your case.
With locations in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio Texas. We are ready to help you.
Yes. Texas Criminal Defense Group helps eligible clients pursue expungement and other record-clearing options in Texas. Eligibility depends on the charge, how the case was resolved, and other factors, so our team will review your situation and explain which options may be available.
Unfortunately, we do not take on traffic ticket cases.
Yes, you can be falsely accused of a crime. If you find yourself being falsely accused, please contact our Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys immediately and we will review your case.
With locations in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio Texas. We are ready to help you.
Yes, we offer free consultations. Please give us a call to get started.
With locations in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio Texas. We are ready to help you.
Unfortunately, we do not take on immigration cases.
Yes, we handle fraud charges. Please give us a call as we offer free consultations as well.
With locations in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio Texas. We are ready to help you.
We handle drug charges throughout the state. We would be glad to help in any way we can. Please give us a call if you want to set up an appointment.
With locations in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio Texas. We are ready to help you.
Yes we do! Our experienced defense attorneys will be able to advocate for anyone charged with violating Texas gun laws.
With locations in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio Texas. We are ready to help you.
Yes, we do offer legal assistance for DWI charges. If you find yourself being charged with a DWI, please contact our Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers immediately and we will review your case.
With locations in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio Texas. We are ready to help you.
If the two sides cannot reach an acceptable plea agreement, the judge will schedule the case for a trial. The length of the trial depends on the nature of the case and the complexity of the charges against the individual, but a trial usually proceeds as follows:
With locations in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio Texas. We are ready to help you.
If you have not been contacted by the police but worry that you will be, you should get legal advice right away. If you are arrested, remember to tell the police that you will not make any statements until you have a lawyer present. If you do not already have a lawyer, contact one immediately.
The key to obtaining a good outcome in a domestic violence case is to hire an experienced lawyer at your earliest opportunity. The criminal defense attorneys at Texas Criminal Defense Group are proud of the effective representation they provide to clients who are charged with domestic violence crimes. Stephen Hamilton, the firm’s lead trial attorney, is one of a small percentage of attorneys in Texas who are board certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Texas Criminal Defense Group has earned the respect of judges and lawyers across Texas. Our reputation for excellence is the result of hard work and dedication to our clients. The attorneys at Texas Criminal Defense Group have a wide range of experience helping clients accused of domestic violence, including representation in family violence protective order hearings, criminal proceedings, and appeals. We also have a talented support staff that includes paralegals and investigators. Our team approach assures that right combination of lawyers and staff members will assist you with your legal problem.
We want all of our clients to have a full understanding of their criminal charges and of the defenses we can raise on their behalf. We prepared the Domestic Violence section of our website with that goal in mind. At the same time, it is important to understand that every case is unique. The best defense in your case can only be determined by conducting a thorough investigation of the facts and a rigorous application of the law.
The attorneys at Texas Criminal Defense Group will be happy to evaluate your case and to give you the benefit of our years of experience handling domestic violence cases. With locations in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio Texas. we are ready to help you.
Many people accused of domestic violence offenses do exactly the wrong thing. They only end up making a bad situation worse.
Do not try to persuade your accuser to retract the accusation or to drop charges. Only a prosecutor can drop a charge. You put yourself at risk of being charged with intimidating a victim or obstructing justice if your accuser claims that you made threats or asked her to lie to the court.
If you contact your accuser in violation of a family violence protective order or a protective bond condition, you will be charged with a crime. Even if no protective order has been entered or requested, any attempt you make to contact your accuser after your accuser calls the police puts you at risk of being arrested for witness tampering. Talk to a lawyer before you talk to your accuser or anyone else.
Any time you are accused of a crime, you need to be on your best behavior. Any new crime you are accused of committing just makes things worse. Stay out of bars. Stay away from alcohol. Do not get into arguments, particularly with your accuser’s family or friends. Keep a low profile. Wait for the accusation to be resolved before you resume your normal life. Until that happens, do everything you can to avoid situations that put you at risk of a new arrest.
Accusations of domestic violence need to be taken seriously. Before you do anything else, talk to a domestic violence attorney at Texas Criminal Defense Group. Call or fill out our online Contract Us form to ask for an appointment at one of our convenient offices. We have offices in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio Texas.
If the police arrest you for a domestic violence offense, you should identify yourself (if asked) and you should not resist arrest. Otherwise, say nothing to anyone until you have a chance to talk to a lawyer.
If you are taken to jail, you will have a chance to contact a lawyer after you are booked. You can answer booking questions (such as your address and your height and weight) but do not answer any questions about the crime you are accused of committing. Just say “I will not answer any questions without having my lawyer present.” The police are supposed to stop questioning you as soon as they hear that phrase, but if they persist, keep saying that you will not speak to them until your lawyer is present.
You are entitled to a prompt hearing before a magistrate who will consider releasing you on bond. The magistrate might impose protective bond conditions if you are released. You should try to be represented by a lawyer before the bond hearing so that an effective argument can be made to release you on bond with conditions that are reasonable.
If you are arrested for a Texas crime of domestic violence, turn to a highly regarded criminal defense law firm for help. Call Texas Criminal Defense Group to make an appointment with an experienced domestic violence defense attorney. You can also tell us about your arrest by submitting our online Contact Us form. We have offices in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio Texas.
If the police are investigating an accusation that you engaged in domestic violence, exercise your right to remain silent. Never talk to the police without having a lawyer present.
You have the right to remain silent even when the police do not advise you of that right. They only need to tell you about your right to remain silent if they arrest you and intend to interrogate you. Usually, police want to question you before you are arrested so that they can avoid giving you a Miranda warning. Whether or not they tell you that the right exists, you always have the right to remain silent. Use it.
Do not worry that refusing to speak to the police will make you look guilty. The police already think you are guilty. They just want you to make their job easier by getting you to say something they can use against you.
Whether you are innocent or guilty makes no difference. Too many innocent people have been convicted of crimes because they decided to talk to the police, only to discover that the police twisted their words and used them to obtain a conviction.
Your lawyer will know how to talk to the police on your behalf. Never talk to the police without talking to a lawyer first. In most cases, your lawyer will advise you not to talk to the police at all.
Put a domestic violence defense attorney between you and the police. Before you talk to a police officer, talk to one of the experienced lawyers at Texas Criminal Defense Group. To make an appointment, call or submit our online Contact Us form. We have offices in Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio Texas.
