Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to get answers to any questions you may have is to call our office .However, in our continuing effort to provide clarity for our clients, we have provided a few answers to commonly asked questions here as well.
What are my rights when I am under arrest?
Under the 5th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you have the right to avoid self-incrimination by remaining silent following your detention or arrest. You are also entitled to a phone call and to legal representation. If you cannot afford to hire a criminal defense attorney, the State of Texas will appoint a public defender on your behalf.
What should I do if I’ve been arrested for a crime?
You should use the one phone call which you are permitted to contact a dedicated Texas criminal defense attorney as soon possible. You should also not make any statements to law enforcement officials unless you are advised to do so by your criminal defense lawyer. Remember: anything you say can be used against you at an arraignment or in a trial.
What consequences can I expect following a conviction for a misdemeanor or felony?
Prison time and expensive fines are only the most obvious consequences of a criminal conviction in Texas. Depending on the circumstances of your crime, you may also be required to pay restitution, to attend counseling for drug or alcohol abuse or anger management, or to perform community service. You may also find you are no longer allowed to vote in elections or own a firearm. Additionally, you will have difficulty in passing the background checks often required when renting property or seeking employment.
Why should I hire a Texas criminal defense attorney if the state will provide me with a public defender?
Public defenders have a staggering workload and will do almost anything to avoid a trial. This means they will be eager to have you plead guilty to a lesser offense for the sake of expediency even if you are innocent or your arrest was illegal. An aggressive criminal defense lawyer is eager to take your case to trial if necessary to vindicate you, regardless of how inconvenient this may be for others.
When should I hire a criminal defense lawyer?
You should retain a knowledgeable Texas defense lawyer as soon as you have been charged or think you will be charged with a crime. Procrastination in doing so only weakens your defense and helps prosecutors convict you. Contact a dedicated criminal defense attorney today if you have been arrested in the State of Texas.
How can hiring a Texas divorce attorney help me obtain a fair divorce settlement?
Regardless of how much you think that you and your spouse may agree about the basic desired outcomes of the divorce when it comes to issues such as alimony, child custody, or child support orders, the best way to protect your rights and make these outcomes a reality is for each spouse to retain an experienced family law attorney. A family law lawyer can keep you from losing custody of your children, or ownership of your home or your vehicle as a result of a divorce. Entering a contested divorce without dedicated legal representation is a recipe for disaster.
How can I make sure that my ex-spouse or ex-partner is held financially accountable for the costs associated with raising our child?
A knowledgeable Texas family law attorney can help ensure that the respective financial situations of you and your spouse are accurately reflected in family court and assist you in obtaining a child support order that requires each parent to pay their due share of the cost of a child’s upbringing.
How can I be sure that a child custody order reflects what is in my child’s best interest?
By hiring a seasoned family law attorney, you can help guarantee that your voice is heard in court when it comes to significant life choices for your child, such as where they will attend school or receive medical care.