Coryell County Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you have been arrested, you are probably feeling hopeless and fearful about your future. The criminal process in Texas is complex, and there are several important elements to remember. The most important thing to keep in mind during the criminal process is your rights.

Upon arrest, law enforcement officers are required to inform you of the following rights:

• The right to remain silent
• The right to an attorney
• The right to have an attorney present during police questioning

These are known as Miranda Rights, named after a 1996 U.S. Supreme Court Case. Essentially, you do not have to speak to the police without an attorney. In fact, it is critical to avoid communicating with the police without an attorney to prevent self-incrimination, which is an admission of guilt.

During your first appearance in court, the judge will read the charges against you in addition to your rights during the trial, as stated in the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution.

These rights include the following:

• The right to trial by jury
• Prohibition of double jeopardy (prosecuting the same offense more than once)
• The right to a fair trial

While police and the court have an obligation to keep you informed of your rights, they do not always follow through. That is why you must have legal representation throughout the criminal process. Attorneys at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard can protect your rights and help you understand your options.

What Happens During a Trial?

Not all cases go to trial, but those that do must go through the guilt/innocence phase and the punishment phase. Both phases aim to evaluate the evidence and determine a fair punishment that is proportionate to the crime.

• The guilt/innocence phase of a criminal trial allows the prosecution to present evidence and witness statements to prove the defendant’s guilt. Lab reports, videos, and audio recordings can be used as supporting evidence to the prosecution’s case against you. The defense will also use this time to present evidence and witnesses to prove their client’s innocence.
• The punishment phase involves sentencing the accused. Based on the evidence of the case, the judge will determine a sentence that he or she believes fits the crime. A sentence can include a fine and/or jail time, depending on the damages and severity of the criminal activity. For example, a first-time DWI charge is likely to result in a fine and driver’s license suspension, while a felony DWI with fatalities could lead to several years in prison.

Even after the trial is over, you still have an opportunity to pursue justice. Those found guilty of a crime can file an appeal with the court for a chance to revisit their case. Unfortunately, the appeals process is just as complex as the criminal process. Contact an attorney before filing an appeal.

What is the Prosecution’s Legal Burden of Proof in a Criminal Case?

At the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard, we aggressively represent individuals who are charged with DWI (Driving While Intoxicated), drug offenses, juvenile crimes, assault, shoplifting, theft, burglary, and more.

In a criminal case in Coryell County, Texas, the prosecution carries the burden of proof, which is the legal responsibility to prove the defendant’s guilt. This burden is high because the law recognizes that being accused of a crime can have serious consequences, including imprisonment, fines, or both. 

In Texas, as in the rest of the United States, the prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which is the highest standard of proof in the legal system. This standard does not mean the prosecution must eliminate all possible doubt, but it does require that the evidence presented be so convincing that a reasonable person would have no reasonable uncertainty about the defendant’s guilt. Essentially, if there is a doubt that is reasonable and arises from the evidence—or lack of evidence—the jury is required to acquit the defendant.

The prosecution meets this burden by presenting evidence such as witness testimony, physical evidence, expert reports, and documents that together create a coherent story demonstrating the defendant committed the crime. The defense, on the other hand, is not required to prove the defendant’s innocence. The law assumes a person is innocent until proven guilty, so the prosecution’s inability to meet its burden can result in the defendant being found not guilty.

If the prosecution cannot satisfy the legal burden of proof in a Coryell County criminal case, the court will dismiss the charges or the jury will return a verdict of not guilty. This outcome protects individuals from wrongful convictions and reinforces the principle that the state must prove its case – rather than requiring the defendant to disprove the allegations. Even if the evidence seems strong but leaves room for reasonable doubt, the law favors acquittal, reflecting the priority Texas courts place on protecting the rights and freedoms of individuals.

In short, the prosecution’s burden of proof in Coryell County is to establish the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Failure to meet this burden results in dismissal of the case or an acquittal, ensuring that no one is punished without sufficient, convincing evidence.

Defending Your Rights

The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard has served clients for over two decades. Our team understands the Texas criminal process in and out of court, and we provide compassionate and affordable legal services to those accused of a crime. We put our experience to work by evaluating your case to build a strong defense on your behalf.