Coryell County Criminal Defense Attorneys

Compassionate, Effective Legal Counsel from Arrest to Trial

Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard is here to help you every step of the way. We are proud to provide award-winning legal services to clients in Coryell County. Our team can investigate the details of your case to build a strong defense on your behalf.

Call the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard at (254) 220-4225 to speak with our Coryell County criminal defense lawyers.

Your Rights During the Criminal Process

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.

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.

Contact the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard for more information.