Falls County Criminal Defense Attorney

For 20 years, we have dedicated our practice to defending individuals facing criminal accusations throughout Texas, building an impressive record that includes numerous case dismissals and favorable verdicts. The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard understands the fear and uncertainty that accompany criminal charges and works unceasingly to protect your interests while pursuing the best possible resolution for your case. 

Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Texas

Texas imposes harsh penalties for criminal convictions, with consequences depending on the offense level, prior record, and circumstances of the alleged conduct. Potential penalties include:

• Substantial fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
• Probation with strict supervision requirements.
• County jail sentences for misdemeanor convictions.
• State prison terms for felony offenses.
• Community service obligations.
• Mandatory counseling or treatment programs.
• Restitution payments to victims.
• Loss of professional licenses and certifications.

Texas Penal Code § 12.21 through 12.51 establishes punishment ranges for various offense levels, ranging from Class C misdemeanors to first-degree felonies. Convictions also result in permanent criminal records that impact employment prospects, housing applications, educational opportunities, and personal relationships for years after completing sentences.

Theft and Property Crimes

Property crime charges can range from minor shoplifting to serious felonies, depending on the value of the alleged loss and the surrounding circumstances. We defend clients facing all types of theft-related accusations, including shoplifting, burglary, and robbery.

Property crime convictions create lasting records that employers view unfavorably, particularly for positions involving financial responsibilities or access to valuable assets. Our thorough investigation challenges prosecution theories and raises questions about the intent elements. We explore diversion programs or reduced charges that minimize long-term consequences.

Assault and Violent Crimes

Assault allegations carry penalties escalating based on the victim's identity, injury severity, and weapon involvement. We defend clients against assault charges by investigating self-defense claims, examining witness credibility, analyzing medical evidence, and challenging prosecution narratives that often rely on biased complainant statements without corroborating evidence.

DUI and DWI Charges

Driving while intoxicated charges can jeopardize your license, employment, and freedom, with penalties that may include license suspension, heavy fines, and even jail time—especially with elevated blood alcohol levels or prior convictions. We use a range of defense strategies to challenge alcohol- or drug-related driving allegations:

• Challenging traffic stops.
• Contesting field sobriety tests.
• Disputing chemical test results.
• Medical condition defenses.

Texas Penal Code § 49.04 outlines DWI offenses and imposes harsher penalties for repeat violations or cases involving accidents. Our defense strategy focuses on uncovering weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and pursuing dismissals, acquittals, or reduced charges whenever possible.

Drug Offenses

Narcotics charges often trigger mandatory minimum sentences and carry lasting collateral consequences that impact housing, education, and professional opportunities. Our Falls County criminal defense attorney team represents clients facing a wide range of drug-related allegations, including:

• Possession: Simple possession charges for personal use amounts of controlled substances still result in criminal records and potential incarceration, depending on the substance type and quantity.
• Possession With Intention to Distribute: Prosecutors charge possession with intent when circumstances suggest drug dealing rather than personal use. These charges dramatically increase potential penalties even without actual sales.
• Drug Distribution and Trafficking: Manufacturing, selling, or transporting controlled substances constitutes the most serious drug offenses, carrying lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines upon conviction.

Defending drug cases requires challenging the legality of search and seizure, questioning substance identification and testing, and attacking chain of custody procedures for physical evidence. We scrutinize law enforcement conduct to identify constitutional violations that provide grounds for evidence suppression and charge dismissal.

Juvenile Crimes

Juveniles accused of criminal conduct face lasting consequences that affect their educational and employment opportunities throughout their lives. We advocate for rehabilitation-focused dispositions rather than punitive measures, working to keep juvenile records sealed and protecting young clients from harsh consequences that could permanently damage their futures and limit their potential for growth.

How Our Falls County Criminal Defense Attorney Team Helps

Our Falls County criminal defense attorneys represent juvenile cases. Our Falls County criminal defense lawyers provide comprehensive representation designed to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcomes. We assist clients by:

• Explaining charges, potential penalties, and available defenses.
• Developing customized approaches tailored to specific charges, evidence, and circumstances.
• Conducting independent investigations, interviewing witnesses, and collecting favorable evidence.
• Identifying weaknesses in prosecution cases.
• Communicating with prosecutors to pursue charge reductions, favorable plea agreements, or alternative dispositions.
• Providing aggressive trial advocacy, including jury selection, witness examination, and persuasive arguments that challenge prosecution theories.
• Assisting with appeals, sentence modifications, and expungement petitions when available under Texas law.

Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 1.051 guarantees defendants the right to counsel at all critical stages of proceedings. Our dedicated advocacy ensures that you receive the robust defense necessary to protect your freedom and future from the serious consequences of a criminal conviction.