Florence Criminal Defense Lawyers

Protecting Clients’ Rights for Over Two Decades

Studies show that by age 23 nearly one in three people are arrested in the United States. If you have been arrested, many things are running through your mind, like whether the charges will stay on your record or what you need if you have to go to court. You don’t have to figure out these things alone. Our compassionate team of attorneys understands how stressful criminal charges can be. We provide hands-on legal counsel backed by over 20 years of experience in and out of court.

Call the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard at (254) 220-4225 to find how we can advocate for you.

What Is the Difference Between a Charge and a Conviction?

Florence TX

A charge is the formal accusation that someone has broken the law. This term specifically addresses the crime committed, like robbery, assault, DWI, etc. In other words, someone can have a DWI charge, but that does not include the penalty for a DWI or an official criminal conviction.

A criminal charge does not sentence or convict someone of a crime; it is simply the accusation. Sentencing does not happen until after the jury and judge have agreed to convict the person accused of a crime based on the evidence presented to the court. Once someone is convicted of a crime, the judge passes sentence. The sentence usually contains information regarding the punishment for the crime.

Sentences can include the following penalties:

  • Probation
  • Fines
  • Short or long-term incarceration
  • Restitution
  • Community service
  • Drug or alcohol rehabilitation

Misdemeanors typically result in either fines, probation, community service, rehabilitation, or a combination of several of these punishments. Felonies are more serious criminal convictions, and the penalty for felonies can range from long-term incarceration to life in prison.

How Does a Conviction Affect Your Criminal Record?

An understandable concern for those charged or convicted of a crime is whether or not it will go on their permanent record. Criminal records can make applying for jobs difficult because most employers use background checks on prospective employees.

Background checks usually identify convictions, not charges. Some programs can reveal pending criminal investigations, but the main goal of a background check is to look for misdemeanor or felony convictions.

You also have the option to remove a crime from your record through expunction. This deletes the offense from your record. Once removed, the crime is no longer available to the general public, which includes employers.

You qualify for expunction if you have been:

  • Acquitted
  • Convicted but found innocent
  • Pardoned
  • Charged but the case was dismissed
  • Arrested but never charged

Texas requires that you wait between 180 days to one year to expunge a misdemeanor and three years for a felony.

Remember that if you have been charged with a crime, you have not been officially convicted. It is critical that you consult our attorneys if you have been arrested and/or charged.

Helping You Every Step of the Way

Our attorneys understand that being charged with a crime can be disorienting. You are unsure about what will happen to you and how this will impact your life. We are here to help you with hands-on legal counsel backed by decades of experience.

The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard has helped thousands of clients with their criminal cases by offering honest advice and legal guidance through case reviews, custom strategies, and high-quality legal representation.

If you have been accused of a crime in Florence, contact our attorneys at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard.

Meet Our Dedicated Team

  • Brett H. Pritchard Photo
    Brett H. Pritchard
    Attorney At Law
    Our lead lawyer, Brett H. Pritchard, is a graduate from Brigham Young University and Texas Tech University. Earning an exemplary reputation as an aggressive and formidable trial lawyer, Attorney Pritchard is ultimately passionate about protecting his clients' rights.
  • Brent T. Sykora Photo
    Brent T. Sykora
    Attorney At Law
    Attorney Brent T. Sykora has a wealth of experience in the legal realm, stemming firstly from his First Chair litigation experience in both federal and state courts, administrative hearings, and ADR proceedings.
  • Danah  Woods Photo
    Danah Woods
    Attorney At Law
    Danah Woods has a broad range of state and federal civil litigation experience including trial, discovery, and mediation and has practiced throughout the State of Texas. Danah began her career working in the insurance industry as a claims adjuster and ...
  • Darmeisha  Slay Photo
    Darmeisha Slay
    Attorney At Law
    After graduating from St. Mary’s University, she practiced as a Paralegal at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard until her acceptance into the Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston, Texas. While at TMSL, Darmeisha was accepted to practice in the pro bono Family Law Clinic where she represented indigent clients in uncontested and contested divorces.
  • Jeff  Linick Photo
    Jeff Linick
    Attorney At Law
    With a background in business and finance prior to going to law school, Mr. Linick worked for several years in the insurance industry with USAA, a company closely associated with the armed services.
  • N.J.  Gaunt Photo
    N.J. Gaunt
    Senior Litigator
    Nicholas J. Gaunt has been licensed as an attorney and mediator in Texas since 2009. He has practiced family law and criminal defense extensively in Bell, Coryell, Lampasas, & Milam, as well as Collin, Dallas, Denton, Travis, and Bexar County.
  • Andersch  Etienne Photo
    Andersch Etienne
    Attorney At Law
    Andersch H. Etienne has lived most of his life in Florida. He obtained his Associate of Arts from Indian River State College with a major in Criminal Justice and, after graduating, interned with the 19th District Public Defender’s office for the summer. ...
  • Timothy V. Daniel Photo
    Timothy V. Daniel
    Attorney At Law
    LEGAL EXPERIENCE Tim is a native central Texan, graduating high school in Milam County. During law school, he interned for the Combined Law Enforcement Assocation of Texas and for Crime Stoppers International. After law school, Tim clerked for the ...
  • Tyler  Stara Photo
    Tyler Stara
    Attorney At Law
    LEGAL EXPERIENCE Born and raised in Ponca City, Oklahoma, Tyler graduated from nursing school in 2014 from Northern Oklahoma College and attained his bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2015 from Oklahoma City University. Tyler later returned to Oklahoma City ...
  • Quincy  Hall Photo
    Quincy Hall
    Attorney At Law
    Born in El Paso, Texas, Quincy Sterling Hall knew from a young age what it meant to be efficient, effective, and exceptional. As the son of a retired First Sergeant father and professional Health Care Liaison mother, the values and aptitude instilled in ...

Our Winning Strategy

  • Thousands of Clients Helped
  • Honest Advice & Counsel
  • Military Discount
  • Emergency Appointments
  • "Hands-On" Approach
  • Highly Recommended
  • Track Record of Success
  • Free Initial Consultations
Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard
1201 South W.S. Young Dr.
Killeen, TX 76543
Quality Legal Services at Affordable Rates Offering reduced payments and flexible payment plans during this time.