Protecting Your Rights Throughout the Criminal Process

Not all arrests lead to convictions, but an arrest alone can put stress on an individual and their family. Fear and worry about the long-term costs of an arrest are normal responses, but it is important to remember that you can get help and begin to move on from your arrest.

The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard is proud to serve clients in Harker Heights and the surrounding areas. We have provided compassionate legal counsel to clients at every step of the criminal process, from arrest to trial, and our founding attorney understands the court system from both sides of the aisle as a former prosecutor turned defender. Attorney Pritchard and the team of legal professionals at our firm can evaluate your case, consult with you about your options, and act in your best interests.

Call the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard at (254) 220-4225 today for legal counsel from a firm that has a successful track record in and out of court.

Criminal Law Practice Areas

Our firm has defended thousands of cases concerning a variety of criminal charges. Every case is different, which is why we offer a host of legal services to meet our clients’ needs.

Criminal cases we handle:

• Assault
• Bond hearings
• Burglary
• Drug offenses
• DWI
• Juvenile crimes
• Shoplifting
• State offenses
• Theft

It is critical that you seek out an attorney as soon as possible to avoid self-incrimination and to protect your rights. The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard offers no-cost initial consultations to provide affordable counsel to those who need it most. We are prepared to evaluate your situation, work with you to determine the most optimal strategy, and aggressively advocate for you.

Crimes and Punishments

Criminal offenses vary in damage and harm, which is why the state and federal governments institute punishments or penalties that are equal to the crime.

Crimes fall into two main categories: misdemeanors and felonies. In each of these categories are classifications that reflect the level of criminal activity. Usually, misdemeanors do not result in long prison sentences or extreme fines. Felonies, however, can sometimes lead to many years behind bars.

Misdemeanors have three classes:

• Class C misdemeanors are the least serious charges and do not usually result in jail time. Shoplifting an item with a value of less than $50 is a Class C misdemeanor.
• Misdemeanors in Class B can be punished with a maximum of 180 days and/or a fine. Theft and burglary can be considered Class B crimes but, depending on the value of the items stolen or additional charges, they can become a Class A misdemeanor or, in some cases, a felony.
• Class A is the most serious misdemeanor charge. Conviction of a Class A offense can be punished with a year of jail time and thousands of dollars in fines. DWIs are often classified as Class A misdemeanors.

Felonies are categorized by degrees instead of classes. First through third degree felonies are punished with harsher sentences than misdemeanors.

• First degree felonies like robbery can result in a sentence of up to 10 years behind bars.
• Aggravated assault is an example of a second degree felony charge. Those accused of aggravated assault may face up to 20 years in prison.
• Some sexual assault cases are classified as a third degree felony if the accused is a repeat felon or if the damage/injuries are severe. In some cases, these crimes are punished with a prison sentence of more than 50 years.

Legal representation is critical to defending your rights against criminal accusations. Whether you have been accused of a misdemeanor or a felony, an attorney can help you understand the charges against you and build a case on your behalf.

What are the Main Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Conviction in Harker Heights?

In Harker Heights, Texas, a criminal conviction can carry significant collateral consequences that extend far beyond the immediate penalties of fines, probation, or incarceration. These effects can influence a person’s ability to work, access education, obtain housing, and maintain personal rights. The consequences vary depending on the type of offense:

Assault Convictions

• Limitations on firearm ownership under federal and state law.
• Potential difficulties securing employment, particularly in education, healthcare, or security fields.
• Challenges in obtaining professional licenses or certifications.
• Increased insurance premiums and restrictions on certain housing options.

DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) Convictions

• License suspension or revocation, often for extended periods.
• Mandatory installation of ignition interlock devices.
• Restrictions on employment that requires driving or operating vehicles.
• Elevated car insurance rates and potential denial of certain insurance policies.

Drug Crime Convictions

• Ineligibility for federal student aid or public housing.
• Barriers to employment in sectors that conduct background checks, such as healthcare or government work.
• Restrictions on custody or visitation in family law cases.
• Loss of professional licenses or disqualification from licensure.

Burglary, Theft, and Shoplifting Convictions

• Long-term employment obstacles, especially in retail, banking, and security industries.
• Difficulty qualifying for rental housing or mortgages.
• Social stigma that can affect personal relationships and community involvement.

Juvenile Offenses

• Expungement or deferred adjudication may reduce consequences, but certain offenses can carry adult collateral effects.
• Challenges with college admissions and scholarship eligibility.
• Limitations on future employment, particularly for offenses involving violence or drugs.

Overall, criminal convictions in Harker Heights, Texas, can create lasting collateral consequences that affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life.

How Our Attorneys Can Help You Avoid (or Lessen) the Legal Penalties and Collateral Consequences You Face

If you are facing criminal charges in Harker Heights, Texas, the knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard can provide experienced guidance and advocacy to help minimize both the legal penalties and the collateral consequences you may face. Criminal convictions can have far-reaching effects, from fines and jail time to long-term impacts on employment, housing, and personal rights. Having an experienced attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

The attorneys at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard take a strategic and individualized approach to each case. We carefully review the facts, gather evidence, and identify legal defenses that may apply. For example, in cases involving assault, our attorneys can evaluate whether the evidence supports the charges, negotiate reduced charges, or argue for alternative sentencing to limit jail time and preserve your record. In DWI cases, we may challenge the validity of traffic stops, blood-alcohol tests, and field sobriety procedures, aiming to reduce fines, prevent license suspension, or avoid a conviction altogether.

For drug-related charges, theft, burglary, or shoplifting, our attorneys work to explore options such as deferred adjudication, pretrial diversion programs, or plea agreements that can prevent a permanent criminal record or lessen the severity of penalties. In cases involving juvenile offenses, we focus on strategies to protect your child’s future by seeking expungement or minimizing court involvement.

Beyond addressing immediate penalties, the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard is committed to helping clients navigate the long-term collateral consequences of criminal charges. We provide guidance on how a conviction may affect employment, housing, professional licensing, and other areas of life, and we work diligently to secure outcomes that reduce these burdens whenever possible.

By combining legal knowledge, detailed case preparation, and personalized attention, our attorneys strive to protect your rights, mitigate legal consequences, and support your ability to move forward with your life after facing criminal charges. 

Aggressive Representation

No matter what type of criminal offense you have been accused of, the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard is prepared to review your case and guide you through the legal process. Our high-quality legal services are backed by decades of experience fighting on our clients’ behalf. Put your case in good hands at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard.

Contact our team of legal professionals to set up your free initial consultation today.