Facing a criminal charge is exceptionally challenging, and attempting to navigate the legal process on your own can jeopardize your rights and can make effecting an optimal outcome far less likely. If this is where you find yourself – with a criminal charge levied against you – it is important to remember that you are not alone. An experienced Middle Crossing criminal defense attorney at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard is on your side and here to help. 

Criminal Defense

Our criminal justice system hinges on the principle that we are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Beyond a reasonable doubt in this context means the prosecution must prove that your guilt is the only reasonable explanation, which is a very high legal bar. 

The role of all reputable criminal defense lawyers is to uphold the key principle of innocence until guilt is proven, which includes all the following:

• Ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld 
• Challenging any evidence against you in terms of how it was obtained, of its relevance to your case, and of issues such as it being more prejudicial than probative, which means it could unfairly prejudice the jury against you
• Establishing an irrefutable alibi whenever possible
• Building a robust defense strategy that strengthens your ability to fight the charge and to effect a favorable resolution on your behalf

The Most Common Criminal Charges

Charges in Texas range from relatively mild misdemeanors to capital felonies. The charges that are the most common, however, break down into several categories. 

Drug Charges

Texas takes a hard stance when it comes to possession, distribution, manufacture, or trafficking of controlled substances. The severity of the case against you will directly reflect the drug, its amount, and the charge in question. It is important to keep in mind that, in Texas, recreational marijuana remains illegal despite the loosening of related laws across the country. 

Theft Charges

Theft refers to unlawfully taking someone else’s property with the intention of keeping it from them permanently. Shoplifting is a form of theft. The severity of the charge directly corresponds with the value of the items stolen. 

DWI

Driving while intoxicated is the crime of driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher. The charge can also apply if your driving is determined to have been dangerously affected by alcohol, even if your BAC is below the limit. Factors like having a prior conviction, having a seriously elevated BAC, or having a child in the car with you at the time carry even more serious charges. 

Other common criminal charges to consider include all the following:

• Assault and aggravated assault, which involves an aggravating factor like using a weapon, carries far harsher penalties 
• Burglary 
• Juvenile crimes
• Criminal mischief

You Have Been Arrested: Now What? 

If you have been arrested, your situation will be utterly unique to you. The best steps forward, however, do not vary. 

Invoke Your Right to an Attorney 

The best place to start if you’ve been accused of a crime is letting the officer know that you want an attorney. Making this clear upfront should shut down any interrogation before it begins. And if it does not, any potential evidence gathered against you should not be admissible. If you do not think the officers got your message, you should restate the fact that you want legal representation. 

Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent 

After sharing your name and any additional basic identifying information required, as well as invoking your right to an attorney, it’s time to let the officers know that you are done talking. The second part of this, and perhaps the most important, is ensuring that you do stop talking. 

Keep in mind that those interviewing you are very good at obtaining statements that go on to build very strong cases against you. You are always better off when you refrain from speaking until after you have consulted with a trusted criminal defense attorney.

Take Your Lawyer’s Advice to Heart 

You and your dedicated criminal defense lawyer are a team, which means you will work together to bring your strongest defense. This said, however, you are very well advised to take their advice, suggestions, and guidance seriously. Doing so could mean the difference between an advantageous case resolution and one that is far less so.

You Need an Experienced Middle Crossing Criminal Defense Lawyer on Your Side 

Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard is a focused Middle Crossing criminal defense attorney who is well prepared to harness the full force of his expansive experience and impressive track record in focused pursuit of a case outcome that benefits you. Learn more about what we can do to help by contacting or calling us at (254) 220-4225 today.