Facing criminal charges in Rogers, Texas, is overwhelming and frightening, threatening your freedom, reputation, and future with serious legal consequences. Whether you are charged with misdemeanors or felonies, you need experienced legal representation immediately to protect your constitutional rights and fight for favorable outcomes. The criminal justice system is complex and unforgiving without skilled advocacy on your side. The stakes could not be higher for you, making it even more crucial that you take no chances with your legal rights. 

This is the reason you must hire a lawyer immediately. Never wait to call our Rogers criminal defense lawyers at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard.

What Are the Consequences of a Criminal Conviction in Rogers?

Nearly all crimes in Texas will carry a possible jail sentence if you are convicted. However, there is no guarantee that you will go to jail when you are convicted of a crime. You may have options available to you that can allow you to avoid prison, including:

• Fighting the charges against you and having them dismissed or winning an acquittal
• Negotiating a plea bargain with the prosecutor that allows for probation
• Entering into some form of alternative sentencing, such as pretrial diversion

If you are convicted of a crime, chances are that you will be left with a criminal record. Then, you may find it difficult to go through life because your conviction can be seen by others, including potential employers and landlords. Your reputation will be permanently changed. If you are not a United States citizen, you may even face deportation from the country. Although you may eventually choose to plead guilty, you can still work to minimize these consequences. 

What Is the Legal Process Like in Rogers?

The legal process in Rogers will unfold over time through a number of steps. Here is what is a part of the criminal justice process in your case:

• The legal process begins when you are arrested or indicted for a crime.
• You are taken into custody and booked.
• You will make an initial appearance in court, where bail may be set, and you will enter a plea, which will almost always be not guilty.
• If your case continues to proceed, the prosecutor is required to turn over all evidence they intend to use against you in court through the discovery process.
• Your criminal defense lawyer may file motions in the case, such as seeking to have the charges dismissed or attempting to suppress evidence that was unlawfully obtained.
• Your lawyer may seek to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor before trial if you decide that it is in your best interests.
• If you do not plead guilty, you are entitled to a trial, where both the prosecutor and your lawyer will present evidence in your case.

The Risks of Trying to Represent Yourself in a Criminal Case

If you are tempted to try to save money by not hiring a criminal lawyer, the best advice that we can give you is not to do this. The risks of not having a criminal defense attorney fighting for you are the following:

• The prosecutor has far more resources available to them than you may have, which will allow them to gain an edge by being able to more thoroughly investigate your case.
• You may not know of your legal rights, and you can make a mistake that can affect your case, such as giving consent to a search or speaking to law enforcement.
• You may be pressured into an early guilty plea without getting something substantial in exchange for it, such as a lesser sentence.
• Texas criminal law is complex, and you may not understand the law or the legal process.

When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Having established that you need an attorney for your case, the question becomes when you need to hire a lawyer. The answer to that question is immediately. Any moment in which your legal rights are left unprotected is one that can worsen your chances of achieving the best possible outcome in your case. You can make a mistake that can affect your future prospects in life. In addition, you will be under an inordinate amount of stress if you try to go through the legal process alone. As soon as you get legal help from a Rogers criminal defense attorney, they can handle the details of your case. You will work closely with them as they fight for your legal rights.

Types of Cases We Handle

At The Law Offices of Brett H. Pritchard, we handle the following types of criminal cases:

• Driving while intoxicated and other related traffic offenses
• Assault and other violent crime allegations
• Theft, burglary, and other property-related offenses
• Drug possession, distribution, and manufacturing charges
• Juvenile criminal matters
• Bond hearings and pretrial proceedings

Contact a Rogers Criminal Defense Attorney

When you need a pragmatic yet hard-hitting lawyer who can fight for you, look no further than the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard. We are ready to get to work for you immediately, giving you peace of mind. Call us today at (254) 220-4225 or message us online to schedule a free initial consultation. This is a phone call that you cannot afford to delay.