When you are facing criminal charges in Rosebud, it is not a stretch to say that your future is hanging in the balance. With that being the case, you should take no chances. On your own, you may have little chance of getting the best possible outcome in your case. When you hire a Rosebud criminal defense lawyer at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard, we will fight tirelessly for you with the recognition that everyone deserves a strong legal defense. 

Types of Criminal Charges in Rosebud

There are two primary types of criminal charges that you may face in Rosebud:

• A felony is the most serious type of crime in Rosebud. There are five different levels of felonies in Texas. Even the least serious felony can be punishable by 180 days to two years in prison. Many felonies have minimum mandatory jail sentences. In most cases, the prosecutor will need to prove knowledge and intent to win a conviction on felony charges.
• A misdemeanor is less serious than a felony, but you should not mistake less serious for being minor. Depending on the type of misdemeanor that you have been charged with, you may be facing up to one year in prison. In most misdemeanor cases, a prosecutor does not have to prove that you had the intent to commit a crime. 

Do I Have to Plead Guilty to Criminal Charges Against Me?

A guilty plea is not a foregone conclusion in any criminal case against you. Of course, you always have the option to plead guilty, and that may be in your best interests. Your criminal defense lawyer can negotiate with the prosecutor to secure the best possible deal for you. It may be possible to plead guilty to lesser charges, or in exchange for a sentencing recommendation that is less than the maximum.

Depending on the circumstances, you may have an opening to fight the charges against you. It is the prosecutor who has the burden of proof to demonstrate the charges against you beyond a reasonable doubt. You can present your own evidence that could include an alibi or proof that you did not have the necessary intent to commit the crime. You may also challenge specific pieces of evidence that the prosecutor plans to use for their case when they were seized in violation of your Fourth Amendment rights. 

What Is at Stake When You Have Been Charged Criminally in Rosebud?

It is no exaggeration that your freedom and your future are on the line when you are facing criminal charges in Rosebud. Any type of misdemeanor or felony has a possible jail sentence if you are convicted of the crime. Since Texas has tough expungement laws, your criminal record may follow you for the rest of your life. In addition, even if you are not sentenced to jail, or you complete your sentence, there are also other risks that can include:

• Damage to your reputation
• Loss of the right to carry a firearm
• Difficulty finding a job
• Impacts on your custody case
• Threats to your ability to remain in the United States if you are not a citizen

What Should I Do When I Have Been Arrested for a Crime?

There is a fine line that you must walk when you have either been arrested or learned that you are under suspicion of committing a crime. You want to be as proactive as possible, yet you also want to avoid making mistakes that can complicate your criminal defense. 

The best thing that you can do to help yourself is to hire a criminal defense attorney for your case. Your lawyer will work to ensure that your legal rights are protected while they defend your case. They will make sure that you understand what you are facing, and they will give you advice before you have to make any key decisions in your case. 

What is equally important is what you should not do after being arrested. You must not do anything that could waive your legal rights and make it easier for a prosecutor to convict you. Mistakes that you can make that will undermine your criminal defense are speaking with law enforcement without a criminal defense attorney being present and consenting to a search of your property when the police do not have a valid search warrant. 

Contact a Rosebud Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you need experienced legal counsel after you have been arrested or charged with a crime, look no further than the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard. We will take a comprehensive approach to your case, considering your needs both now and in the future. We offer free initial consultations, and you can schedule one by messaging us online or by calling us today at (254) 220-4225.