Being arrested can seriously affect your livelihood and reputation. Depending on the charges, you may face jail time, costly fines, or even steeper consequences. No matter your situation, you do not have to go through the criminal process without representation.

At the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard, we are more than legal representatives—we are advocates. Our legal team draws on decades of experience to help with your case, and we work to protect your rights at every step of the criminal process.

Our deep understanding of local procedures in Bell County and our familiarity with courts in Temple gives us insight into how cases are handled in this region. We recognize the real challenges that come with criminal matters locally, and we guide you through each stage with clear information and direction. Our commitment ensures you will not feel lost or overlooked at any point in your case. 

Speak with our Temple criminal defense lawyer today by contacting us online or calling (254) 220-4225.

What Happens After an Arrest in Texas?

Depending on the criminal charges that led to your arrest, you could face a lengthy trial process.

Typically, after an arrest, your first appearance in court is scheduled quickly. The goal of a first appearance is to tell the defendant, the person accused of the crime, about the charges against them and their rights in court.

You have the right to an attorney, whether you hire one or use a court-appointed attorney. The court can also use anything you say to the arresting officers or the judge as evidence against you. That means you should avoid admitting guilt during an arrest.

Self-incrimination makes defending your case more difficult. Even admitting you knew about a crime, though you did not participate, counts as self-incrimination that the prosecutor can use. Speak with an attorney soon after an arrest to protect your rights and avoid self-incrimination.

Key steps that typically occur after an arrest in Temple include:

• Initial booking and processing, where law enforcement records your personal information, fingerprints, and photographs and may conduct an initial interview
• First court appearance, often held at a Bell County facility, where the judge informs you of the charges, considers bond, and addresses your right to counsel
• Bond and release decisions, which determine whether you remain in custody at the Bell County Jail or can be released while your case is pending
• Case review and preparation, where you and your lawyer go over the evidence, discuss possible defenses, and decide how to respond to the prosecutor’s allegations
• Ongoing court settings, including pretrial conferences and hearings at the Bell County Justice Complex that move your case toward resolution by plea, dismissal, or trial

Understanding the sequence of events after an arrest in Temple can help you feel more prepared. Bell County follows strict timelines for arraignments and bail hearings, which can affect if and when you can bond out of jail and how quickly legal representation becomes involved. Working with a criminal attorney who knows the local system can increase your chance of a timely and fair process. Our law firm keeps current on how cases move through courtrooms here and can help you navigate every requirement and document.

How Much Does a Criminal Case Cost?

The cost of your criminal case depends on many factors. Depending on the charges and your location, the cost can change. Just like gas prices vary from county to county, attorney’s fees and court costs can differ as well.

Repeat offenders, especially in DWI cases, often pay hefty fines. First-time DWIs can bring fines up to $2,000, and more serious felony charges may set bail at several thousand dollars. For example, felony theft might require high bail, while shoplifting fines usually cap at $500 in Texas.

The complexity of your case also affects cost. Complex cases usually spend more time in court, leading to higher attorney fees. Cases with multiple charges require more time and resources to investigate and prepare a defense strategy.

The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard offers affordable legal resources for those who need them most. We provide reduced payments, flexible payment plans, and free initial consultations.

Clients in Temple and across Bell County can also face extra costs based on which court hears their case, as local court fees may vary. We walk you through what to expect financially before you decide, so you can feel confident about the costs you may face. Our approach helps make legal support available for more Temple residents.

Defending Your Case from Start to Finish

Whether you have just been arrested or you are being investigated for criminal activity, speak with our attorney at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard today. We can evaluate your situation, work with you to understand the details of your case, and devise a strategy for your defense. We have helped thousands of clients, and we have the knowledge you need to build a strong case.

Our team handles a wide range of charges, including offenses common in Temple and the greater Killeen–Fort Hood area. These cases include drug possession, assault, theft, DWI, and probation violations. We keep current with updates to Texas laws and local ordinances, making sure our strategies reflect what actually happens in Temple courtrooms. We work alongside you from start to finish—answering your questions, clarifying your options, and keeping you informed as your case moves forward.

How a Temple Criminal Defense Attorney Helps You

When you are facing charges in Temple, you may wonder what a lawyer actually does behind the scenes and how that work can affect your future. From the moment you are arrested or learn that you are under investigation, a criminal defense attorney can begin reviewing police reports, evaluating whether your rights were respected, and identifying weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case. This early review is especially important in Bell County, where decisions about bond conditions, protective orders, and plea offers often happen quickly. Having someone focused on protecting your interests helps you avoid missteps that could harm your case later.

As your case moves through the Bell County Justice Complex or other local courts, we help you understand every setting, from arraignment through pretrial conferences and trial. We explain what the judge is likely to consider, what options you may have for diversion or reduced charges, and how different choices could affect your record, employment, and family. We also gather witness statements, analyze physical evidence, and, when appropriate, consult with professionals such as investigators or treatment providers to strengthen your defense. Our goal is to give you clear information so you can make informed decisions at each step.

Many people in Temple are balancing work, school, or military duties at Fort Cavazos while trying to handle a criminal case, which can quickly become overwhelming. We coordinate court dates with you, prepare you for testimony, and communicate with prosecutors on your behalf so you do not have to manage every conversation alone. By organizing paperwork, tracking deadlines, and keeping you updated on changes in your case, we work to reduce the stress of the process and help you stay focused on your daily life while your defense moves forward.

Types of Criminal Cases We Handle in Temple

Our firm helps clients with a broad range of criminal charges brought in Temple courts. We regularly work on misdemeanor and felony cases, including DWI and marijuana possession, aggravated assault, theft, and family violence. Since every charge carries different risks and penalties in Texas, we break down the key details so you can see how state and local law may apply to your situation.

DWI Charges in Temple

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges in Texas relate to operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher. The charge can also apply, however, when the arresting officer determines that the motorist’s ability to drive safely has been negatively affected by alcohol, even if they have a BAC that is under the limit. 

A first DWI offense is generally a Class B misdemeanor, which carries all the following:

• Up to $2,000 in fines
• From 72 hours to 180 days of jail time
• License suspension of up to a year 
• Alcohol education requirements  
• The possibility of needing an ignition interlock device

This is in addition to a range of negative social consequences that can directly affect your career and overall social standing.

A second DWI offense is typically a Class A misdemeanor, which carries 72 hours of mandatory jail time. A third offense reaches the level of a third-degree felony, which can lead to prison time. Things only become more legally challenging from here, which makes having skilled legal representation on your side well-advised.  

Marijuana Possession Charges

While many states have legalized possession of small amounts of recreational marijuana, Texas has yet to join them. Recreational marijuana is against the law in Texas, and a marijuana possession charge can carry serious legal and social consequences. 

While Bell County has a cite-and-release policy for possession of small amounts of marijuana, implementation is inconsistent. And the fact that marijuana is illegal at the state level means that you could face criminal possession charges. Further, the cost of a cite-and-release citation can be immense. 

The basics when it comes to marijuana possession charges in Texas include all the following:

• Possession of less than 2 ounces is a Class B misdemeanor that carries fines of up to $2,000 and a jail sentence of up to 180 days
• Possession of from 2 to 4 ounces is a state jail felony that carries fines of up to $10,000 and from 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility. 
• Possession of from 5 to 50 pounds is a third-degree felony that carries fines of up to $10,000 and a prison sentence of from 2 to 10 years. 

As the weight increases, so too do the penalties that apply.

Aggravated Assault Charges

In Texas, the charge of aggravated assault relates to causing serious bodily injury or to using a deadly weapon in the commission of an assault. The charge is generally a second-degree felony, which carries a prison sentence of from 2 to 20 years and fines of up to $10,000. If the charge includes enhancements, however, it can be elevated to a first-degree felony. 

Theft Charges 

Theft charges in Texas relate to the unlawful appropriation of someone else’s property with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of the property. The severity of the charge is based on the value of the stolen goods and breaks down as follows:

• If the value of the property is under $100, the charge is a Class C misdemeanor, which carries fines of up to $500 but no jail time. 
• If the value of the property is from $100 to $750, the charge is a Class B misdemeanor, which carries fines of up to $2,000 and jail time of up to 180 days.

The fines and penalties increase rapidly from here.

Family Violence Charges

Family violence charges in Texas include domestic assault, aggravated domestic assault, and continuous violence against the family. These charges involve assault against someone with whom you share a close relationship, and the related acts include the following:

• Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing the victim to suffer bodily injury
• Credibly threatening the victim with serious bodily injury
• Engaging in contact with the victim that the perpetrator knows will be offensive or provocative 

We navigate the unique procedures used in Bell County courts. The community sees a mix of city and rural cases, including property crimes, weapons offenses, and drug-related charges. Our knowledge of law enforcement and prosecutors in the Temple area means we approach each case with informed advice and a clear plan. If you face criminal allegations in Temple, we explain how the court is likely to see your case and help you map your next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I am contacted by police in Temple about a crime?

Remain calm, do not discuss the incident, and politely request to speak with an attorney before answering any questions. You have the right to decline to answer until you have legal representation.

Will my criminal case be heard in Temple or another location?

Most cases from arrests in Temple are handled in Bell County courts located nearby. However, the specific court depends on the charges and where the alleged offense happened.

What penalties can I face if convicted in Temple?

Penalties depend on the level of charge and the facts of your case, with consequences ranging from fines and community supervision to time in jail. Texas law sets ranges for each conviction, but local courts may decide the final penalty within those limits.

Speak with our Temple criminal defense lawyer today by contacting us online or calling (254) 220-4225.