Being charged with a crime is an extremely serious matter, no matter what the nature of the charges. You can face potential time in prison and significant damage to your life and reputation. If you find yourself in this situation, it is essential that you not try to face the criminal justice system on your own. You should seek immediate help from a criminal defense attorney who can handle all aspects of the legal process for you. The stakes cannot be higher, since your freedom and future are both on the line.  

Where are Criminal Cases Tried in Travis County?

Where your case is tried depends on the nature of the charges that you face. 

• Felony cases are tried in district courts
• Misdemeanor cases are tried in county courts at law
• If you are facing federal charges, these cases are tried in federal district court
• More minor citations that are issued by police are heard in a municipal courthouse

Most cases involving state law charges in Travis County will be heard at the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center. Other cases may be tried at the Travis County Courthouse. It is vital that you are aware of crucial dates in your case and attend court hearings. 

What Criminal Cases Do We Handle?

Our law office has handled the following types of criminal cases:

• Assaults
• Thefts
• Burglary
• Shoplifting
• Criminal Mischief
• Drug Offenses
• Bond Hearings
• Juvenile Crimes 
• State Offenses

Criminal Cases Do Not Always Go to Trial

As a criminal defendant, you have the right to have your case heard in court in front of a jury of your peers. Although this is your right, it is rare that a criminal case will go all the way to trial. Many cases are resolved through the use of a plea bargain. Here, you agree to plead guilty in exchange for either lesser charges or a sentence that is reduced from the maximum. 

If you choose to plead guilty to the charges against you, a Travis County criminal defense lawyer can negotiate the best possible deal on your behalf. Your negotiating position may be strengthened after you have already mounted a strong legal defense.

Defenses in a Criminal Law Case

There is nothing that says that you must plead guilty in your case. Your criminal defense lawyer can review the circumstances and evidence in your case to determine whether you have any possible legal defenses that you can use in court. 

Some potential defenses that you can use in your case include:

• The prosecutor is unable to prove every single element of the alleged crime
• You lacked the intent to commit the crime that the statute required (for example, you may have acted by accident, or you were entrapped by law enforcement)
• Your legal rights were otherwise violated because you may have been questioned without a lawyer present when you asked for one
• The case against you relies on evidence that was wrongfully seized, or you were arrested without probable cause

What Are My Legal Rights in a Criminal Case?

You always hear criminal defense attorneys talking about how they fight to protect your legal rights in your case. It is critical that you are aware of these rights at every step of the way, so you can avoid making mistakes that can harm your case. Your rights in a criminal case include the following:

• During the arrest process, you have the right to remain silent and to an attorney if you request one (if you ask for a lawyer, all questioning must stop
• You have the right to be free from an unreasonable arrest or search and seizure of evidence
• You must be informed of the charges against you
• You cannot be detained for an unreasonable amount of time without a bail hearing
• You must have a speedy trial
• You have the right to confront the witnesses who are testifying against you in open court

Any violation of your rights can result in a dismissal of the charges against you. If evidence has been unlawfully seized, you can move to have it suppressed in court.

When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Given the criticality of your legal rights and the possibility that you can make a mistake that can undermine your defense, it is important to hire a criminal defense lawyer immediately after you have been arrested. With your legal rights on the line, you cannot afford to take any chances. A criminal defense attorney can work to build your own case, and they can give you peace of mind when you are dealing with the court system. 

Contact a Travis County Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, speak to a criminal defense lawyer at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard. We can immediately begin work on your case and work to obtain the best possible outcome on your behalf. We offer free consultations, and you can schedule one by visiting our website or by calling us today at 254-781-4222.