If you have been charged with a crime, you are facing serious consequences, and focusing on bringing your strongest defense is paramount. The most important early steps you can take include invoking your right to remain silent and your right to legal counsel, which sets the course for a more favorable case outcome. An experienced Woodway criminal defense attorney will help you understand the next steps, protect your rights and develop a solid defense strategy.

Common Criminal Charges in Woodway

The State of Texas has a nearly endless supply of criminal charges on the books, but those that are charged most often include the following:

• Driving while intoxicated (DWI)
• Drug possession charges 
• Theft, which includes shoplifting 
• Burglary
• Assault 
• Criminal mischief
• Juvenile crimes, such as delinquent conduct and truancy

The sooner you have a focused criminal defense lawyer on your side, the more likely you are to achieve an optimal outcome. 

Refrain from Oversharing

The fact is that, if you are detained or arrested, you have the right to remain silent. Other than sharing basic identifying information about yourself, you are not required to answer any of the questions that the officers interviewing you ask. Ultimately, it is in your own best interest to remain silent unless you are advised to do otherwise by your knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer.

It is important to point out here that the burden of not talking rests with you. If you offer up information after informing the police that you are invoking your right to remain silent, it can be used against you. It should also be noted that, even if you begin by answering questions, you have the right to shut the interview down at any time.

In other words, you can shut down the interview at any time. For example, if you suddenly realize that you have gotten ahead of yourself and are doing more talking than you probably should, you should not hesitate to let the officers know that you are done. Just because you have already said more than you intended to does not mean that you should simply keep going.

Retain Legal Counsel

That final thing that you should share with the police is that you want an attorney. Doing so should shut down the interview, and it is a critical step in protecting your rights and bringing a solid defense. You will look to your formidable criminal defense lawyer to ably handle each of the following on your behalf:

• Ensuring that you know and invoke your rights 
• Helping you navigate the challenging criminal justice system
• Investigating your case and reviewing all the evidence
• Skillfully advocating for the charge against you to be dropped or, barring that, for it to be lessened in severity
• Ably negotiating an advantageous plea deal – when deemed the best path forward
• Strategizing a strong defense and effectively following through on it
• Taking your case to trial and tirelessly pursuing an acquittal – when this is the path chosen 

The most effective defense strategies build on themselves, which makes having dedicated legal representation in your corner from the start the best practice.

Plea Deals

Most criminal cases settle out of court, which means that they are resolved with plea deals. While plea deals can be an excellent opportunity, they are not always the way to go. Every criminal case is unique to the involved circumstances, and each must be addressed accordingly. Your capable criminal defense lawyer will ensure that you have the information you need to make the right decisions for you in light of the situation at hand. 

If you do choose to accept a plea deal, it will almost certainly mean that your charge and the related penalties will be reduced. In the process, however, you admit guilt. This means that you will have a criminal record, which carries serious social consequences like the following:

• Fewer job opportunities
• Difficulty renting a home or obtaining a home loan
• Fewer opportunities in relation to higher education
• Diminished social standing
• Losses related to professional licensure

Look to an Experienced Woodway Criminal Defense Lawyer for the Help You Need 

Don't face criminal charges alone in Woodway. An experienced criminal defense lawyer provides legal support, protects your rights, and fights for your freedom. Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard is a resourceful Woodway criminal defense attorney who is committed to fighting for your rights and for a case resolution that supports your brightest future. 

If you are facing a criminal charge, there is a lot at stake, but our experienced legal team has the experience and drive to make a difference. We are on your side and here to help, so please do not delay reaching out for more information by contacting us online or calling us at 254-781-4222 and scheduling a free consultation today.