Belton Criminal Defense Attorneys
Serving Our Clients for Over Two Decades
Criminal cases can involve many different types of offenses. In Texas, DWIs and drug offenses made up the most criminal case filings in 2019. Many people accused of a crime may feel uncertain about the process before them and fearful about what those charges could mean for their future. If you have been charged with a crime, you need a robust legal defense on your side as soon as possible.
That’s where we come in. At the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard, we aggressively advocate for our clients and our team has the skills necessary to provide top-of-the-line legal representation for those accused of a crime.
If you are looking for an experienced Belton criminal defense attorney to advocate for you, call the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard at (254) 220-4225 today.
Grateful my case is being handled by the best lawyers in Killeen.Danishka M.
How Do Criminal Cases Work in Texas?
After the Arrest
When an individual is charged with a crime, the process usually begins with the arrest. Law enforcement officers cannot arrest someone unless they have observed the individual committing the crime, have reasonable suspicion that a crime was committed, or an arrest warrant. If you have been arrested without a warrant or probable cause, contact an attorney immediately to fully assess your rights.
Setting Bail
After arrest, the judge sets the bail amount. When the suspect has bail, they can pay the amount and be released from police custody as long as they appear in court on their scheduled arraignment or bail hearing. The bail amount is based on the severity of the crime, and can range from thousands to millions of dollars. The judge will either set bail after the arrest or wait to determine the appropriate bail amount at the court hearing.
The Arraignment
The first court appearance is called an arraignment. At this hearing, the judge reads the charges and allows the defendant to plead “guilty” or “not guilty” to the charges against them. After that, the judge reviews the bail amount and makes necessary changes as they see fit.
The Preliminary Hearing
After the arraignment, the court will hold a preliminary hearing. Preliminary hearings are different from arraignments in that evidence will be presented to the court at the hearing. Usually, witnesses are included in the preliminary hearing as well. The judge evaluates the evidence to determine probable cause, also known as grounds, for the criminal charge. A jury may also be present at a preliminary hearing to evaluate whether the evidence proves that the defendant is innocent or guilty.
In some situations, the court may dismiss or cancel the charges if there is insufficient evidence. Cases can also end pursuant to a plea bargain. When this happens, the case does not go to trial.
The Trial
Once the preliminary hearing is over, the next step in the process is the trial, which will serve as the final opportunity for the prosecution to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a shadow of a doubt. At this time, the jury and judge make their final decision on the case. In rare cases, the jury may not reach a unanimous verdict. When this happens, the judge may dismiss the case, declare a mistrial, or select a new jury. If the defendant is found guilty, the court will sentence the defendant.
Thankfully, a guilty sentence isn’t always the end of the road. Individuals convicted of a crime can ask for a case review in an appeal. That said, this process is complex and requires the counsel of an experienced attorney. If you find yourself in need of an appeal for your case, we encourage you to reach out to our team today.
Criminal Cases We Defend
We understand that no two cases are exactly alike, which is why we provide each of our clients with personalized, one-on-one attention. Our attorneys can evaluate your unique situation to build a strong case in your defense. The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard has helped defend thousands of cases in Belton and the surrounding areas, and we’re prepared to help you as well.
In Belton, Texas, individuals can face a wide range of criminal charges, many of which carry serious consequences if not handled properly. Criminal cases can impact a person’s freedom, finances, and future opportunities. Some of the most frequent criminal charges in Belton include the following:
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI): A DWI is one of the most common charges in Texas. Individuals may face arrest if they are found operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Penalties can include fines, driver’s license suspension, community service, and even jail time, depending on the circumstances and prior offenses.
- Assaults: Assault charges range from simple assault to aggravated assault, depending on the level of harm or threat involved. These cases may arise from physical fights, domestic disputes, or confrontations in public. Convictions can lead to fines, probation, or imprisonment.
- Theft: Theft occurs when someone unlawfully takes another person’s property with the intent to deprive them of it. Punishments vary based on the value of the property taken, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.
- Burglary: Burglary involves unlawfully entering a building or habitation with the intent to commit a crime, such as theft or assault. This charge is treated seriously in Texas and can result in lengthy prison sentences.
- Drug Offenses: Drug-related charges include possession, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances. Even small amounts of illegal drugs can result in criminal penalties, and more serious charges involve trafficking or intent to distribute.
- Shoplifting: Shoplifting is a specific type of theft involving merchandise taken from a retail store without payment. While sometimes seen as minor, repeated shoplifting can lead to severe penalties.
- Juvenile Crimes: Minors may face charges such as vandalism, underage drinking, or drug possession. The juvenile justice system focuses more on rehabilitation, but convictions can still carry long-term effects.
If you have been charged with any of the crimes listed above, do not hesitate to contact our firm. Our Belton criminal defense attorneys understand how overwhelming the legal process can be, especially when you’re facing jail time, fines, loss of your professional license, and more. For that reason, we are passionate about serving our community and defending those in need of zealous legal representation.
Defending Your Case
Our firm has the unique advantage of understanding both sides of a criminal case: the prosecution and defense. Attorney Brett Prichard is a former prosecutor with a passion for advocating for those who have been accused of a crime. If you have a case, our team wants to hear from you.
Belton County
Why Clients Choose Us
- Thousands of Clients Helped
- Honest Advice & Counsel
- Military Discount
- Emergency Appointments
- "Hands-On" Approach
- Highly Recommended
- Track Record of Success
- Free Initial Consultations
Common Legal Defenses to a Criminal Charge
When facing criminal charges in Belton, Texas, the right legal defense can make the difference between a conviction and a more favorable outcome. Each case depends on its facts, but there are several strong defenses that individuals may be able to raise. Our skilled criminal defense attorneys can analyze the circumstances, gather evidence, and argue on your behalf. Common defenses to the charges discussed earlier include:
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI):
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop if the officer lacked reasonable suspicion.
- Questioning the accuracy of field sobriety tests or breathalyzer results.
- Presenting medical conditions or other explanations for alleged impairment.
Assaults:
- Claiming self-defense, where the accused acted to protect themselves from harm.
- Demonstrating defense of others if force was used to protect another person.
- Arguing mistaken identity if the wrong person was accused.
Theft:
- Arguing lack of intent, meaning the property was not taken to permanently deprive the owner.
- Showing consent if the accused had permission to take or use the property.
- Claiming mistaken ownership or belief that the property belonged to them.
Burglary:
- Challenging whether the accused actually entered unlawfully.
- Arguing lack of criminal intent at the time of entry.
- Demonstrating insufficient evidence that a crime was planned or attempted.
Drug Offenses:
- Contesting unlawful search and seizure if law enforcement violated constitutional rights.
- Challenging whether the accused actually possessed the drugs.
- Questioning the chain of custody or accuracy of lab testing.
Shoplifting:
- Arguing lack of intent to steal, such as forgetting to pay by mistake.
- Showing mistaken identity through surveillance or witness error.
- Demonstrating ownership or proof of purchase.
Juvenile Crimes:
- Emphasizing rehabilitation and lack of criminal intent due to age.
- Raising defenses such as mistaken identity or lack of evidence.
- Seeking alternative programs like diversion or counseling.
Overall, the best defense depends on the facts of the case, but many charges can be challenged successfully with our strong legal representation.
We defend those facing criminal charges in Belton, TX. Please contact our firm to learn more about how we can help you.
Contact a Bell County Attorney Today!
All Consultations Are Free and Confidential
