Fort Worth Criminal Defense Attorney Fighting Your Battle For Justice

Getting criminal charges brought against you can not only cause you immediate trouble but have a lasting impact on your record and life. Most employers utilize background checks to see their prospective employee’s criminal history. In most cases, employers tend to not hire those with a criminal record on their file. Being denied employment may eventually lead to other problems that can snowball. The importance of proper legal representation in your defense cannot be understated. Seek help from criminal defense attorneys located in Tarrant County as quickly as possible to defend your case in court.

What are Common Misdemeanors Charges?

A misdemeanor is considered a lesser offense than a felony, but that does not mean it won’t impact your life. A misdemeanor may still prevent you from being employed or affect your ability to obtain certain loans. These are the most common types of misdemeanors:

Theft

In Tarrant County, theft of anything valued at $2,500 or lower is considered a misdemeanor. These misdemeanors vary in classes.

Class C Misdemeanor – Any theft valued under $100
Class B Misdemeanor – Any theft valued from $100 to $750
Class A Misdemeanor – Any theft valued from $750 to $2,500

Even if you are accused of a Class A misdemeanor, you may have the ability to lower the charge or have your case dismissed completely if you seek counsel from a criminal defense attorney.

Possession of Drugs

Possession of drugs is one of the most contentious types of charges in America today. With an increase in the legalization of recreational drugs in several states, you may believe you are in the clear if you get charged with possession of certain drugs. However, in Tarrant County, even common recreational drugs such as marijuana can net you a misdemeanor charge and affect your livelihood. A criminal defense lawyer can defend your rights in any criminal cases levied against you.

In Tarrant County, if you have no previous criminal record and you are charged with the possession of drugs, you may be entitled to having your case dismissed. Having a criminal defense attorney during this period may increase your chances of having your charges dropped.

What Happens If I’m Charged With a DWI?

A DWI (driving while intoxicated) charge is one of the most common criminal charges in the United States today. While charges involving violence and theft may have a sense of premeditation to them, driving while intoxicated can happen to anyone at any given time. Even someone with the cleanest criminal record can be charged with a DWI. If you are charged with a DWI, you may face severe penalties that range from expensive fines to significant jail time.
A DWI charge can be very controversial due to the subjective nature of the charge. For example, if you don’t believe you are intoxicated while driving and you are pulled over by an officer that might be suspicious that you are, you may be charged with a DWI even if you aren’t legally drunk. DWI cases like this may require the services of a law firm with experience in criminal law in Tarrant County to defend your criminal case in court.

What Types of Felonies are There?

Felonies are considered to be much more severe than misdemeanor charges. Although it may be difficult to obtain employment with a misdemeanor on your criminal record, some jobs may consider hiring you if the misdemeanor is not severe. However, if you are convicted of a felony, your chances of getting a job can diminish tremendously. Having a criminal defense attorney to guide you through the legal steps to clear your name and your record may be extremely beneficial to your livelihood. It’s important to know what the most common types of felonies are in order to plan out your next steps.

Third-Degree Felonies – Third-degree felonies are one of the least severe types of felonies seen in Tarrant County. These felonies can include charges such as stalking, tampering with evidence, and indecent exposure. While these felonies can carry lesser penalties than second and first-degree felonies, fines for third-degree felonies can reach up to $10,000 and jail time can reach up to ten years. Consulting with a law firm experienced in criminal law can help you determine your best course of action if you are charged with a felony.
Second-Degree Felonies – Second-degree felonies are much more serious crimes and can earn you anywhere from two to twenty years in prison. Some second-degree felony charges include robbery, manslaughter, and aggravated assault. Having criminal defense attorneys by your side may increase your chances of getting a reduced charge or getting your charges dropped altogether.
First-Degree Felonies – First-degree felonies are typically considered one of the most severe crimes in Tarrant County. Crimes under this tier are so severe that the minimum jail sentence is five years and the maximum is life in prison. Some crimes that are considered first-degree felonies include attempted murder and aggravated robbery. Just because you are charged with a first-degree felony doesn’t mean you are guilty of one. If you are charged with a crime considered a first-degree felony, seeking legal representation from a criminal lawyer may help lessen your charges.

Criminal Law FAQs

What Is Bail?

Bail is money paid to a court to authorize the release of an arrested suspect from jail. An arrestee is released from jail and is expected to report to court as directed (or satisfy some other pre-trial conditions) or forfeit the bail. If forfeited, a warrant is usually issued. The amount of the bail is generally set depending on the nature of the offense, the individual’s criminal history, and other factors. In certain cases bail is denied.

What Should I Do If I Am Detained Or Arrested?

You should be respectful and compliant. If you are arrested and questioned about your case, the best policy is to politely refuse to answer any questions that may incriminate you. Politely decline any request for your consent to perform any search, test or procedure. Call the Hardy Law Group, PLLC to retain legal representation.

What Is A Bail Bondsman?

A bondsman is a person that agrees to post a person’s bond. By agreeing to pay the bail, the bondsman acts as a surety for the appearance of the person’s appearance in court. The bondsman will charge a percentage of the bail amount as payment for his service (generally around 10 – 20%). The bondsman’s fee is not refundable.

What Is A Cash Bond?

An arrested person may elect to avoid using a bondsman and pay the entire amount of the bail set on his case. This is referred to as a cash bond. Despite the name, Tarrant County accepts only money orders or cashier’s checks for payment. Generally a cash bond is refunded to a defendant at the conclusion of the case. The Hardy Law Group, PLLC, accepts cash bond assignments as partial payment for attorney’s fees. Call now to see how this could benefit you.

Can My Case Be Dismissed?

It depends on what type of crime you are charge with, the facts of your case, as well as other factors. Call our office to see if your case might be eligible. Know the truth – not all criminal offenses can be dismissed. No attorney can make that promise without knowing anything about your case or speaking with the prosecutor.

What Is Probation?

Probation is a type of punishment granted by the court. You must be eligible for probation before it is granted. It carries with it various terms and conditions that must be followed. An individual will be expected to complete these conditions at the instruction of the court and his or her probation officer. Typical conditions include reporting once a month to an officer, community service, rehabilitative classes, monthly fees, and sometimes random drug tests. Serving punishment on probation permits you to work and go about daily life as usual. Of course the primary benefit of probation is that it allows you to avoid jail. Depending on the type of case, a probationer’s case may be dismissed upon successful completion of probation.

What Is Labor Detail?

Labor Detail is a type of punishment. It is essentially a jail sentence; however, instead of going to jail, a defendant will work for Tarrant County at the direction of the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office. Generally, you will be expected to check in and work at a minimum of one day per week. Labor Detail will result in a conviction, but will allow you to avoid jail and a lengthy probationary period.

Can I Get This Off My Record?

This depends on several factors. The most important factors are what you are charged with and how your case is disposed of. The Hardy Law Group, PLLC will work hard to tailor the best defense to allow you to petition the court to either destroy or seal your record. Call my office to discuss your situation.

Do You Offer Payments Plans?

Yes. Quality legal representation should be affordable. We offer flexible payments plans. A reasonable down payment or retainer gets me working for you. We are willing to work around your financial situation.

How Can A Criminal Attorney Help Me?

Law offices that have experience in criminal defense can be an important lifeline if your charges come to trial. Finding the right criminal attorney to defend your case in court may be the difference between freedom and jail time. Whether dealing with cases of theft or DWI cases, an experienced criminal lawyer can get you off the hook and give you an opportunity to succeed in the future.

The law office of Hardy Law Group, PLLC is filled with seasoned criminal defense attorneys that may be able to defend your case, even on a state and federal level. Hardy Law Group, PLLC fields an experienced team of attorneys that are experienced in criminal defense that will do whatever it takes to bring you proper justice. You can set up a free consultation by calling (817) 222-0000. With support from a knowledgeable criminal lawyer, your defense can earn you the second chance you deserve.