A criminal defense lawyer in Celina, Texas, can help you build the strongest possible defense, argue for a lighter sentence, and much more. We strive to do everything possible to protect you from a devastating conviction that permanently derails your career, your social relationships, and your life.
The sooner you call, the more time we have to build your case. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, get legal help as quickly as you can.
A Conviction Can Upend Your Life
The penalties you face will depend on what type of crime you are charged with and whether you have any prior convictions. You could face one or more of the following:
- Fines
- Other monetary penalties (e.g., court fees or restitution)
- Jail or prison time
- Probation
- Classes (e.g., for alcohol awareness or anger management)
- The suspension of your driver’s license
- Community service
- Registration as a sex offender (for sex-related crimes)
- The death penalty
In turn, these penalties can impact your life in the following ways.
You could lose your rights
According to the U.S. Probation Office, felony convictions may affect your right to:
- Vote
- Run for office
- Work for the federal government
- Serve on a jury
- Own a firearm
The process of restoring these rights varies from case to case, and it is not always easy. It is better to avoid a conviction altogether, if possible.
You could lose your job
In some cases, the fact that you were convicted of a crime may be enough for an employer to let you go or make prospective employers think twice before hiring you. Your career could also suffer due to:
- Time in jail or prison: If you are not around to fulfill your responsibilities, your employer may replace you with someone who is.
- A felony conviction: As previously stated, felony convictions bar you from seeking federal employment.
- Lack of reliable transportation: If your driver’s license was taken away, you may have to spend extra money or rely on other people to get to and from work.
Anything that affects your value as an employee will also affect your financial security. You could have trouble paying bills, end up in debt, and be unable to provide your family with basic necessities.
You could lose close personal relationships
Having a criminal record changes your status within the community, your social circle, and even your family. You could:
- Lose friends: There is an unfortunate stigma attached to those who have been convicted. Friends and even relatives may not want to associate with you.
- Suffer public condemnation: Per the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the sex offender registry is freely available online. If you are convicted of a sex crime, anyone can find out about it.
- Lose custody or parental rights: If you have to serve a long prison term, or if your child’s other parent objects to your seeing them, you may not be allowed to maintain a relationship with your children.
The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg Can Help You Build a Strong Case
As stated in Texas Penal Code §2.01, no matter what type of crime you have been accused of or arrested for, the legal system must consider you innocent until your guilt “is proved beyond a reasonable doubt.” In other words, the burden of proof is on the prosecution, not you.
There are many ways a Celina criminal defense lawyer can help prove “reasonable doubt” in your Celina case. These methods include but are not limited to:
- Explaining your rights: Even though we take legal responsibility for your case, it is important to us that you understand what is happening and are able to make intelligent decisions regarding your defense.
- Arguing for a charge reduction: Getting the judge to reduce the charges against you means that, even if convicted, you will face less time behind bars, lower fines, and less time without your driver’s license.
- Seeking a dismissal: If circumstances and evidence permit, we can request that the judge dismiss all charges against you. This would allow you to go home right away without further inconvenience or fear of punishment.
- Ensuring you were treated fairly: If there is any evidence of police misconduct, we can use that information to suppress evidence or even get the charges dropped.
- Advocating for you: A criminal defense lawyer can present your case before a judge and jury in the courtroom. You do not have to worry about navigating courtroom rules, questioning witnesses, or anything else.
A lawyer can also seek compelling evidence to introduce the necessary “reasonable doubt” in the jury’s mind. This evidence may come from various sources, including but not limited to:
- Surveillance footage: A security camera may have caught the alleged crime on tape, or it may show that you were nowhere near the scene of the crime.
- Expert witness statements: We can call on anyone with relevant knowledge to explain why you are not or cannot be guilty.
- Eyewitness statements: Your Celina criminal defense lawyer can find and question anyone who saw the alleged crime or was in the area when it occurred. We can also bring in character witnesses to testify as to your morals and integrity.
- Eyewitness footage: If those witnesses happened to record or take pictures of the alleged crime scene, we can use such footage in your defense.
Facing criminal charges is scary, but you do not have to go it alone. Our team at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg is here to defend you in court, explain the legal process, and fight to get your life back.
Call Our Criminal Defense Attorneys in Celina Today for a Free Consultation
With over 30 years of experience, Randy Isenberg knows how the law works – and how to make it work for you. Let the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg provide you with a criminal defense lawyer in Celina and the entire Dallas-Fort Worth area. Call our office today for a free consultation. You can reach us at any time.
