A criminal charge can completely change your life. You could be facing fines and even serving time in jail or prison. When you have the risk of having a record for the rest of your life, you should be able to defend yourself adequately.
A Forney criminal defense lawyer might be able to fight for you and stand by your side if you are charged with a crime. You should not have to fight alone. A team member at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can walk you through the steps to fight your specific charges and try to get them reduced or eliminated completely. Call us today at (214) 696-9253 to schedule your free consultation.
How Conviction Could Affect Your Life
If you are convicted of a crime, your life could be changed forever. Depending on how severe your charges are, they could be on your record for the rest of your life. Being convicted of a crime can also play a role in your life in many other ways, such as:
Employment
When you apply for a job, a criminal record can show up on your background check. Your past charges may make it difficult to get employment.
Housing
When you are trying to find housing after you are released, you could have trouble finding a landlord willing to provide rental space for you. When they run a background check, your criminal record may show up.
Licenses
Depending on your charges, a criminal record could cause a suspension of your license that can be temporary or permanent. It could also cause you to lose a gun license as well.
Your Rights
According to the Sixth Amendment, you have certain rights as a defendant.
A Speedy Trial by a Jury of Your Peers
You have the right to have a quick, speedy trial. This right ensures that you can find witnesses to help defend you and are not held for an extended period. You also have the right to have a jury of your peers. The jury should be unbiased but also local to the area the crime was committed.
Confront Witnesses
You have the right to confront the witnesses against you. If the prosecution brings a witness to trial, you or your counsel can cross-examine them. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, dying declarations are sometimes admissible in court. This statement also controls the admission of hearsay in court to protect the defendant.
Compel Your Own Witnesses
You have the right to bring your own witnesses to try to aid in your defense. You are also able to submit testimony from dying declarations in some cases.
Counsel
You have the right to have counsel by your side when you are facing criminal charges, as well as the right to be able to defend yourself properly.
A Forney criminal defense lawyer may be able to help you make legal decisions that work best for you. The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can stand by your side and help you fight. Call us today at (214) 696-9253 to get started.
Charges You Could Be Facing
According to the Texas Politics Project, you could be facing a variety of consequences depending on your charges. These charges may include:
Capital Felony
Capital felony charges are reserved for capital murder. The punishment for a capital felony is execution in the State of Texas.
First-Degree Felony
You can be charged with a first-degree felony if you have stolen property valued at $200,00 or more. You could also be charged if you committed aggravated sexual assault. You could be punished with 5 to 99 years or life and a $10,000 fine.
Second-Degree Felony
If you steal property valued between $100,000 and $199,999, you can be charged with a second-degree felony. You could also be charged if you commit reckless injury to a child. You could be facing 2-20 years and a $10,000 fine.
Third-Degree Felony
You could be charged with a third-degree felony if you commit theft of property between $20,000 and $99,999 or a drive-by shooting with no injuries. You could be punished with 2-10 years and a $10,000 fine.
State Jail Felony
A state jail felony is when you steal between $1,500 and $19,999 worth of property or commit credit or debit card abuse. You could be punished with 180 days to 24 months and a $10,000 fine.
Class A Misdemeanor
If you steal cable service or stalk someone without hurting them, you could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. You could also be charged if you steal between $500 and $1,499 worth of property. You could be punished by serving one year and paying a $4,000 fine.
Class B Misdemeanor
You can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor if you steal between $20 and $499 worth of property, drive while intoxicated, possess marijuana up to 4 ounces, or make terroristic threats. You could be looking at punishment of 180 days served and a $2,000 fine.
Class C Misdemeanor
A Class C misdemeanor is charged when you steal less than $20 worth of property, attend a dog fight, or sell term papers. You could be punished with a $500 fine.
How Our Team Can Help
If you are charged with a crime, a Forney criminal defense lawyer can help you determine your legal options. Our team at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can walk you through the process and determine what next steps you may be able to take. Let us help you with this challenging time in your life. Call us today at (214) 696-9253.