If you are facing a criminal charge in Brazoria, Texas, there are certain steps you need to take to protect your rights. Whether the criminal allegations involve theft charges or a drug offense, you will need to do certain things to improve your chances of getting a lesser sentence or having the charges dropped entirely. By understanding how to handle criminal accusations, you can approach the situation with confidence.
If you are being accused of drug possession or theft, the first thing you need to do is hire a criminal offense lawyer to represent you. At The Law Offices of Keith G. Allen, PLLC, we are committed to defending our clients in Brazoria County, Texas, ensuring your rights are upheld, and you are treated fairly throughout the process.
Consequences of Criminal Offence Charges in Brazoria, Texas
When it comes to any type of criminal charge in Texas, there could be severe repercussions depending on the type of charge and the severity of the situation. Keep in mind that the type of consequences will often be based on whether or not this is your first offense and if there are any aggravating factors.
Even if the charges do not initially seem very extensive, you should still take the necessary step of hiring criminal offense attorneys to represent you and defend your rights. Your attorney can help you build your defense as well as look for areas within your case where your rights may have not been upheld, which could result in the charges being dropped. In many situations, having an attorney will be essential for getting a better understanding of what the charges entail.
Drug Offences
It can be overwhelming when you are trying to figure out how serious drug offenses are and the potential repercussions you could face. In Brazoria County, TX, drug offenses and the repercussions are often dictated by aggravating factors, such as the type of drug, the quantity, the intended use, and the location.
Texas takes any type of drug charge very seriously, and because of this, the consequences, even for misdemeanor charges, could include fines and jail time. The consequences for felony charges are much more significant and could result in as many as 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Theft Charges
Theft charges in Brazoria County can be quite confusing as they are dependent on the value of the stolen property. For misdemeanor theft charges in the amount of less than $100, the consequences may include a fine. However, for more severe misdemeanor or felony charges, the fines can become quite extensive and you could face jail or prison time.
Keep in mind that theft charges don’t just apply to situations where an item is stolen without the person’s consent. In Texas, theft can also include theft of services, theft by deception, and theft as a result of knowingly receiving stolen property.
Steps to Take When Facing Drug or Theft Charges
Now that you know about the potential consequences of these types of criminal charges, what should you do when you are facing a legal charge? As overwhelming as this process is, the main thing to remember is to stay calm and not assume the worst. You do not want to react emotionally, as this could lead to making mistakes that could hurt your case.
Here are the basic steps to follow if you are facing legal charges, whether they be a drug offense or theft:
- Don’t talk: It could be tempting to want to tell your side of the story to a police officer or defend yourself but this is usually not a good idea. Anything you say could be misinterpreted and used against you later on, so you should only say what you have to and avoid providing additional details. Comply with what law enforcement requires but do not use this time to try to defend yourself, leave that to a lawyer.
- Get legal representation: It is absolutely essential to ask for a criminal offense lawyer if you are facing criminal charges, as representing yourself is never a good idea. An attorney can help you navigate these charges while protecting your rights and ensuring you get a fair trial.
- Preserve evidence: If it is applicable to your situation, you should try to find and preserve evidence and documentation to prove your innocence. For instance, if you’re facing theft charges, you could provide evidence that you were in a different location at the time that the item was stolen. Or, if you are facing drug charges, you could provide documentation that you legally possessed the drugs, such as through a prescription from a doctor.
- Follow court orders: Depending on the situation, you may be released after questioning, or you may have been incarcerated and released on bail. No matter your situation, you should follow any court orders or hearings and remain compliant throughout this process to avoid complicating your case any further. Failure to comply with the court’s orders not only looks bad but could also result in additional charges.
Aside from following these steps when you are facing a criminal charge, there are also certain things you should avoid doing. For example, you should never post online about the charges you are facing, as this can complicate your case. Also, anything you post online could be used against you in court, depending on the context.
For the Best Criminal Defense in Brazoria, Contact The Law Offices of Keith G. Allen, PLLC
Whether your criminal charges involve a drug offense or theft charges, it is essential that you act in the correct way and take the necessary legal steps to protect yourself. By following the right legal steps, you can reduce the severity of the charges or even have the charges dropped entirely.
At The Law Offices of Keith G. Allen, PLLC, we have extensive experience with criminal defense in Brazoria County, Texas. We will represent your criminal case, help you create a defense strategy, gather evidence, and represent you when you go to court. If you are looking for compassionate and experienced criminal defense representation in Texas, contact us today at 832-230-0075 for a free consultation.