Criminal Defense Practice Areas

Various crimes have different penalties. These penalties often depend on the severity of the offense and may range from misdemeanors or felonies.

Assault

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Assault is a prohibited act that inflicts unwanted physical harm toward an individual. It may also refer to instilling a reasonable fear of violence in another person. 

Simple assault covers threats of bodily injury, causing bodily harm, or engaging in unwanted physical actions, while aggravated assault refers to more severe acts of violence. Causing harm toward vulnerable individuals and family members may be classified as aggravated assault. Additionally,  gun violence and violent resistance to police and authorities may be classified as such.

Assault and aggravated assault charges have serious consequences. Contact an assault lawyer immediately if you are facing such charges.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence refers to the intentional harm or threat of harm against a family member or romantic partner. It covers aggravated domestic assault, which involves using a deadly weapon against a relative, partner, or household member. 

Violating a protective order by contacting a victim after a restraining order is issued leads to additional domestic violence charges. Moreover, stalking an estranged partner or household member is also considered domestic violence. Examples include following, monitoring, or unwanted confrontation or contact.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense in Texas with significant legal consequences. For drivers under the age of 21, any detectable amount of alcohol in their system can lead to a DWI charge. Convictions for this type of crime can result in fines, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education programs. In some cases, even imprisonment, depending on the circumstances. 

It is also worth noting that repeat DWI offenses or cases involving aggravating factors such as accidents causing injury can lead to enhanced penalties. Texas law enforcement agencies emphasize the importance of responsible and sober driving to ensure the safety of all road users.

Skilled and experienced DWI lawyers can help you maneuver through the process to either get the charges dropped or get a more favorable outcome.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving refers to carelessly operating a motor vehicle. Excessive speeding and aggressive maneuvering fall under this type of offense. It may also cover running red lights or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

Convictions for this type of crime can result in penalties such as fines, license suspension, and mandatory driver education programs. It may also lead to imprisonment, particularly in cases involving severe harm or loss of life.

Do not take reckless driving charges for granted. Work with a reckless driving attorney early on to set up a solid defense.

Airport Crimes

Airport crimes cover a wide range of unlawful activities within airport premises or are connected to airports. They may include theft, such as incidents of stolen luggage, personal belongings, or unauthorized possession of property. Additionally, they may involve unlawful possession or transportation of illegal substances within airport areas.

Theft

The act of theft involves the unlawful taking of someone’s property without their consent. It encompasses various forms, including shoplifting, burglary, robbery, and embezzlement. The severity of the penalties for theft depends on factors such as the value of the property stolen and the individual’s criminal history.

Fraud

This offense is a deliberate deception to achieve personal or financial gain. This broad category of crimes includes various types of deceptive activities. One example is using another person’s personal information for fraudulent purposes. It can also take other forms like credit card, insurance, and securities fraud.

Gun Crimes

Unlawful firearm use can result in criminal charges. Previously, it was illegal to bring unlicensed weapons outside one’s home. However, recent changes have granted residents the ability to carry firearms in public without a license, except in specific locations like schools or courthouses. 

Note that selling or transferring a firearm to an individual under 18 can be considered a gun crime. Texas emphasizes the need for responsible firearm ownership and compliance with legal regulations.

Drug Crimes

Drug crimes in Texas encompass a range of illicit activities. Included are the possession, distribution, manufacturing, and trafficking of controlled substances. Penalties for these violations depend on factors such as the type and quantity of drugs involved. 

Texas law classifies prohibited substances into penalty groups, providing a framework for addressing drug possession charges.

Penalty Group 1: Cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, ketamine,

Penalty Group 1-A: Lysergic acid or LSD.

Penalty Group 2: Mushrooms and Psilocybin.

Penalty Group 3: Anabolic steroids, Xanax, and Lorazepam.

Penalty Group 4: Compounds containing codeine or opium.

When found in your possession, these controlled substances can bring about fines, probation, and imprisonment. On another note, drug trafficking is a more serious offense that can lead to hefty fines and long prison terms. When facing such charges, contact a drug lawyer in Fort Worth immediately.

Murder

In Texas, murder charges are considered to be grave offenses. It has distinct categories and corresponding punishments. Capital murder can result in the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. First-degree murder carries a sentence of five to 99 years or life imprisonment. Meanwhile, second-degree murder warrants two to 20 years in prison. Similarly, manslaughter, involving unintentional killings, leads to penalties ranging from two to 20 years in prison and a fine. 

Sex Crimes

Just like murder, the state of Texas treats sex crimes with utter seriousness. Nearly all sexually-based criminal acts are classified as felonies. These consist of offenses such as sexual assault, statutory rape, and sexual abuse of a minor.

The consequences for these crimes carry penalties ranging from two years to life imprisonment. Offenders may be classified as sex offenders in a registry and will remain there for a certain period, according to severity. Schools, daycare facilities, and other institutions are prohibited from hiring individuals on the registry for the safety of everyone in these institutions.

Despite potential challenges with employment and reintegration, Texas remains dedicated to safeguarding communities and prioritizes the welfare of the victims.

Prostitution

Prostitution charges can lead to severe consequences. It is a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum $2,000 fine and 180 days in jail for a first-time conviction. Subsequent convictions carry harsher penalties, with a fourth conviction considered a state jail felony. You may spend up to two years in prison and fines up to $10,000. 

Promoting and compelling prostitution also have varying degrees of severity and penalties. Examples of these are pimping and human trafficking, both leading to severe consequences.

Solicitation

Solicitation involves offering sexual services for a fee. It can carry penalties ranging from fines and jail time to state jail felony charges. Charges involving a minor are a second-degree felony, regardless of knowledge, which leads to mandatory prison time. 

Student Defense

Common charges that students face include underage possession or consumption of alcohol, driving while intoxicated, drug possession, and providing alcohol to minors. In student defense cases, age plays a significant role. Even legal adults can face charges for possessing or consuming alcohol if they are under 21. 

More serious charges cover distributing drugs, sexual assault, battery, reckless driving, and theft. They often have more severe consequences that can result in fines and jail time. They may also lead to the loss of scholarships and the lack of future career opportunities.

Probation Violations

In Texas, individuals found guilty of a crime may be granted probationary supervision, particularly non-violent offenders. This is when the court recognizes underlying issues that may have contributed to their criminal behavior. 

Probation can consist of regular meetings, rehabilitation, counseling sessions, and providing evidence of employment. Any violation of the terms can result in the court revoking the probation and imposing alternative consequences.

Failure To Appear

Failure to appear in court is a serious offense with severe consequences. This is when individuals miss a scheduled court appearance after receiving a court order or legal summons. It often results in the issuance of a warrant and potential fines, imprisonment, or both. To avoid penalties, the accused should have a valid excuse for the absence.

Once you get arrested for serious criminal charges, do remember that it’s not necessarily the end of the road for you. Immediately seek the services of a criminal lawyer so you can make informed decisions. 

The Medlin Law Firm - Dallas

2550 Pacific Ave #866

Dallas, TX 75226

(214) 888-4810

https://www.medlinfirm.com/locations/dallas/