Being arrested is not a nice experience, especially for those that have never been arrested before. Even for those that have been arrested, it can be terrifying. From the initial arrest to anxiety over the potential consequences, it is perfectly normal to be scared or worried.
Felony charges, in particular, have the potential to cause long-lasting negative effects on the freedom and rights of the person charged. This can ruin careers, make it harder to find employment, harder to obtain custody and visitation rights, and harder to secure a mortgage.
If you or somebody that you love has been arrested for a criminal charge in the Houston, TX area, we highly recommend that you get in touch with a skilled Houston criminal defense attorney.
Time is of the essence and the sooner that you get in touch with a skilled Houston criminal lawyer, the better your chances of winning a favorable outcome in your case.
The Love DuCote Law Firm LLC – Aggressive Representation
Here at The Love DuCote Law Firm LLC, we are proud of our reputation for aggressive representation. When fighting for the freedom of our clients, we don’t back down from a fight. We will fight aggressively and without rest, until you get the fair and reasonable treatment that you deserve.
This means you can rest a little bit easier, knowing that a firm of our pedigree has your back. Whether that means fighting to ensure a juvenile mistake will not ruin the futures of your children or prove your innocence for a crime you did not commit, we will be there for you.
If you seek our representation, we will become your advocates, advising you on the best course of action in an honest upfront way. We won’t sugarcoat it, we know how important this case may be to you. Our goal will be to educate and inform you to the best of our ability, helping you make decisions from a place of clarity.
Our team of skilled Houston criminal defense attorneys is comprised of experienced, trial-tested, and battle-ready lawyers. All of whom have extensive experience and numerous victories under their belts.
They have won favorable outcomes for clients just like you.
So get in touch today at 832-843-1691.
Why Hire Our Houston Criminal Defense Lawyers?
Our legal team has extensive experience in dealing with criminal defense cases and the criminal justice system. Each aggressive criminal defense lawyer in our team can help you defend against all types of criminal offenses, from drug offenses to aggravated sexual assault charges.
We won’t rest until you receive the fair and reasonable treatment you deserve and until every possible avenue has been exhausted.
By obtaining criminal defense representation from one of our lawyers you can rest a little easier knowing every member of our team:
- Has a long list of happy clients, clients whom we have won favorable outcomes for, from simple shoplifting charges to complex drug trafficking cases.
- Is trial-tested in both Texas and federal court.
- Prioritizes the attorney-client relationship, ensuring you are kept informed and educated throughout the entire process.
Different Types of Criminal Defense Case we Cover
Here at The Love DuCote Law Firm LLC, we are committed to representing all clients, no matter what type of crime they have been arrested for in the Houston, TX area.
Common types of cases that we cover include:
Crimes of Sexual Nature
The state of Texas treats sex crimes severely, from sexual assault to sexual abuse. This means that the penalties for committing a sex crime in Texas, are harsh. As well as the harsh penalties, we understand that being charged with a sex crime can have serious and life-long implications on a person’s life. If you have been charged with committing a sex crime, we will fight to have your charges dropped so that you are not branded with a label that may impact your life forever.
Assault and Battery
Unlike many other states, Texas groups both assault and battery together into a single offense. This makes seeking the help of a criminal defense lawyer massively important. The strength of your Houston criminal defense lawyer’s defense may be the difference in whether you face a misdemeanor charge or a third-degree felony.
Driving Under the Influence/Driving Whilst Intoxicated (DUI/DWI)
When it comes to charges that involve driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, your attorney may be the difference between receiving a criminal charge or not. They may also be able to fight against license revocations and suspensions, especially if you need your car in order to work.
In these cases, it is important to understand that being arrested for a DWI does not mean that you are automatically guilty, or in fact that you will be convicted. Blood alcohol tests and procedures can be erroneous and a skilled criminal defense lawyer will be able to work out whether or not your arrest was lawful or the results were accurate. If not, they may be able to have your case thrown out.
Drug Possession, Trafficking, and Distribution
Texas is extremely strict when it comes to drug crimes. Even simple possession of a low-level controlled substance can lead to a felony charge. If this comes to pass, the effect on the rest of your life can be serious.
Drug crimes are complex and there are a number of defenses. Whether you had no knowledge of the drugs in your possession, or the stop and search used to find the drugs was conducted illegally, our team of Houston criminal defense lawyers will be able to build the strongest possible case, leaving no stone unturned.
If you are facing more serious crimes, like distribution or trafficking, our trial-tested attorneys have experience in dealing with both state and federal courts. Even though federal charges are much more serious and the cases have usually been put together for months before you are arrested does not mean you are guilty. We will ensure the federal prosecutors went through all of the proper channels and if we find they did not, we will fight tooth and nail to have your case thrown out.
Domestic Abuse and Domestic Violence
Domestic violence claims have the potential to ruin a person’s life forever and whilst domestic abuse is a serious problem in the state of Texas, often people are wrongfully accused. Unfortunately, even though you are innocent until proven guilty, there is a stigma attached to domestic violence accusations, and often, people accused are treated unfairly.
In response to false allegations of domestic abuse, your best chance of overturning the claims is to fight back quickly and aggressively. The sooner you get in touch with one of our criminal defense lawyers, the sooner we can fight to clear your name, limiting the damage done.
Immigration
The Love DuCote Law Firm LLC, we want you to know that being an undocumented or illegal immigrant does not make you a criminal and we will fight against your unfair persecution. We can help you fight for your citizenship and freedom.
Every case will need an approach and defense specifically tailored for the situation. Different charges may warrant different defenses and our lawyers, with their experience in cases just like yours, will know how to approach each case individually.
The Implications of a Wrongful Arrest in Houston, TX
Felony charges can and will change your life forever.
Some of the negative effects of a felony conviction include:
- Difficulty finding housing – A felony conviction on your record may affect your ability to find a mortgage and secure rental agreements. This makes it exceptionally difficult to find housing. Often, when it comes to rentals, landlords will do full and extensive background checks on potential tenants. You may not even have a chance to explain, they may simply refuse to speak to you.
- Problems with Custody/Visitation – If you have children, having a felony conviction may make it exceptionally difficult to win any kind of custody fight. It may also restrict your ability to get visitation rights. This means it can become hard to see or speak to your children. If you cannot secure housing, this becomes more likely.
- Difficulty obtaining financial services – Many banks will refuse point blank to loan money to someone with a felony conviction. This may mean you cannot get a business loan in order to open a new business or a car loan to secure a vehicle.
- Prevent you from getting a job – Many jobs will automatically disqualify potential employees from employment simply because they have a felony charge.
- Negatively affect your reputation – Certain crimes in particular, like sex crimes or abuse and violence charges, carry a negative stigma with them. If you have been charged with these crimes it may mean that family and friends refuse to talk to you anymore.
What can a Houston, TX Criminal Defense Lawyer do for Me?
If you are fighting against charges and you know you are completely innocent of all the charges against you, you may think that you do not need a criminal defense lawyer or legal representation.
However, we highly recommend that anyone who is facing criminal charges seeks representation, no matter the situation.
Unfortunately, law enforcement often gets things wrong and if they believe they have evidence that implicates that you were involved in the crime, they may still be able to level charges against you.
A skilled Houston criminal defense lawyer from The Love DuCote Law Firm LLC will be able to ensure that you are treated fairly and reasonably and will help you put forward an air-tight defense.
Can I Use a Public Defender?
Many people turn to court-appointed attorneys and public defenders to help them fight against criminal charges. Often, this leads to an outcome that the defendant is not happy with.
Public defenders are often spread thin and have huge caseloads which mean they do not have the adequate time to prioritize your case. This means that their defense may be weak. In order to reduce their caseload, they usually seek the easiest and most efficient way out. This may mean you get stronger penalties and charges than you deserve, or you get charged for a crime you did not even commit.
When you are facing perhaps the most important decision of your life, make sure you make the right one. By obtaining the aid of a dedicated criminal defense trial lawyer, you are getting the very best. They know they are fighting for your future and they will give your case the time and energy that it deserves.
The Role of a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Houston, TX
The primary task for any criminal defense lawyer is to ensure that their clients receive a fair trial, no matter what circumstances led to the event or what charges they face.
This means they are expected to provide advice and counsel to their clients while building their defense. They will also investigate for their clients, looking at police reports, reviewing interview statements, and ensuring that the arrest followed all relevant state statutes and laws.
All forms of information shared between the client and the criminal defense lawyer must be kept confidential. This allows clients to speak to their lawyers in a safe manner, without fearing any consequences.
In order to perform all of their duties to the highest possible standards, it is vital that all criminal defense lawyers maintain strong lines of communication, understand the complexities of the laws and regulations of the state and have a stellar approach to organization.
Pressing Charges
Many people are under the misconception that people have to “Press Charges” against them in order for you to be charged. This simply is not the case. In the state of Texas, charges are determined by the state, not the victim or accuser.
Your case will go straight to the District Attorneys’ office and they will decide whether or not you will be charged.
Sometimes spouses will send the police to arrest their other spouse for things like domestic abuse. They believe that as long as they do not press charges, the spouse will be released without any negative consequences. This is not true and in numerous cases, charges end up being raised against the accused.
If you have been arrested under vindictive behavior like this, we can help fight against your charges. We will convince the judge that the charges were not raised in “good faith” and will attempt to have the case thrown out.
What to Do If you are Arrested in Houston, TX
There are certain things you should and should not do if you are arrested in Texas to ensure your rights are protected and you do not implicate yourself in something you did not mean to:
- Be respectful to the police and follow their orders – If a police officer is giving you instructions, you need to make sure you follow them. It does not matter whether or not you agree with the circumstances, failing to comply will always make your situation worse. Cooperating is always the best option and will always work in your favor. You can fight the claims through the right channels later on down the line.
- Stay quiet until you speak to your lawyer – Remember that anything you say at the moment you are arrested can and will be used against you later on in court. This means that your best possible defense at the moment is silence. You will not be penalized for remaining silent but you may be penalized for saying something that can be used against you.
- Contact your attorney – We highly recommend that everyone has an attorney whom they know to contact in the case of an arrest. This means you know exactly who you are going to contact. Knowing this will ensure you can obtain legal advice from your lawyer as soon as possible protecting your rights.
Building a Strong Defense in Houston, TX
Accusations of a crime can be stressful to deal with, especially if you are under criminal investigation or the charges being raised against you are serious federal offenses.
The best approach to fighting criminal charges always begins with contacting a strong and reputable criminal defense law firm. They will be able to ensure you have the best possible representation, understand your situation, and help you alleviate your fears and anxiety.
Your Houston criminal defense lawyer will be able to spring into action, calculating the best action plan and defense and building the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Our trial-tested lawyers have extensive experience in fighting cases both state and federal, from shoplifting to drug trafficking.
Defining a State Offense in Texas
There are some major differences between state and federal offenses and knowing where your charges lie is important.
To be charged with federal offenses the prosecutors must be under the belief that you have violated federal laws.
To be charged with a state offense, the prosecutors must have reason to believe that you violated state laws.
If the charges fall under both, the federal charges are normally the charges pursued due to their severity.
Defining a Federal Crime in Texas
The federal government has special and exclusive powers over prosecuting alleged federal crimes. Federal crimes are usually serious and will involve some form of national security or federal programs.
Crimes that involve government fraud and financial fraud like most white-collar crimes are usually prosecuted in federal court, as are drug trafficking charges.
Criminal Defense FAQ
A: In America, citizens do have constitutional rights that protect their privacy. This means that as a rule, police cannot search your car without a warrant, permission from you, or a valid reason. If they have a legitimate reason to pull you over, like a tail-light being out, they do have the right to search your car if they have reasonable cause.
A: Felony charges are more serious crimes, often known as “true crimes”. These are the most serious offenses a person can be charged with criminally. The prison sentences for these types of crimes are usually higher, often punishable by a year or more in state prison and the fines are much heavier, often thousands of dollars. In the most extreme cases, the death penalty may also be given for felonies.
Misdemeanor charges in the state of Texas, are usually crimes of a less serious nature and will include less severe penalties. This may include county jail stints under 12 months and much smaller fines.
A: In the state of Texas, having a criminal record can automatically disqualify you for jobs legally. If an employer conducts a background check, they may find your records.
Individuals that have a criminal record have several methods they can use in order to help them obtain employment.
The first is expunction, which is the erasure of your criminal records. This method seals your record, erasing them.
The second is nondisclosure, which means your records can still be obtained by government officials and law enforcement.
A: The circumstances surrounding your case will determine how much it will cost to hire a criminal defense lawyer. The more complex your case, the more serious your charges, and the more time it takes your attorney to build your case and defend you in court, the higher the charges will be. The simpler your case the lower the charges will be.
A: No, You should never talk to the police unless your lawyer is present. Sometimes the police will use underhanded tricks in order to get you to say things that incriminate you, this is not illegal and if you are not careful, you may find yourself defending what you have said.
A: Unfortunately, the police often get things wrong and that can mean that you may be incriminated in an offense that had nothing to do with you. In order to combat that, you are going to need a criminal defense lawyer or you may face charges for something you did not commit.
Courtroom Experience That Translates To Results
The criminal defense team here at The Love DuCote Law Firm LLC is comprised of highly respected trial-tested Texas criminal defense attorneys, including a former prosecutor. Together they have countless victories under their belts and a long list of happy customers.
When it comes to criminal law, our skill and experience is unparalleled.
Contact The Love DuCote Law Firm LLC Today!
Here at The Love DuCote Law Firm LLC, we know the disastrous effects that being accused of a crime can have on your personal and your professional lives respectively.
It is essential that you are informed and educated about your legal rights following an arrest, including the right to remain silent until you can talk to your lawyer.
We cover Houston, Fort Bend County, and Harris County so if you or a loved one has been arrested for a criminal charge please contact our Houston criminal defense lawyers today.
Call us at 832-843-1691.
