Any criminal charge has the potential to result in long-lasting negative effects, such as a ruined career and difficulty finding employment. Felony cases in particular could take away your freedom and rights, make it difficult to secure custody or visitation of your children, and make it harder to find a mortgage.
From the initial arrest to anxiety over what your future might look like, facing criminal charges is a frightening experience. It is important that you do everything possible to protect your future by securing representation from an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Sugar Land, TX.
If you or someone you love is facing a criminal charge in Sugar Land, TX, then get in touch with a local criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. They will get right to work building your defense and improve your chances of winning a favorable outcome in your case.
The Love DuCote Law Firm LLC – Aggressive Representation
At The Love DuCote Law Firm LLC, we won’t back down from a fight. We will aggressively represent you, and won’t rest until we have done everything possible to protect your future.
When you agree to representation from us, an experienced criminal defense lawyer will be dedicated to your case. Our in-depth knowledge of the Texas criminal justice system, many years of experience and knowledge, and exceptional record of courtroom success means that you can rest a little easier knowing that everything is in hand.
As your fiercest advocate, we will get to know you and your case and advise you on the best course of action. We will be honest and upfront and empower you to make decisions from a place of knowledge.
Get in touch with our Sugar Land law office today at 832-843-1691.
It may be the most important decision you ever make.
Common Types of Criminal Defense Cases We Represent
At The Love DuCote Law Firm LLC, we have experience in a broad range of criminal defense cases. We are committed to helping everyone, no matter what type of crime they have been accused of, including capital murder, weapons offenses, DWI defense, drug charges, and more.
Each case requires a different approach and a defense tailored to the situation. We will assign a criminal defense lawyer who has a comprehensive understanding and experience relevant to your case, one who understands how to build your best defense.
Common types of cases we deal with include:
Assault and Battery
In Texas, assault and battery are categorized as the same offense, this is different from most other states where battery is the worst offense. That makes seeking representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney all the more important, they could be the difference between you receiving a misdemeanor charge or a third-degree felony.
Immigration
An undocumented or illegal immigrant is not a criminal and we are committed to fighting for your human rights. We will fight aggressively against unfair persecution and will help you fight for citizenship and freedom.
Crimes of Sexual Nature
A criminal conviction for a sex crime should not be taken lightly, regardless of how minor the incident may seem, the penalties have the potential to be severe. In Sugar Land, TX as well as receiving a harsh punishment for a sexual assault conviction, you will also face lifelong effect on your reputation and it will greatly hinder your ability to work, travel, own a home, and care for children.
We will fight for you to have your criminal offenses dropped so that you are not branded with a label that will follow you for the rest of your life.
Domestic Violence
A conviction for domestic violence could ruin your life. We see people who have been wrongfully accused all the time, and due to the stigma of domestic abuse, people are treated unjustly.
If you are being accused of domestic abuse, you should act quickly and aggressively. Even if you are innocent, you should not take the matter lightly. The sooner you get in touch with a lawyer who can take on your criminal defense needs, the sooner you can clear your name.
Driving Under the Influence/Driving Whilst Intoxicated (DUI/DWI)
A DUI/DWI is a serious criminal offense, and a skilled lawyer could be the difference in whether you receive a criminal charge or not. They can also fight for you to keep your driving license, which could be incredibly important especially if you drive to work.
It is important to know that even if you were arrested for a DUI/DWI, it does not inevitably lead to a conviction. Blood tests can be erroneous and a criminal defense lawyer can work out whether you were treated fairly or not, and may be able to have your case thrown out.
Drug Possession, Trafficking, and Distribution
Texas criminal law is very strict when it comes to drug crime. Even possession of a low-level controlled substance could result in a felony charge.
Our team of Sugar Land criminal defense lawyers will search for weakness in your case and do everything possible to have your charges dropped. Perhaps the search was conducted illegally, or you were unaware of the drugs in your possession, most cases will have a weakness somewhere and if yours does, we will find it and aggressively defend you.
More serious drug crimes such as trafficking or distribution will require a trial lawyer with experience in both state and federal courts. We will ensure that your criminal defense lawyer went through all the proper procedures, and will do everything possible to have your case thrown out.
The Role of a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Sugar Land, TX
Criminal defense lawyers should ensure that their clients receive a fair trial, regardless of what circumstances led to them being accused of criminal charges.
They should provide advice and counsel to their clients while investigating their cases and building their defense. This could include reviewing interview statements, ensuring all investigations and arrests were conducted in line with the law, analyzing police reports, and more.
It is vital that criminal defense lawyers maintain communication with their clients, understand the complexities of the state and federal laws relevant to their case and are willing to aggressively defend their clients.
The attorney-client relationship protects clients and allows them to speak openly with their criminal defense lawyer, who will keep all shared information confidential. That means that people can be completely honest with their defense attorney, which will help them build the best possible defense.
Can I Use a Public Defender in Sugar Land, TX?
Many people turn to public defenders or court-appointed attorneys, especially if they are innocent. Often, this leads to unfavorable outcomes.
Public defenders usually have huge caseloads, which means they do not have sufficient time to develop their defense strategy. They usually have no choice but to seek the easiest and most efficient way out, which may result in you getting stronger penalties than your case warrants.
Choosing a criminal defense lawyer could be the most important decision of your life, and you must make sure it is the right one. With a dedicated criminal defense lawyer from The Love DuCote Law Firm LLC, you ensure that your case will receive the time and dedication it deserves.
Pressing Charges
There is a common misconception that someone must ‘press charges’ against you in order for you to be charged with a criminal offense. This is untrue, in Texas, charges are determined by the state, not the accuser.
Your case will go to the District Attorneys’ office and they will decide whether you face the possibility of charges.
We have seen cases where a spouse has called the police for domestic violence, as they believe that so long as they do not press charges, their spouse won’t face any charges. This is not true and often results in charges being raised, even when the person in question is innocent.
If you have been arrested for a crime that you did not commit then we can help. We will strive to convince the judge that the charges were not raised in “good faith” so that they grant a complete dismissal of your case.
State Vs. Federal Offense in Sugar Land, Texas
State and federal offenses have important differences, and it is helpful to understand what that means for your case.
To be charged with federal offenses, the prosecution must prove that you violated federal laws. On the other hand, state offenses violate state laws and are usually less serious, but should not be taken lightly.
While state offenses usually have less harsh punishments, they can still result in a jail sentence and a criminal record, and will still have huge negative implications on your future.
Sometimes a client’s charges fall under both, but federal charges may be pursued due to their severity.
The government has exclusive powers over prosecuting alleged federal crimes. Federal crimes are very serious and will be prosecuted in federal court. They usually involve cross-border crimes, or crimes involving national security or federal programs. Examples include financial fraud, human or drug trafficking, and white-collar crimes.
At The Love DuCote Law Firm LLC, our criminal defense lawyers have extensive experience helping clients win favorable outcomes in both state and federal crimes.
What to Do If you are Arrested in Sugar Land, TX
When you are arrested in Sugar Land, TX, it is important that you do not do anything to harm your case. You can work to protect your rights by following the right steps:
Be Respectful to Police Officers
It is important to be respectful to police officers and follow their orders. Even if you don’t agree with how they are treating you or the circumstances of your arrest, failing to comply will only make your situation worse. When you are cooperative and follow instructions, it will work in your favor and make fighting your claims through the correct channels easier later down the line.
Stay Quiet
From the moment you have been arrested anything you say and do can be used against you. Even if you are innocent, initially the best thing you can do is stay quiet. You have the right to remain silent and cannot be penalized for it, but anything you do say can be used against you. It is therefore in your best interests to avoid saying anything until you have spoken to an attorney.
Contact Your Lawyer
Anyone facing criminal offenses should speak to an attorney. The sooner you contact a criminal defense lawyer the sooner they can advise you and the sooner they can get to work developing your best possible defense strategy.
Texas Criminal Defense FAQ
A: The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer varies depending on the complexity of your case and how long it takes. When your future is at stake, no expense should be spared. That being said, we promise competitive prices.
A: Some people don’t bother seeking skilled representation because they are innocent and believe that the justice system will inevitably clear them. Unfortunately, this is not the case, sometimes people are wrongfully accused and it is essential that you have the support of an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can clear your name.
A: Felony charges are more serious than misdemeanors, the prison sentences are usually much higher, and they can result in fines of thousands of dollars. In the most extreme cases, the death penalty can also be awarded for felonies.
Misdemeanor charges are less serious and have less severe penalties. However, they can still result in jail sentences, small fines, and a criminal record.
A: In the United States, citizens have constitutional rights that protect their privacy. That means that police cannot usually search your car without a warrant, or permission from you. However, if they have a legitimate reason and reasonable cause to pull you over and search your car, such as you driving erratically then they may be able to search your car.
A: Having a criminal record can automatically disqualify you for jobs. It is common for employers from any type of profession to run background checks, and your criminal record is a public record which is available to everyone.
Some types of criminal records can be expunged, which prevents them from being on the criminal record. It can still be obtained by government officials, and it could still prevent you from getting certain jobs. A criminal defense lawyer can assess your case and let you know what your options are.
A: You should never speak to the police without your lawyer present. The police can use underhanded tricks to get you to say incriminating things without realizing it. This is perfectly legal and if you do not take great care you may end up regretting what you said.
Courtroom Experience That Translates To Results
If you have been accused of a crime, then your next steps can feel overwhelming, especially if you are facing a criminal investigation, potential jail time, and federal offenses.
The best approach is always to find a reputable criminal defense law firm such as The Love DuCote Law Firm LLC. We will ensure that you have the best possible representation for your case and help alleviate your anxiety.
We are committed to your freedom and will fight aggressively to protect your future. Our trial-tested criminal defense lawyers have extensive experience in fighting both state and federal cases.
Contact The Love DuCote Law Firm LLC Today!
At The Love DuCote Law Firm LLC, we understand how devastating it is for people to face criminal charges. We will keep you informed about the details of your case from the beginning so that you can make informed choices and will have confidence that everything possible is being done for your case.
As well as Sugar Land we cover Fort Bend County, Harris County, and Houston, so if you or someone you love has been arrested in Texas then give us a call today.
The criminal defense team here at The Love DuCote Law Firm LLC is comprised of highly experienced and respected Texas criminal defense lawyers, including a former prosecutor. With countless victories under their belts and a long list of happy clients, we will fight aggressively for your freedom.
Get in touch with us today at 832-843-1691.