The coronavirus has affected just about every aspect of daily life for Texas residents, Americans, and people all over the world. Individuals recently charged with crimes in Texas, and those who are incarcerated in Texas prisons, are wondering how the coronavirus will affect their ability to work through their criminal law matters towards freedom and justice. The defense attorneys who represent Texans who have been charged with crimes are also wondering how and when they will be able to pursue fair resolution of their clients’ cases. Attorneys who represent clients that are already incarcerated are concerned for the health of their clients as they remain behind bars because they are aware that disease can spread rapidly within prison walls, where health care resources may be stretched thin.

The Texas court system has put jury trials on hold and has delayed many other types of proceedings. Some hearings have been held remotely, but as court workers and judges have transitioned to working remotely, they have not been able to handle the same amount of hearings and other proceedings that they could in their regular work environment. The availability of remote or electronic court proceedings varies from place to place within the state. Defendants in some areas may be able to continue working through their criminal law matters more quickly than defendants whose cases are in districts where remote and online case management is proceeding more slowly.

Criminal defense attorneys in Texas have been able to advocate on behalf of some of their clients that justice would not be served by sending them to jail. The slowing of the state’s judicial machinery could keep people in jail indefinitely, and public health officials would like to see as few people in prison as possible during the coronavirus outbreak. Some attorneys have successfully obtained release on no-cost bonds for some of their clients who are charged with low-level offenses. Bail reduction motions and plea bargaining are other tools that defense attorneys plan to use as opportunities to use them remotely become available. These efforts are being met with varied attitudes on the part of prosecutors. Some prosecutors are willing to consider no-cost bonds and plea deals in light of pressing public health concerns. In contrast, others claim that they must continue to be tough on crime regardless of the coronavirus pandemic.

If you have been charged with any type of crime in Texas, your health and your freedom are at stake. Fortunately, you do not have to defend your health or your freedom on your own. You need someone who can help you and walk alongside you as you pursue resolution of your Texas criminal law matter. A Texas Criminal Defense Attorney can help you protect what is most important to you, even in these uncertain and challenging times. To learn more about how a Texas criminal defense attorney can help you, call Attorney Alex Tyra today. Call us today, at (903) 753-7499, or fill out a convenient online contact form on our website.