One common mistake that defendants who are charged with misdemeanors make is handling their misdemeanor cases on their own without the aid of an attorney. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor of any class, know that facing misdemeanor charges on your own is risky. Here are four reasons why you should seek the assistance of an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney.
Knowing and understanding your rights is an important part of any criminal case, including a misdemeanor. Everyone who is involved in the legal process, from police and investigators to prosecutors and others must follow certain rules. The rules are designed to protect the rights of persons who are accused of crimes, so if one or more rules have not been followed in your case, your rights may have been violated. A violation of rights could be the basis for excluding certain evidence from your criminal case. An attorney will help you to understand your rights, and they can also help you take steps to protect them.
A second good reason to involve a skilled criminal defense attorney in your misdemeanor case is so that you will be able to understand the options that are available to you. You may be eligible for programs like probation or diversion, which may sound good when they are presented to you. Before you decide which way to go with your case, it is important that you fully understand all of the terms and conditions that you would be agreeing to in selecting each option. For example, probation agreements may contain requirements that would take more time, effort, or money to comply with than you are willing to invest. Defendants who sign off on probation agreements without truly understanding what they mean are at a high risk for violating their probation. In contrast, defendants who negotiate probation agreements that contain conditions that they feel they can fulfill are likely to complete the term of their probation successfully.
A third reason to seek legal representation in your misdemeanor case is that your criminal defense attorney may be able to help you to keep the charges off of your record. If your charges are expunged, you will have more privacy regarding your record. Your attorney will know whether you may qualify for expunction, and they can help you pursue it if it is an option for you.
The fourth reason that it is important to seek legal counsel if you have been charged with a misdemeanor is that the punishments for some misdemeanors are more severe than you might expect. In addition to fines and/or jail time, a misdemeanor conviction could have consequences which can reach far into the future. For example, if you are arrested in the future for the same type of offense, you may receive an enhanced penalty. You may also experience difficulties in obtaining work, getting public assistance, and finding housing. Your family life may also be affected, as convictions may affect your ability to have custody of your children or to become an adoptive or foster parent. A seasoned criminal defense attorney can help you to understand both the short-term and long-term consequences of a conviction. More importantly, they are your best defense against being convicted.
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, you will benefit from the assistance of a knowledgeable East Texas Criminal Defense Attorney. To learn more, call attorney Alex Tyra today, and schedule a free consultation. We can be reached at (903) 753-7499, or you may visit us online to submit a convenient online contact form.