Having to work through criminal charges in Dallas is a serious challenge, especially given the county’s strong approach to prosecuting drug and DWI cases. Our criminal defense firm understands the difficulties you and your family may face, and we’re here to offer reliable, skilled representation in this demanding time.
With our experience in Dallas criminal defense, we tailor our approach to each client’s needs, working tirelessly to defend your rights and secure a positive result. For supportive and knowledgeable legal guidance, reach out to our Dallas criminal defense team for a free consultation today if you were accused of a crime.
If you’ve been charged with a crime, ensure your rights are protected by our skilled Dallas criminal defense lawyer. Get a strong representation and contact us today!
Our Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Do the Following For You
Our Dallas criminal defense lawyers are dedicated to providing personalized support for every client. Each step we take is carefully crafted to fit the unique details of your case, ensuring you receive a defense strategy tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
During our first consultation, we’ll start by hearing your side of the story, taking in every detail you share. We’ll walk you through the charges you’re facing and discuss the potential consequences, helping you fully understand your situation.
From there, we’ll craft a customized defense strategy that aligns with the specifics of your case.
Providing you with expert counsel is important to us. We handle all aspects of evidence collection to strengthen your defense.
Our process includes:
- Examining police reports for errors, omissions, or any improper actions taken during the arrest.
- Assessing forensic evidence like fingerprints, DNA, and toxicology reports to ensure accuracy and reliability.
- Conducting thorough interviews with witnesses to uncover any inconsistencies or biases in their statements.
- Reviewing any available video footage from the scene to verify timelines and events.
- Obtaining medical records to support or challenge claims about the extent and cause of injuries.
- Consulting expert witnesses to clarify technical or scientific aspects for the court.
Our investigation approach is proactive and strategic, focusing on:
- Building a Strong Defense Strategy: We develop a defense plan tailored to your case, focusing on the most effective ways to counter the charges.
- Identifying Inconsistencies in Prosecution’s Evidence: We look for contradictions or weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence that could support your defense.
- Challenging Prosecution’s Arguments: We carefully examine every piece of evidence presented by the prosecution and identify any grounds for opposition.
Plea negotiations involve discussions between the defense and prosecution to reach a potential agreement, often resulting in reduced charges or lighter sentencing. While we don’t default to plea deals, they can play a valuable role in a defense strategy, particularly when factors like weak evidence, procedural errors, or unreliable witnesses may support a favorable outcome.
Plea deals can be especially advantageous when issues like poor police work or questionable witness reliability are evident, creating an opportunity to minimize penalties and avoid the uncertainties of a trial.
We approach each case individually, evaluating whether a plea bargain is in the client’s best interest. Although we provide our professional recommendation, the final decision remains with the client.
We want to represent you in the best way possible.
Here is our approach:
- Customizing defense strategies: We tailor our approach to align with the unique details and circumstances of your case, ensuring that every angle is considered to support your defense.
- Pinpointing weaknesses in the prosecution’s case: Our attorneys thoroughly examine evidence to expose flaws, inconsistencies, or procedural errors, creating opportunities to challenge the prosecution’s claims.
- Focusing on your innocence: We prioritize proving your innocence by emphasizing facts and evidence that work in your favor, building a defense around the strongest points of your case.
- Leveraging extensive court trial experience: Our attorneys have many combined years of courtroom experience, and they are ready to use it to your fullest advantage while they build your defense and plan your strategy with you.
- Using clear and persuasive tactics: Our attorneys are skilled in delivering arguments that resonate with judges and juries, presenting your defense clearly, logically, and compellingly.
- Fighting to protect your rights and freedom: From start to finish, we are committed to safeguarding your rights, challenging any unfair practices, and striving to achieve the best outcome for your case.
We understand that being with your loved ones during this challenging time is essential, and we work diligently to make this a reality. Our approach to bail and pre-trial release includes:
- Helping you understand the bail process, providing clear information on what to expect and your options.
- Prioritizing your release from custody, with the goal of securing your freedom as quickly as possible.
- Representing you at bail hearings, where we negotiate for the lowest possible bail amount on your behalf.
- Managing all necessary paperwork and ensuring that bail conditions are followed, allowing you to focus on your case and your well-being.
- Advocating for your release so you can prepare your defense outside of jail, keeping you connected to family and support.
- Staying in touch with you throughout, offering support and updates so you never feel alone in this process.
What Criminal Defense Cases Do We Handle in Dallas?
Our firm is dedicated to defending clients across a broad spectrum of criminal charges in Dallas. Our extensive experience with Texas law and the Dallas court system means that we are well-prepared to represent you.
Our familiarity with local procedures and relationships within the court system allows us to approach each case with effective strategies tailored to Dallas-specific practices and standards.
Our Dallas criminal defense practice covers a wide variety of charges.
Our team defends against drunk driving charges, challenging breathalyzer results, field sobriety tests, and any procedural errors made by law enforcement. We aim to protect your rights and explore options to reduce or dismiss the charges.
We represent clients facing assault and battery charges, often focusing on justifications like self-defense or lack of intent to harm. Our experience allows us to build a strong case around your side of the story.
Our expertise covers both minor and major drug-related cases, from simple possession to more serious charges like trafficking and intent to distribute. We focus on defenses involving unlawful searches, procedural violations, and lack of sufficient evidence.
We handle cases involving theft, shoplifting, burglary, robbery, and other property-related offenses. Our defense strategies focus on disproving intent or ownership claims and examining inconsistencies in the prosecution’s evidence.
Our defense for white-collar crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, and identity theft includes analyzing tough financial records, questioning intent, and challenging evidence provided by the prosecution.
Our in-depth knowledge of Dallas law enforcement practices and court protocols means that our lawyers can anticipate how certain cases might be approached in Dallas courts. This insight is essential for building a defense that aligns with Dallas community standards and court expectations.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how our Dallas criminal defense team can provide the support and representation you need.
Additionally, our firm also covers a variety of other criminal cases, including:
- College Student Arrests
- Criminal Conspiracy
- Family Violence Charges
- Federal Charges
- Felony Charges
- Firearm / Weapon Offenses
- Juvenile Crime
- Marijuana Offenses
- Misdemeanor Charges
- Out-of-State Visitor Arrests
- Record Sealing / Expunging
- Sexual Offenses
- Texas Criminal Process
- Traffic Offenses
- Violation of Probation
- Violent Crime
Need a lawyer? Ensure that your rights are protected with our skilled Dallas criminal defense lawyer. Get the defense you deserve and call us today!
About Our Dallas Criminal Lawyers
Richard C. McConathy
Cynthia Gonzalez
Jocelyn Umanzor
We are dedicated exclusively to criminal defense, with over 35 years of experience defending clients in Dallas across DWI cases and a broad spectrum of criminal charges. Our attorneys bring a thorough knowledge of Texas criminal law and are committed to providing strong, results-driven representation.
We’ve successfully managed over 1,000 criminal cases, securing more than 300 “Not Guilty” or “Dismissed” verdicts. Each case is handled with meticulous attention, from gathering critical evidence to negotiating with prosecutors, ensuring our clients’ rights are firmly defended at every turn.
Our familiarity with Dallas courts allows us to provide focused, strategic defense throughout the entire process. Contact us at (972) 528-0481 to arrange a consultation and begin building a solid defense with a dedicated team by your side.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses Under Texas Law
Criminal penalties in Texas depend on the severity of the offense. Here’s a breakdown of what you may face if convicted:
- Fines: Fines can vary widely based on the crime. Minor offenses, like misdemeanors, may incur fines up to $500, while severe crimes, such as white-collar or drug trafficking, can lead to fines reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars
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- Jail/Prison Time: Jail time for misdemeanor offenses like DWI or petty theft may last up to a year, whereas serious charges, including assault or drug trafficking, can result in multiple years in state prison. Felony convictions generally bring multi-year prison terms, whereas misdemeanor convictions typically result in shorter county jail sentences.
- Probation: Probation can be an option, especially for first-time or less serious offenses, allowing individuals to avoid jail if they meet court-ordered conditions, such as regular check-ins, drug testing, or completion of community service. Violating probation terms often leads to stricter penalties.
- Community Service: For certain offenses, courts may impose community service or educational program requirements. These penalties are often applied to lesser offenses and provide an alternative to jail, allowing offenders to contribute positively to the community.
Factors Influencing Severity of Criminal Charges
Texas law considers multiple factors when determining the severity of criminal penalties:
- Repeat Offenders: Repeat offenses lead to harsher consequences. For example, a second or third DWI offense can elevate a misdemeanor to a felony, increasing jail time, fines, and the long-term impact on criminal records.
- Aggravating and Mitigating Factors: Aggravating factors, like using a weapon or targeting a vulnerable person, lead to stricter sentences. Mitigating factors, such as cooperation with authorities, may lead to reduced penalties.
- Sentencing Guidelines: Texas judges follow sentencing guidelines to determine punishments, though circumstances may lead to sentences beyond standard guidelines when aggravating or mitigating factors are present.
Our Dallas criminal defense attorneys understand Texas laws and local court processes, working to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome in each case. Contact our office today to discuss your defense options and ensure your rights are upheld.
Protecting Your Rights Throughout the Legal Process
Our Dallas criminal defense attorneys prioritize protecting your rights from the moment we begin working on your case. Texas and federal law guarantee specific rights to individuals facing criminal charges, and we make it our mission to uphold these rights at every stage.
Here’s how we ensure you receive the full protection the law provides:
- Right to Remain Silent: In any criminal investigation, clients have the right to remain silent and not self-incriminate. Our attorneys strongly advise exercising this right during police interactions to avoid statements that might be used by the prosecution. Silence can be a powerful tool in ensuring that the evidence remains in your favor.
- Right to an Attorney: Texas law entitles you to legal representation from the outset of a criminal case. Our Dallas criminal defense attorneys ensure you’re not alone and are supported through every step, from initial questioning to courtroom proceedings, helping you make informed decisions and keeping your rights protected.
- Right to Due Process: Due process guarantees fair treatment under Texas and federal law, including protection from illegal searches, unlawful seizure of property, and arbitrary detention. We rigorously monitor all procedures to ensure that law enforcement respects your constitutional rights, handling your case with fairness and justice at every stage.
How Our Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Protect Your Rights
Our legal team has extensive experience in addressing instances of unlawful searches, coerced statements, and improper detention practices. We are committed to holding law enforcement accountable and ensuring your rights are upheld in the criminal justice system.
- Challenging Unlawful Searches: Evidence obtained through searches lacking a valid warrant or probable cause cannot be used in court, so our attorneys scrutinize all evidence gathering to identify and challenge any Fourth Amendment violations. If we find evidence obtained illegally, we file motions to suppress, which may weaken the prosecution’s case.
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- Preventing Unfair Questioning: Since, under Texas law, any confession must be given voluntarily, without pressure or coercion, our Dallas defense attorneys ensure that police questioning follows legal guidelines. If a confession was obtained through undue influence, we work to have it excluded from your case to maintain the integrity of your defense.
- Reviewing Unreasonable Detention: If law enforcement detained you without valid cause, this is a violation of your rights. We examine the details of your arrest to verify whether proper legal grounds existed, and in cases where detention was unreasonable, we challenge the detention and argue for the dismissal of charges, preserving your right to freedom.
In Texas, laws like the “habitual offender” statute impose harsher penalties on individuals with multiple convictions. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys leverage mitigating factors in such cases, presenting evidence to argue for reduced sentencing where possible.
Texas Penal Code protections, along with federal constitutional rights, provide a foundation that we use to advocate effectively for clients in the Dallas area.
Our firm’s dedication to defending your rights makes us a valuable ally in Texas criminal cases, including those in Dallas County and across North Texas. Our law office stays committed to protecting your freedoms, and our legal strategies aim for the best possible outcome in every case.
The Criminal Defense Process in Dallas
Our Dallas criminal defense attorneys are committed to guiding clients through every step of the criminal justice system. With experience across Dallas County in both state and federal criminal cases, our skilled criminal defense lawyers focus on providing the best possible defense strategy for each client facing criminal charges.
We want you to know what to expect :
- Arrest and Booking: When law enforcement arrests someone in Dallas County, they proceed to booking, where the individual’s information is recorded, fingerprints are taken, and they are formally charged. This step is necessary for setting up the foundation of the case.
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2. Arraignment and Bail Hearings: At the arraignment, defendants hear the charges against them and enter their plea, whether guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Our experienced Dallas criminal defense attorneys attend bail hearings, working to secure the best possible bail terms or release options for clients, which allows time to prepare a strong criminal defense.
3. Pre-Trial Investigations and Evidence Gathering: During this critical phase, our law firm reviews police reports, consults with forensic experts, and interviews witnesses to find inconsistencies in the prosecution’s evidence. Every angle is examined to build a strong defense against accusations, whether they involve misdemeanors, felonies, or federal crimes.
4. Court Proceedings and Trial Preparation: As we move toward trial, our defense attorneys work directly with clients, discussing every detail of the case. We focus on ensuring our clients’ rights are protected beyond a reasonable doubt. Our attorneys negotiate plea options if beneficial, but we’re fully prepared to argue in court to secure the best possible outcome.
5. Sentencing and Potential Outcomes: If a conviction occurs or a plea is accepted, the judge will determine the sentence based on Texas sentencing guidelines. Penalties can range from fines and probation to longer prison terms, depending on whether the charge is a felony or misdemeanor. Our goal is to achieve the best possible resolution, minimizing penalties where possible.
With our law office’s extensive experience in federal and state cases, we leave no stone unturned in our commitment to securing the best defense for you.
Secure the best possible outcome with our experienced Dallas criminal defense lawyer. We care about the rights of the accused, so contact us today and ensure your defense!
Why Choose Our Dallas Criminal Lawyers
Our criminal defense firm in Dallas has many years of experience and a proven track record of success in handling a wide variety of cases. We’re dedicated to protecting our clients’ rights and securing the best results possible.
From dismissals and acquittals to favorable plea deals, we work hard for each client, ensuring every case receives the attention it deserves.
Each client’s situation is unique, so we adapt our approach based on the type of case. Here’s how we handle different types of charges:
- DWI/DUI: We review field sobriety tests, BAC results, and police procedures to spot any flaws. If the arrest or evidence is questionable, we fight for a reduced charge or dismissal.
- Assault: We look into possible defenses like self-defense or mistaken identity. Our team carefully checks witness statements, physical evidence, and any video to challenge the prosecution’s story.
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- Drug Charges: In drug cases, we focus on any issues with searches and seizures. If evidence was collected unlawfully, we work to have it excluded, which can lead to reduced or dropped charges.
- White-Collar Crimes: For fraud, embezzlement, or other financial cases, we dig into records and question the evidence for any procedural mistakes. Our goal is to show a lack of intent or find flaws in the prosecution’s case, often using experts to help explain difficult matters.
We’re committed to safeguarding your rights through every step of the legal process. If there’s a violation of your due process, whether through illegal searches or unfair questioning, we’re here to push back and ensure you receive a fair trial.
Our Texas criminal defense lawyers proudly serve Dallas and nearby counties with a strong commitment to defending each client’s freedom, specifically in:
If you’re facing charges in Dallas or the surrounding areas, reach out to our experienced attorney team. We’re here to help you understand your options and build a strong defense.
Contact Our Dallas Criminal Defense Attorneys Today
Our experienced criminal defense lawyer team is here to provide immediate, strategic support when you need it most. Acting quickly can make a difference in your case, and we’re committed to guiding you every step of the way.
Call us now at (972) 528-0481 to schedule a free consultation to hire a criminal defense lawyer.