Criminal Defense Lawyer in Oak Ridge North

If you’ve been accused of a crime in Oak Ridge North, you need a dedicated and experienced attorney on your side. Texas has some of the harshest laws and criminal penalties in the entire nation, and even minor crimes can have lasting consequences on your life. 

The Law Offices of Tad Nelson have over 100 years of combined legal experience defending individuals in the courtroom. We have overseen more than 500 jury trials and know how to win criminal defense cases. We are known for our aggressive approach to defending clients and fierce advocacy for the accused. 

Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony conviction, we can help. Send us a message online or reach out by phone to speak to a criminal defense lawyer in Oak Ridge North. 

Why You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Many of our clients are hesitant to hire a lawyer. They might think that innocent people don’t need lawyers and that hiring a lawyer is a tacit admission of guilt. Many people think that they can just explain to the police and prosecution the honest truth and resolve the situation. 

The unfortunate reality is that the criminal justice system is imperfect. Innocent people get accused and convicted of crimes they didn’t commit. Police and prosecution can also violate your rights in their push to convict you of charges. 

A lawyer is a bulwark to ensure fairness and give you every legal advantage against the prosecution. You have the right to refuse legal representation, but you’d only be making things more difficult on yourself. When the stakes are high, you can’t afford to leave the proceedings up to chance. 

Types of Criminal Cases We Manage in Old Ridge North

Whether you’ve been charged with a felony or misdemeanor crime, we can provide legal representation. Below are some of the most common types of cases our Oak Ridge North criminal defense lawyers oversee:

• Old Ridge North DWI lawyer. A lawyer from our firm can defend you from DWI charges and work to avoid license penalties and prison time. 
• Old Ridge North property crimes lawyer. We can defend individuals from criminal charges for arson, vandalism, and theft. 
• Old Ridge North violent crimes lawyer. Violent crimes, like murder, assault, and robbery, can be met with harsh criminal punishments. 
• Old Ridge North sex crimes lawyer. We also have experience defending clients from charges for sexual offenses like rape or sexual assault. 
• Old Ridge North federal crimes lawyer. Certain offenses can result in both federal and state criminal charges. 
• Old Ridge North white collar crimes lawyer. We can defend you if you’ve been accused of fraud, embezzlement, or related crimes.
• Old Ridge North drug crimes lawyer. A drug crime lawyer from our firm can manage cases involving drug possession, trafficking, or manufacturing. 

Criminal Classifications in Texas

Like most states, Texas divides crimes into two main classifications: Misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors include lesser crimes that typically carry a year or less in a county jail. Examples of common misdemeanors include simple assault, first-time DWI, disorderly conduct, and criminal mischief (vandalism).

Felonies in Texas include the most severe offenses that carry over a year in a state prison. Felonies not only carry an increased risk of prison time but can also result in a loss of rights and professional licenses. Common examples of felonies in Oak Ridge North include murder, aggravated assault, trafficking, sexual assault, arson, enticing a minor, and burglary. 

Possible Defenses to Criminal Charges in Oak Ridge North

Every case is unique and requires a tailored defense, but there are general argument patterns that can be deployed in several cases. Below are some potential strategies that an Oak Ridge North criminal defense lawyer can use:

• Lack of intent. Many crimes, such as theft or trespassing, require specific intent or knowledge. As such, a lack of intention or knowledge is a viable strategy against some criminal charges. 
• No probable cause. Texas law requires the police to have probable cause to pull someone over. A lawyer can challenge the initial events that led to the arrest, citing a lack of evidence. 
• Self-defense. Self-defense may be a viable strategy to defend against charges for certain violent crimes. Texas allows for the use of force to defend yourself or others from imminent and unlawful harm.
• Suppression of evidence. A common tactic is for your lawyer to suppress evidence from the prosecution. 
• Procedural violations. If the police or prosecution violated your rights or mishandled the investigation, your lawyer can push for a case dismissal or to have the charges dropped. 

Contact Our Oak Ridge North Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you’ve been accused of a crime, time is of the essence. Every moment spent without a lawyer can weaken your defense and increase the risk of receiving the maximum penalty. By talking to a lawyer early, you can take proactive steps to protect your rights and freedoms to the greatest extent possible. 

Contact The Law Offices of Tad Nelson online or call today to speak to an Oak Ridge North criminal defense lawyer.