Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prairie View

Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a felony charge, having a criminal case against you is stressful. Our Prairie View criminal defense lawyers are here to help protect your legal rights and fight for your future.

At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson, we have “Big City Experience, Small Town Values.” We treat every client with the compassion and respect they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Why Choose The Law Offices of Tad Nelson for Your Case in Prairie View?

With over 20,000 clients served and over 100 years of combined experience, our legal team knows what it takes to build a strong defense. When you hire a criminal defense attorney from The Law Offices of Tad Nelson, you’re getting someone who is willing to fight hard and not back down.

We can:

• Investigate your case.
• Gather evidence to build a strong defense.
• Handle every step of the legal process.
• Represent you in court.
• Advocate for a lesser sentence, when necessary.

Our client testimonials speak to the care and knowledge we bring to every case.

What Cases Can Our Prairie View Criminal Defense Attorney Help With?

Criminal charges are scary to face. You may be facing jail time or fines, probation, and the loss of a reputation. Having a tough lawyer on your side can give you peace of mind. Cases we can take on include:

• Prairie View DWI lawyers: Whether it is a first offense or a third, we can help you.
• Prairie View drug crime lawyers: Drug crimes can carry serious penalties. We’ll advocate for your legal rights.
• Prairie View sex crime lawyers: From mistaken identity to insufficient evidence, we’ll build a strong defense.
• Prairie View white collar crime lawyers: We can help with embezzlement, forgery, fraud, and other white collar crimes.
• Prairie View violent crime lawyers: Violent crimes often carry the harshest penalties, and we’ll push back against them.

What Punishment Can You Face in Prairie View for Criminal Charges?

The punishment for criminal charges in Prairie View depends on the type of crime and whether it is charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony. Some examples include:

Misdemeanor Punishments

Texas divides misdemeanor charges into three classifications. Typical misdemeanors can include first-time DWIs, petty theft, and disorderly conduct. To understand more about Texas misdemeanors:

• Class A: The most serious misdemeanor charge. It is punishable by up to one year in jail, a $4,000 fine, or both.
• Class B: Punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a $2,000 fine, or both.
• Class C: A fine of up to $500. 

Felony Punishments

In Texas, felonies are divided into five classifications. These are:

• Capital felony: This is for serious offenses like murder. Punishments include the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole.
• First–degree felony: This can include aggravated robbery. Punishments can include 5-99 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Second–degree felony: This can include manslaughter. Punishments can include 2-20 years in jail and up to a $10,000 fine.
• Third–degree felony: A third-offense DWI is one example of this type of felony. Punishments can include 2-10 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
• State jail felony: An example of this includes driving under the influence while there is a child in the car. Punishments can include 180 days to two years in a state jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

What Evidence May Be Used Against You in Prairie View Criminal Cases?

The prosecution must build a strong case against you. The evidence they use will depend on the specific circumstances behind the case, but common evidence examples are:

• Witness testimony.
• Expert testimony, such as from a crime scene analyst.
• Financial records, for white-collar crimes.
• Physical evidence.
• Phone records.
• Video footage, such as from security cameras.
• Police reports.
• Admission from the defendant, from an interrogation, for example.

While strong evidence can make for a convincing case, it doesn’t mean we are out of options. Our legal team will carefully investigate on our own, so we can challenge the prosecution’s case with evidence of our own.

Common Defense Strategies Against Criminal Charges

Our lawyers will build a defense strategy tailored to your case. Some common defense strategies used in criminal cases include:

• Insufficient evidence.
• Mistaken identification.
• An alibi proving that the defendant was somewhere else during the crime.
• Self-defense or defense of others.
• Entrapment.
• Duress, such as committing a crime while under threat.

If evidence was gathered illegally, we will challenge its admission.

What Should You Do If You’ve Been Arrested?

Arrests are scary, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed or confused. Below are some key actions to take:

• Be polite and calm. Do not try to fight with or argue with arresting officers.
• Ask for your Prairie View criminal defense attorney.
• Exercise your right to remain silent.

Once you have been formally charged, ensure that you understand the charges against you by talking to your lawyer about them. Ask questions and voice your concerns. 

If you are released on bail, ensure that you follow all restrictions placed on you by the court. For example, in domestic violence cases, you may be barred from interacting with the alleged victim. 

Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prairie View Today

If you’ve been arrested or are being investigated for a crime, it’s easy to feel like you’re fighting a losing battle. With your freedom on the line, you need the best defense. When you hire The Law Offices of Tad Nelson, we stand as fierce advocates for your future.

Reach out today to schedule a free consultation. We can discuss your legal options.