Criminal Defense Lawyer in Sheldon

If you have been arrested or are under suspicion for a crime, our Sheldon criminal defense lawyers are here to help you. 

Since 1994, the legal team at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson has helped build strategic defenses for our clients to protect their futures. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation about your case.

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

When you hire a Sheldon criminal defense attorney from The Law Offices of Tad Nelson, you get a dedicated and compassionate advocate for your case. We have represented our clients at over 500 jury trials with 20,000 clients served. You can check our results page to learn more about how we’ve helped clients. 

As your legal team, we can:

• Investigate the case against you
• Gather evidence to support your defense
• Build a legal strategy tailored to the specifics of your case
• Handle any plea deals, when appropriate
• Represent you in court, when necessary
• Negotiate for a lesser sentence if applicable

We are here to help you and ensure you feel confident at every stage of your case.

What Kinds of Cases Can Our Sheldon Criminal Defense Lawyers Handle?

We take on a wide range of criminal cases, including:

• Sheldon drug crime lawyers: We will advocate for rehabilitation and lesser sentencing when available.
• Sheldon DWI lawyers: DWIs can cost your license, and many offenses carry jail time or fines as well.
• Sheldon federal crimes lawyers: If you are facing federal charges, our lawyers will fight to protect your rights and future.
• Sheldon sex crimes lawyers: Convictions often have long-lasting impacts on your life in addition to jail time and fines.
• Sheldon white collar crime lawyers: We will seek to maintain your reputation and professional licenses in our defense.

What Are the Punishments for Criminal Cases in Sheldon?

The punishment for a criminal conviction in Sheldon depends on the crime and whether it is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.

We’ll look at some examples below:

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanor offenses tend to have much lower penalties than felonies.

Under the Texas Penal Code, some potential punishments include:

• Class A misdemeanors: Up to one year in jail and up to $4,000 in fines
• Class B misdemeanors: Up to 180 days in jail and up to $2,000 in fines
• Class C misdemeanors: Fine of up to $500
• Felonies

Felony charges generally bring longer jail time and higher fines.

Some potential penalties include:

• First degree felony: Five to 99 years or life in prison, and up to a $10,000 fine
• Second degree felony: Jail time between two and 20 years and fines up to $10,000
• Third degree felony: Jail time for two to 10 years and fines up to $10,000

Additional Impacts of a Conviction

While jail time and fines are significant impacts, you may also face:

• Permanent record
• Loss of professional licenses
• Loss of reputation
• Immigration impacts
• Impacts on housing and career
• Probation

What Are Common Defenses in Criminal Cases?

We build our defense strategy based on the specific circumstances of a client’s case. However, there are some defenses that are more common.

They are:

• Self-defense or the defense of others
• Alibis
• Violation of your rights, such as an illegal search of your vehicle
• Duress, if you were threatened into committing a crime
• Lack of intent
• Insufficient evidence

We will also challenge evidence that was gathered in a way that violated your rights. 

What Evidence Can Be Used Against You?

Depending on the charges, there is a wide variety of evidence that may be used against you. 

Some common types of evidence include:

• Physical evidence, such as fingerprints at a crime scene
• Medical evidence, such as the results of a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) test
• Witness testimonies
• Phone records
• Emails or other digital communication
• Financial records
• Expert testimony
• Statements from the arresting or investigating officers
• Your own admissions, such as any statements you make during your arrest

We will seek to challenge any evidence we are able to. For example, if a BAC test is used for a DWI charge, we may seek records of the upkeep of the device and administration of the test, as it needs to be properly calibrated and administered for accurate results.

What Should You Do if You Are Arrested in Sheldon?

If you are arrested, it’s essential to stay calm and act with caution.

You should:

• Be polite.
• Avoid arguing with officers, trying to explain your side of the story, or making excuses.
• Avoid resisting arrest.
• Ask to speak with your lawyer.
• Invoke your right to remain silent after asking for your lawyer.
• Comply with the booking process.
• Follow any restrictions put on you by the court, such as not leaving town or not having contact with an alleged victim.
• Listen to the legal advice of your attorney.

Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney in Sheldon Today

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, it’s easy to feel scared and helpless. You’re likely worried about the future and your freedom. We’re here to help. At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson, we’ll work to protect your legal rights and your freedom.

Our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience that we put to work for you. No matter the charges you’re facing, we’re here to build your defense.

Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.