Our Houston Criminal Defense Lawyers Have Protected Client Rights Since 1996
Being accused of a crime does not automatically make you a criminal, but it can feel that way. Criminal prosecutors will go to great lengths to make sure you get the full penalty for any mistakes you may have made. This aggressive approach must be met with thorough planning, knowledge of the law, and compassion for your situation.
Attorney Kelly Benavides has helped clients throughout Harris County for over 20 years, and her tenacity has earned her a 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating and inclusion in the National Trial Lawyers’ “Top 100 Trial Attorneys.”
Schedule a free consultation with our Houston criminal defense attorney todays. Dial 713-226-7889 or contact Benavides Law Firm online.
The Role of a Criminal Lawyer in Houston
If you are facing a criminal charge in Houston, it is essential to hire the right criminal lawyer to represent you. A skilled criminal lawyer can defend your rights and protect your interests throughout the legal process.
Your Houston criminal lawyer will help you understand the charges against you and explain the potential consequences of being convicted. They will also analyze the evidence against you and identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. This information can be used to formulate an effective defense strategy.
Furthermore, your criminal lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf. Your lawyer can arrange for plea bargains or reduced charges in exchange for cooperation or guilty pleas. If necessary, they can also represent you at trial and mount an aggressive defense against the prosecution’s case.
Common Types of Criminal Cases in Houston
Houston is one of the country’s busiest cities, meaning it has its fair share of crime rates. Here are some common types of criminal cases in Houston:
Drug-Related Offenses
The possession, distribution, or sale of illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine are among drug charges seen frequently in Houston among people from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Drug offenses, especially those involving trafficking, can carry severe penalties. A skilled drug crime lawyer knows how to challenge evidence and seek reducing sentences during plea bargaining.
White-Collar Crimes
Crimes such as embezzlement, fraud, and money laundering are felony level and fall under federal jurisdiction in the majority of situations; however, they still occur at astounding rates in Houston, which a white-collar crime lawyer can help defend you against.
Domestic Violence
Whether physical or emotional, domestic violence charges happen regularly in Houston. The consequences of being convicted of domestic violence can be very severe if you don’t hire an experienced domestic violence lawyer who is capable of protecting your legal rights.
Property Crimes, Assaults & Violent Crimes
Houston property crimes include robbery, burglary, theft, and vandalism. Charges related to violent crimes, such as assault with deadly weapons, are some of the most common felony cases in Houston courts.
Homicide Offenses
Serious offenses such as murder and manslaughter carry hefty penalties, including life imprisonment without a chance for parole or even facing the death penalty in the state of Texas.
Being charged with any type of criminal offense is never easy and should not be taken lightly. Each offense has different implications that require in-depth knowledge from the attorney involved in your case. Many lawyers choose to handle all types of criminal cases. Still, it’s worth seeking out a law firm that is competent in a particular area, such as drug charges or homicides, since it may increase your odds of obtaining a better resolution.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help Preserve Your Future
Once you have been accused of a crime, the clock is ticking to put a legal strategy together and protect yourself. For decades, Benavides Law Firm has fought to keep our clients from suffering the devastating consequences of a conviction.
We can help people who have been accused of crimes such as:
- DWI
- Hit and run
- Reckless driving
In cases like these, planning is important. You need to be prepared with a case that tells your side of the story. We can help you go over the details of what happened to build a strategy that protects your interests.
Fight Your Traffic Ticket
Tickets happen, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay them. In fact, for many people, paying for a ticket can cost more in the long run due to higher insurance premiums and points being added to their license. We can help you fight your ticket and keep your driving record as clean as possible.
The Rights of the Accused in Houston
When a person is accused of committing a crime, they have specific rights that protect them from unfair or unjust treatment. In Houston, like in other parts of the United States, there are several constitutional rights that every accused person has. These include the right to remain silent, an attorney present during questioning, and a fair trial by an impartial jury.
The Right to Remain Silent
The Fifth Amendment of the US Constitution gives people the right to remain silent and protects them from self-incrimination. This means that if you are accused of a crime, you have the right not to answer questions that could be used against you in court. It’s important to remember that anything you say can and will be used against you in court later. Therefore, if you’re ever in this situation, it’s best to wait until your lawyer arrives.
The Right to an Attorney
Additionally, the Sixth Amendment guarantees that anyone accused of a crime has the right to an attorney during questioning and trial. This right is critical because it enables individuals to have someone on their side who can help navigate the legal system and ensure they receive a fair trial. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.
The Right to a Fair Trial
Moreover, anyone accused of a crime has the right to a fair trial by an impartial jury under the Sixth Amendment. A fair trial means that all jurors must be unbiased and cannot have any preconceived notions about your guilt or innocence. Additionally, they must hear all evidence presented in court and base their decision solely on that evidence.
These rights are there to protect you from mistreatment by law enforcement officials and to ensure that you receive a just outcome in your criminal proceeding. Accusers can make mistakes and sometimes accuse innocent individuals of crimes they did not commit. Thus, these constitutional rights are critical to allowing everyone a fair chance at proving their innocence.
Your rights are not optional or negotiable – they are guaranteed by law. If your rights are violated at any point during your criminal case, it could result in reduced charges or even a dismissal of your case.
How to Find the Right Houston Criminal Lawyer
If you’re facing criminal charges, your life and future are on the line. That’s why finding the right Houston criminal lawyer is crucial. But with so many lawyers to choose from, how do you know who to trust?
Experience and Reputation
First and foremost, look for experience. A criminal lawyer who has successfully handled cases similar to yours will have the knowledge and skillset needed to defend you effectively. Additionally, make sure that the lawyer practices in the area where your case will be heard. Familiarity with local procedures, judges, and prosecutors can go a long way in achieving a favorable outcome. Do your due diligence by researching reviews from past clients online. A well-regarded criminal lawyer should have a good track record of success both inside and outside the courtroom.
Straightforward Communication
Another important consideration is communication. You want a lawyer who will listen to your concerns, answer your questions promptly and clearly, and keep you informed throughout the process. Ensure your lawyer is available to answer questions and attend court dates. A good criminal lawyer should advocate for you every step of the way and ensure that you understand all aspects of your case.
Choose a Lawyer You Can Trust
Trust your gut instinct and make sure you feel comfortable with the lawyer you select. This person will be defending you fiercely throughout your case, so it’s essential that you have a good rapport with them. Remember that finding the right criminal lawyer for your case is not just about picking the most impressive resume. It’s about creating a partnership based on trust, communication, and a shared understanding of what’s at stake. Select a Houston criminal lawyer with experience and success in similar cases like yours – someone who can provide valuable guidance on every step of your journey through an otherwise difficult and stressful experience.
Discuss Costs Upfront
While choosing a criminal lawyer based solely on their fees is not advisable, it is important to engage in an open discussion about their billing practices upfront to avoid surprises down the road. While it may be tempting to choose an attorney solely based on price or availability, keep in mind that quality representation can often come at a premium cost. However, paying more upfront for a seasoned criminal defense attorney can save you money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes or misguided decisions that could have adverse effects on your case outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense Cases in Houston
What are the possible defenses for my criminal charges?
The possible defenses in a criminal case can vary tremendously depending on the nature of the charges, available evidence, and specific circumstances. However, common defense strategies include challenging the constitutionality of the arrest, questioning the reliability or legality of the evidence, casting doubt on witness credibility, or arguing various substantive defenses such as alibi, self-defense, or lack of intent. At Benavides Law Firm, we carefully analyze the facts of your case to craft a tailored defense strategy with the aim of yielding the best possible outcome for you.
Do I really need an attorney, or can I represent myself in court?
Although individuals have the right to represent themselves in court (pro se representation), it is highly advised against in criminal cases. The complexity and severity of the Texas criminal justice system require comprehensive legal knowledge, precise strategizing, and experienced courtroom skills that most laypersons do not possess.
Given the serious stakes, such as potential prison time, fines, and a criminal record, having a criminal defense attorney from Benavides Law Firm can be crucial to your case’s outcome. We bring extensive legal knowledge, trial experience, and a commitment to protect your rights and interests throughout the process.
Will my case go to trial?
Not all criminal cases go to trial. Many are resolved through pre-trial negotiations, plea bargains, or dismissals. However, the decision to proceed to trial frequently depends on various factors, including the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, the severity of the charges, and the potential outcomes of a plea bargain versus trial verdict. Stay assured that if your case indeed proceeds to trial, the attorneys at Benavides Law Firm have the trial experience and litigation skills necessary to fiercely advocate for you in court.
How long will my criminal case take?
The timeline of a criminal case can vary significantly. Factors influencing the duration include the complexity of the case, the workload of the court, and procedural elements like investigations, pre-trial motions, and negotiations. Some cases may conclude in a few weeks or months, while others, particularly complex or severe cases, can go on for a year or more.
At Benavides Law Firm, we understand the strain a drawn-out legal process can place on our clients. Thus, we continually strive to work efficiently and effectively towards resolving your case as swiftly as possible, while also ensuring the best legal outcome.
Call Our Houston Criminal Defense Lawyers Today
Benavides Law Firm is the advocate you can trust when you need a Houston criminal defense lawyer. We offer services in Spanish and can help you get started with a free initial consultation. Let our in-depth knowledge and insights go toward helping you avoid a conviction. You don’t have to fight your case alone.
Reach out to the Houston criminal defense attorneys at Benavides Law Firm. Call us today at 713-226-7889 for a free consultation.