Criminal charges in Dallas, Texas, can range from minor offenses to serious felonies, and the penalties for each type of offense can vary widely. If you've been charged with a crime in Dallas TX, it's important to understand your case’s possible outcomes and the role that a defense attorney can play in helping you navigate the criminal justice system.
Texas Penal Code
Texas has several types of criminal offenses, each with its own penalties. Some common types of offenses and their penalties, according to Texas Penal Code Chapter 12, include the following.
- Misdemeanors: These are less serious crimes that can carry penalties of up to a year in jail and fines of up to $4,000. Examples of misdemeanors include traffic offenses, disorderly conduct, and possession of small amounts of certain controlled substances.
- Felonies: These are more serious crimes that can carry penalties of more than a year in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Examples of felonies include assault, theft, and drug trafficking.
- Federal offenses: These are prosecuted by the federal government rather than the state. Federal offenses can carry much harsher penalties than state offenses, and the procedures for defending against them can differ. Examples of federal offenses include tax evasion, bank robbery, and illegal possession of a firearm.
Possible Outcomes From A Criminal Trial
When you are faced with a criminal charge, there are several possible outcomes that you may face. These outcomes can include the following.
Plea Bargaining
This is a process in which you agree to plead guilty to a lesser offense in exchange for a reduced sentence. For example, if you're charged with a felony, you can negotiate a plea bargain that allows you to plead guilty to a misdemeanor instead.
Probation
If you're convicted of a crime, you may be placed on probation instead of serving time in jail or prison. Probation is a form of supervised release that allows you to live in the community under certain conditions, such as reporting to a probation officer and completing community service.
Jail Time Or Prison
If you're convicted of a crime, you may be sentenced to serve time in jail or prison. The length of your sentence will depend on the specific charge and any prior criminal history.
Restitution
If you are convicted of a crime, the court may order you to pay restitution to any victims of your crime. Restitution is intended to compensate the victim for their losses due to their crime.
Expungement
A process that allows certain criminal records to be sealed or destroyed. This process makes it difficult or impossible for most of the public to access these records and would help those charged with certain crimes start their life over.
Why Hire Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers From The Medlin Law Firm
Hiring a defense attorney from The Medlin Law Firm can help you navigate the criminal justice system, understand the charges against you, and protect your rights throughout the process. A good defense attorney can help you build a strong defense, negotiate with the prosecution to reduce your charges or sentence, and represent you in court.
It is important to consider hiring a criminal defense lawyer early in the process, as they may be able to have the charges against you dropped before they reach court. When charges are dropped before a trial, it can significantly improve your chances of having a better outcome and minimize the impact on your life.
Overall, being charged with a criminal offense can be a very stressful and overwhelming experience. Understanding the possible outcomes of your case and the role that a defense attorney can play can help you make informed decisions about how to protect your rights and interests best.
Hiring a defense attorney from The Medlin Law Firm criminal defense lawyers can help you build a strong defense and navigate the criminal justice system. They will also work vigorously to obtain the most favorable outcome for your case.
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The Medlin Law Firm
2550 Pacific Ave #866
Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 888-4810