Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer

Houston Criminal Defense Attorney

Being accused of a crime can be an intimidating, emotionally challenging, and bewildering experience. Regardless of the type of crime you’re charged with, the potential for penalties like fines and jail time can be immensely intimidating. If you find yourself in this predicament, finding an experienced Houston criminal defense lawyer is crucial.

At Segura & Kiatta, we believe in tailoring our defense to your unique situation because we know that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to defense. Our experienced attorneys are well-versed in Houston’s laws and understand how to navigate its complex nuances. We are dedicated to upholding your rights and working hard to ensure you receive a fair trial. If you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges in Houston, our team can help you every step of the way.

What Is a Defense Attorney?

When you’re facing criminal charges in Houston, or any other state, for that matter, you need a criminal defense attorney. A criminal defense attorney is a type of lawyer who focuses on defending people who are accused or have been charged with a crime. They will have an extensive knowledge of local and state laws and an understanding of proper law enforcement protocols. They will also be skilled litigators, prepared to defend their clients in court if necessary.

A defense attorney’s job is to ensure your rights are upheld, advocate for you, and strategize ways to defend the charges against you. A criminal defense attorney will attempt to have the criminal charges against you dropped or reduced before the case ever goes to trial. If you choose the trial or if a palatable deal to reduce the charges is not offered, they will attempt to get a not guilty verdict from the judge or jury.

Regardless of your guilt, a quality defense attorney will work on your behalf without judging your actions. Ultimately, a defense attorney works against law enforcement and the prosecution to ensure your constitutional rights are protected and that you receive the most favorable outcome in your case. A defense attorney is an important, irreplaceable member of your team as they will fight to secure a favorable outcome for your case.

Choosing a Defense Attorney

Choosing the right defense attorney is a very important task when facing criminal charges and should not be taken lightly. Finding the most appropriate defense attorney will take careful consideration. The outcome of your case can change your life forever, so it’s important to choose an attorney who both understands and cares about the seriousness of your case. If you’re wondering how to go about choosing a defense attorney that’s right for you or your loved one, here are a few factors to think about:

• Experience: Choose an attorney who has experience fighting charges that are similar to the charges you are facing. They will already have experience building a defense for the charges that have been brought against you. An attorney who focuses on criminal defense and understands the local laws will know how to efficiently strategize against the prosecution.
• Advocacy: Be sure to ask the attorney lots of questions and pay attention to the level of empathy they display. A trusted attorney must be committed to tirelessly advocating for you despite the obstacles thrown your way in court. Empathy is key to advocacy, especially when dealing with complex legal matters.
• Strategist: A good defense attorney will create personalized strategies to advocate your case. They will not use generic approaches but will instead pay close attention to the details of your specific case and use them to craft an argument that is fair and presents you in the most favorable light possible. They will also be able to quickly adapt this strategy if any issues arise or new evidence is brought to light.
• Clear Communication: Always be sure to choose an attorney with excellent communication skills. Your attorney should keep you up to date on the details of your case every step of the way, as well as explain the nuances of the law and your viable options. Even small details can severely impact your ability to communicate easily with your attorney.

Above all, it is important to do your own research and use your intuition when hiring a defense attorney. They could have a significant impact on the case against you or your family, so this choice is important. When your future and livelihood are at stake, you should be able to rest assured that your defense attorney has your interests at heart.

Zealous Defense:

Zealous defense refers to the ethical obligation a defense attorney must have to represent and defend their clients with the totality of their skills. This means that rumors, personal biases, and speculation must be disregarded when taking on a defense client.  It is not a defense attorney’s responsibility to pass judgment but to instead protect their client’s rights and negotiate a positive outcome within reason and according to the laws.

A defense attorney must always be effective when researching, investigating, and preparing for their client’s case. They must always work to ensure their client’s constitutional rights are protected and upheld under the law and pursue any and all legal options that exist for their client.

Defense Services – From Misdemeanors to Felonies

A defense attorney provides a range of services for individuals facing criminal charges.  For misdemeanor charges such as a DUI or petty theft, a defense attorney may offer legal representation in court to ensure their client is treated fairly. They can even sometimes minimize the fines or probation penalties their client receives.

In cases that involve more serious charges like assault, rape, homicide, or white-collar crimes, a defense attorney will prepare a strong defense in favor of their client that challenges the evidence against them. Their job is always to protect their client’s rights throughout the legal process and ensure a fair trial while crafting strategies to seek a favorable outcome for their client’s unique cases. Here is a list of charges where the help of a defense attorney is strongly recommended if you have been charged:

• Drug Offenses: Cases involving controlled substances (whether it be possession, distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking). This can include cocaine, marijuana, heroin, prescription drugs, etc.
• DUI/ DWI: Cases involving individuals accused of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI).
• Assault and Battery: Cases involving individuals accused of physically threatening or harming someone else (whether domestic violence, simple/aggravated assault, or battery).
• Theft: Cases involving individuals accused of theft, robbery, burglary, embezzlement, etc.
• Sex Crimes: Cases involving individuals accused of sexually related crimes like rape, assault, child pornography, or even indecent exposure.
• White Collar Crimes: Cases involving individuals accused of non-violent crimes (financial) that can include identity theft, fraud, money laundering, insider trading, forgery, etc.
• Homicide/ Manslaughter: Cases involving individuals accused of manslaughter, murder, vehicular homicide, etc.

Criminal Convictions in Houston – The Process & Consequences

In Houston, the process for criminal convictions usually begins with an arrest. Once an arrest is made, a person is booked at the police station and eventually arraigned. A district attorney will decide the charges, and a judge will determine bail (if applicable) and set future court dates.

Following an arraignment are pre-trial hearings, trial, and sentencing.  During the pre-trial hearings, the prosecution and defense teams will exchange evidence, assess the strength of their cases, file motions, and begin plea bargaining. If a resolution is reached during the pre-trials, then the case does not have to proceed to trial.

During the trial, the arguments are presented to a judge and jury, and a verdict is rendered. If convicted, the consequences vary greatly depending on the case. Penalties can range from fines and probation to community service or jail/prison.

A criminal conviction can negatively impact a person’s livelihood in the long run, as many people struggle to secure jobs, housing, loans, etc., after a criminal conviction. Having a Houston criminal defense attorney on your side can help you reduce the likelihood of getting convicted. They could also negotiate for a lesser charge, such as reducing a felony down to a misdemeanor, and lighter penalties in exchange for a guilty plea.

Plea Deals: What Are They and When Should You Take Them?

A plea bargain is an agreement made between a defendant and the prosecution. In this agreement, the defendant agrees to plead guilty to the charges or a less severe offense in order to avoid trial. A plea deal offers a lesser punishment and obliterates the risks associated with a guilty conviction during trial.

Defense attorneys may choose to advocate for a plea deal that is of good interest to their clients based on the facts of the case. Depending on the evidence the prosecution has against you, your defense attorney may suggest that you opt to take a plea deal rather than risk a harsh sentencing in trial. Ultimately, the choice to accept a plea is yours and depends solely on the specifics of your particular case and circumstances.

Emotional Support

Being accused of criminal charges can be an overwhelming experience for anyone. It can take a huge emotional toll on a person, leaving them feeling anxious and alone. A defense attorney can help ease some of that burden by providing emotional support throughout the entire legal journey.

They have great knowledge of the law and understand the gravity of the situation but can still offer a realistic outlook on your specific scenario. This can help alleviate some of the overwhelming feelings and provide a sense of peace and reassurance during this difficult time.

A Defense Attorney’s Role Post Conviction

After being convicted of a crime, a criminal lawyer in Houston can still play a very important role in helping you navigate the legal system and life after conviction. A defense attorney can help you understand the terms of your conviction, parole, or probation and ensure you are fully aware of your rules and responsibilities under such.

A defense attorney can also assist you by filing an appeal or motion. This is the first step to overturning convictions or reducing your sentence. If you’ve already served your time, a defense attorney can be helpful in assisting with record expungement or sealing so that you can move forward with your life. They can help you determine if you are eligible and instruct you on how to move forward.

A defense attorney is a useful resource who can also point you in the direction of other reputable resources you’ll need when re-acclimating to life after release from jail, prison, parole, or probation.

FAQs

Q: What if a Defense Lawyer Knows His Client Is Guilty?

A: In Houston, Texas, defense lawyers are ethically bound to a concept called zealous defense. Zealous defense refers to an attorney’s obligation to represent their clients with the entirety of their skillset, regardless of whether they are presumed guilty or not. All Americans have a right to a fair trial. Therefore, it is not a defense attorney’s responsibility to pass judgment but to instead protect their client’s rights and negotiate a positive outcome within reason and according to the laws.

Q: Should You Admit Guilt to Your Defense Attorney?

A: You should admit guilt to your defense attorney so that they can better advocate for you and build an effective defense strategy. The attorney-client privilege protects you, so anything you confess to your attorney will remain confidential information outside of a few specific exceptions. If you are pleading guilty, admitting guilt to your attorney can also help your attorney structure an appropriate plea bargain.

Q: Do You Tell Your Lawyer Everything?

A: It is very crucial to the outcome of your case that you always tell your lawyer everything. It is impossible for your lawyer to adequately represent you if you withhold information from them. As the prosecutors work to build a case against you, they have access to information that is crucial to your case. If your defense attorney is unaware of such information, they can be caught by surprise during trial and, therefore, be unprepared to defend you effectively.

Q: How Do Defense Attorneys Prepare for Trial?

A: Defense attorneys prepare for trial by thoroughly researching the facts of your case. They work to craft a defense strategy to present in court on your behalf by reviewing the evidence of the case, the witness statements, and the laws of the jurisdiction. Overall, a defense attorney prepares by covering all the steps necessary to be ready and able to legally defend your rights.

Q: Should I Attempt to Represent Myself in Court?

A: To represent oneself in court is called pro se representation. Most defense attorneys would strongly advise against pro se representation due to the risks involved. The average individual is not well versed in Texas laws and, therefore, severely underqualified to adequately represent themselves. It is not uncommon for defendants to negatively impact the outcome of their case when they do not know their rights or how to strategically defend themselves against experienced prosecutors.

Q: What Are Mitigation Strategies?

A: Mitigation strategies are factors used to attempt to reduce the impact and likelihood of “risk events.” In a legal sense, mitigation strategies involve crafting strategies that focus on minimizing the negative consequences of a criminal conviction. They can help reduce the charges you are facing or lower the sentencing after a conviction. A defense attorney may present mitigating factors such as their client’s remorse or rehabilitation to try and lessen the sentence.

Contact a Houston Defense Attorney

When facing criminal charges, it can be a daunting task to understand and navigate the complex legal system. It is crucial to retain the services of an experienced Houston criminal defense lawyer to ensure that you are well-prepared to defend your rights and achieve a favorable outcome in your case.

A defense attorney can help you with charges that range from misdemeanors like petty theft or DUIs to felonies like assault or homicide. They’ll work to mount a strategic defense, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and advocate for your fair treatment at all stages of the process, from arraignment to trial. If convicted, a criminal defense attorney can help you navigate life in Houston beyond the legal consequences such as parole, your civil rights, or issues with employment and housing.

Facing criminal charges is a formidable experience, but it’s a lot less daunting when you choose not to navigate it alone. The experienced legal team at Segura & Kiatta is equipped and ready to provide the knowledge and support you need during this challenging period of your life.

With us on your side, you and your family can rest assured that your rights will be protected at all times, and all available legal options for your good will be explored and implemented. We will not only craft a defense strategy that fits your circumstances but also communicate your options to you every step of the way. Don’t face this hurdle alone. Contact our office today for a consultation. You and your future are important to us, so let us help you fight for a favorable outcome for you and your family.