The law is strict when it comes to levying punishment for crimes, but the burden of proof and the evidentiary requirements for convicting someone of criminal acts are held to an equally high standard. Furthermore, proving someone guilty of a crime often involves investigating:
- The defendant’s intent
- How, when, and where the alleged crime occurred
- How the evidence was obtained
- How the law defines a victim or losses and damages
If you are facing criminal charges, a criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the charges you are facing and the laws that govern the crimes you allegedly committed.
A McKinney criminal defense lawyer from the Underwood Law Office can help defend you against the charges you face. They may analyze the evidence brought forth against you, the circumstances under which you are being charged, and the legal definition of the crimes you are accused of having committed. Call (972) 535-6377 to speak with our team.
Criminal Charges Vary by Crime and How Severe the Offense Was
The first thing to understand about crime is that there are many types of crime, and the type of crime that you are charged with will determine how your attorney will defend your case.
For example, being accused of burglary is different from being charged with armed robbery. Similarly, charges for crimes like drug possession and driving under the influence (DUI) may require an investigation to see if controlled substances, damages, or injury was involved. Understanding these differences can help you navigate the statutes and laws that apply to your case.
Details on how different crimes are classified can be found in the Texas Penal Code. For example, the Texas Penal Code § 22.011 defines several types of assault against different categories of people. Homicide, kidnapping, human trafficking, and sexual assault are covered in this chapter of the penal code, and each type of crime has its own definitions and penalties.
As is true for assault, there are laws that govern offenses against property, such as arson, which can be found in the Texas Penal Code § 28.02. Laws about offenses against public administration like bribery and corruption can be found in the Texas Penal Code § 36.02. From disorderly conduct to organized crime, laws can be found within these statutes of the penal code.
Next, it is important to understand that many crimes can be classified as a felony or misdemeanor. These definitions are not set in stone. You may get charged with a first-, second-, or third-degree felony or misdemeanor, depending on the seriousness of the actions involved and the extent of the victims’ harm, damages, or injuries.
Felonies
Examples of felonies include:
- Theft or robbery
- Property crimes
- Vandalism
- Child sexual assault and child pornography
- Dealing with controlled substances and drugs
- White-collar crimes, such as fraud
- Voluntary, involuntary, or reckless manslaughter
- Murder and kidnapping
- Neglect of a dependant
- Child, spousal, or elder abuse
Misdemeanors
Examples of misdemeanors include:
- Disorderly conduct
- Identity theft
- Carrying an unlicensed firearm
- Intimidation, stalking, or harassment
- Underage consumption
- Public intoxication
- Resisting arrest
- Petty theft
For a free legal consultation with a criminal defense lawyer serving McKinney, call (972) 535-6377
Our Lawyers Are Prepared to Defend You Against Criminal Charges
The Underwood Law Office can be reached at (972) 535-6377. Based on the charges you are facing, a McKinney criminal defense lawyer from our team can devise a defense strategy for you to try to lessen or dismiss the charges you are facing. There are many ways we can do this. A few examples are given below.
Drug Crimes
Drug crimes can only be proven if it can be shown that you had the knowledge and possession of illegal substances and an intent to use them illegally. You may be able to lessen or dismiss the charges you face if you can prove that:
- You did not know you were in possession of controlled substances
- You had no intent to use any substances illegally
- You did not have enough of the substance in question to be charged with a crime
- The evidence brought against you was obtained illegally
Child Pornography
Child pornography charges can be defended by stating that:
- You are not the owner of devices on which pornographic material was found
- The material in question cannot be defined as child pornography
- You were illegally searched for the material in question
- You are a victim of entrapment
In some cases, you can even claim a psychological addiction to such material, although such a defense may still require you to undergo rehabilitation or therapy.
Abuse and Sex Crimes
Common defenses for abuse and sex crimes include stating there was accidental and unintentional contact between you and the victim or that your actions were taken in self-defense. If applicable to your situation, you may also choose to bring the alleged victim’s personal or criminal record to light to prove that they have made false claims against others in the past.
McKinney Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (972) 535-6377
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with a crime, know that law enforcement offices and prosecutors are doing everything in their power to get a conviction in your case. They may make repeated attempts to talk with you about what happened, and try to get you to provide them with the evidence that they need to disprove your story.
Our Criminal Defense Practice
At the Underwood Law Offices, with locations in McKinney, Texas, and Huntington, West Virginia, our attorneys understand exactly what is at stake in your case. From the moment we begin representing you, we will stand up to prosecutors to ensure that they protect your rights. We are not afraid to stand up for you and your future.
Criminal Cases That We Handle
Every criminal charge has consequences, and you need to take your case seriously. You are not going to be able to “explain away” the charges. In fact, you will just make matters worse if you talk to police without an attorney present. You need professional, experienced representation to provide a strong defense on your behalf. We have handled a number of different types of criminal matters, including:
- DUI/DWI — We can help you protect your driving privileges and minimize the potential consequences that might be handed down in your case.
- Drug crimes — We work hard to reduce the charges you may be facing, including making use of sentencing alternatives and diversionary programs that help you our goal is to get your life back on track.
- Domestic violence — We represent individuals who have been charged with crimes of violence against family members.
- Assault — We review all of the evidence to determine any possible defenses available to you.
- White collar crimes — Our attorneys understand how to review the paper trail to gather evidence that refutes the allegations against you.
- Any other misdemeanor or felony charge — We will help you review all of your options and develop a strategy that protects what is important to you.
Click to contact our Areas We Serve today
How the Underwood Law Office Can Help
Our law firm can help your case by formulating a defense for you, whether it be based on some form of injustice brought against you or an error in investigation or charge. Our team may also help you by:
- Investigating the legality of the charges you are facing and whether you were arrested legally
- Investigating how the evidence presented by the prosecution was obtained
- Arguing whether the charges you are facing are fair and commensurate to the alleged crime you are charged with
- Arguing your sentence on your behalf
- Disproving the claims made by the prosecution or others against you
- Obtaining evidence, such as an alibi, to prove you did not commit the alleged crime
- Working towards reconciling with the victims, agreeing on a settlement, or working out another middle-ground determination for your case to minimize your penalties
Please contact the Underwood Law Office today at (972) 535-6377. A McKinney criminal defense lawyer can lead your case and fight hard for your charges to be diminished or dropped. You can speak with a team member about your case and learn about the laws that apply to your situation.
The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.
Call or text (972) 535-6377 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
