Dallas First Time Arrest Lawyer

Dallas First Time Arrest Attorney

Your first arrest can be a life-changing experience. It can be frightening and distressing, and you may not know what to do in this situation. An experienced Dallas first time arrest lawyer can help you make clearer sense of your circumstances, but you must contact them immediately following an arrest to avoid mistakes that could work against you.

Experienced Criminal Defense Representation in Dallas, TX

The Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, offers compassionate and responsive criminal defense counsel for a wide range of cases in the Dallas area. If you have been arrested for the first time, it is natural to feel uncertain and have lots of difficult questions you will not be able to answer on your own. Working with our firm offers you the chance to avoid conviction, if possible, or mitigate your penalties if necessary.

After you have been arrested for the first time, you will be booked and held in police custody until your arraignment. It’s possible to qualify for bail under certain conditions. It is vital to know your rights in this situation and the value of having a Dallas first time arrest lawyer respond as quickly as possible to your request for defense representation.

Our firm can carefully review the details of your arrest, examine the charges against you, and help determine your most viable avenues of defense. You may need to prove that you have an alibi, assert some other affirmative defense, or you may need to prepare for a trial and an argument for minimizing the penalties that could be given during sentencing. Your Dallas first time arrest lawyer can be a crucial asset no matter what your case entails.

Understanding Your Rights Upon Arrest

Every American citizen is protected by the US Constitution, and two amendments in particular come into effect upon arrest for any crime. First, you have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. You are not required to act as a witness against yourself, therefore, you are not obligated to answer any questions from arresting police officers regarding the offense they’re investigating. This is a common mistake in first-time arrests, as suspects will try to explain their situations to avoid arrest.

Second, you have the right to legal counsel. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court can appoint one for your case, but it is always worth investing in the services of an experienced Dallas first time arrest lawyer to ensure the greatest chance of success with your case. A private defense attorney might be able to provide more personal attention and service than you could otherwise expect. You should consider exercising your right to remain silent until you can exercise your right to speak with an attorney.

Common First Time Charges in Dallas

It is possible for any type of criminal offense to lead to arrest. A few of the most commonly cited crimes in first arrest cases in Dallas include:

• Drug charges, such as illegal possession. If you are arrested in possession of any controlled substances, the penalties you could face will vary based on the type of substance you had in your possession, the quantity, and whether the facts show you intended to sell or traffic the drugs.
• Intoxicated driving. Driving while intoxicated (DWI) of drugs or alcohol is illegal and one of the most common offenses cited by those arrested for the first time. Penalties for DWI (also known as DUI) conviction in the state can include driver’s license suspension, fines, and jail time, and penalties will increase substantially after a first arrest. Penalties can also increase if the arrested driver causes an accident, resulting in injury or death..
• Shoplifting. This is the lowest level theft offense prosecuted in the state and is defined as the illegal taking of merchandise from a retail store. Penalties for theft offenses typically depend on the value of the property stolen. A defendant’s penalties could increase significantly if they took property directly from another person and/or used violence.
• Assault. It is possible to be arrested for assault under various conditions. You may need to prove that you were acting in self-defense or that you have been wrongfully accused of an assault you did not commit. In any event, the right defense attorney can be invaluable to your case.
• Domestic violence. Any type of abuse or violence within a family or household can qualify as domestic violence. Penalties for domestic violence will vary based on the severity of the actions and the scope of the harm done. A defendant may face a restraining order and/or lose child custody or visitation rights as a consequence of the offense.

While these are some of the most common offenses that lead to first-time arrests, it is possible for any criminal act to lead to a first arrest. A defendant could face misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the nature of the offense, and the first steps they take once they are placed under arrest are vital when it comes to building their defense.

Possible Penalties for Criminal Conviction in Dallas

When a person is arrested for the first time, they are understandably worried about facing jail time. However, depending on the nature and the severity of the charges filed against the defendant, jail time may be just one of several penalties facing them in sentencing. While many judges are willing to consider diversionary programs and alternative sentencing in some first-offense cases, it is never a guarantee. You should hire an attorney that is aware of the various diversion programs available.

Crimes prosecuted as misdemeanors may lead to incarceration in county jail, fines, loss of rights, and a requirement to pay restitution to any victims of the offense. Crimes prosecuted as felonies can lead to incarceration in state prison, heavier fines, restitution to victims, and additional penalties assigned at the discretion of the sentencing judge.

Pretrial Diversion for First Offenders in Dallas

The criminal justice system of the state manages several programs aimed at furthering restorative justice in the state. These programs are generally aimed at first-time offenders, young people, individuals struggling with substance abuse, veterans, victims of human trafficking coerced into illegal activity, and individuals with diagnosed mental health conditions. Pretrial diversion programs are aimed to help such individuals avoid jail or probation and rehabilitate under certain conditions. The programs can also help keep charges off your record upon completion of the program.

It is important to remember that committing certain offenses can disqualify a defendant from pretrial diversion programs. Additionally, if a defendant is offered such a program but they do not successfully complete it, their case could be referred back to the criminal court for traditional prosecution. If you are unsure whether you qualify for this type of program, your Dallas first time arrest lawyer can explain the eligibility requirements and help you apply.

What to Expect From Your Dallas First Time Arrest Lawyer

When you choose the Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, to represent you in your first criminal case, you are investing in a team of seasoned and responsive defense attorneys who have years of experience in the Dallas criminal justice system. As former prosecutors, the attorneys of the Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, provide an unmatched level of defense counsel to clients in Dallas.

We know how local prosecutors handle their cases, and we know the judges who handle many of the first time offender cases in the Dallas criminal courts. Whether you have been wrongfully accused of a crime you did not commit or you need a defense attorney who can help mitigate the penalties that you could be facing, our team is confident that we can provide the legal support you need in this challenging situation.

Our team will carefully examine the police report from your arrest and the circumstances of your arrest and booking to ensure the police upheld due process and respected your rights. We’ll review the charges against you and identify any procedural missteps of the police or the prosecution may have taken in their handling of their evidence and their filings. We can examine any potential mistakes of fact or of law to help you formulate an effective defense.

If you did commit the offense, all hope is not lost. As a first time offender, you may qualify for pretrial diversion under certain conditions. If not, it is possible to enter a plea deal with the prosecutor if they are willing to offer such an arrangement. The plea bargaining process entails a defendant agreeing to submit an immediate guilty plea in exchange for an agreed sentence by both parties.

Depending on your situation, formulating a defense to fight the charges against you, asserting an affirmative defense to a specific charge, or pursuing a favorable plea. The Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, has successfully defended many clients throughout the Dallas area in their first criminal cases, and we are prepared to leverage this experience for you.

You have a limited time to contact an attorney after arrest. At your first opportunity, contact the Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, to schedule your case review with a Dallas first time arrest lawyer you trust to defend you.