North Richland Hills, TX Criminal Defense Attorney

Lawyer for Drug Crimes, Family Violence, Theft, and Other Criminal Charges in North Richland Hills, Texas

When you have been accused of a crime, it can seem like your life has been completely turned upside down. Depending on the situation, you may be looking at multiple types of penalties, including large fines, the possibility of jail time, the loss of your driver's license, and the requirement to perform community service, take classes, receive treatment, and more. You could lose your job, and criminal charges may affect your relationships with family members and friends. A conviction will lead to a permanent mark on your criminal record. You will need to understand the charges you are facing and the options that may be available during your case.

At The Dameron Law Firm, our attorney can provide representation in criminal cases in North Richland Hills and other parts of Tarrant County. Whether you are facing misdemeanor charges or have been accused of a serious felony offense, he can provide guidance on the best steps you can take during your defense. He will closely review the facts of your case, examine the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and advocate for solutions that will help you avoid serious penalties and put this difficult situation behind you.

Family Violence Charges

If you have been accused of domestic violence or abuse against a member of your family or household, you may face serious penalties. In many cases, arrests for family violence will lead to charges of assault based on accusations of threatening to harm a family member, making offensive contact, or causing an injury.

Most of the time, domestic assault is charged as a Class A misdemeanor. You may face a sentence of up to one year in jail and/or a fine that may be as high as $4,000. However, if you have been accused of causing a serious injury to a family member or using a weapon while committing domestic assault, you could face first-degree felony charges, and the potential prison sentence may be as high as 99 years.

Accusations of family violence may lead a court to issue a protective order. Under this type of order, you may face restrictions on contact with your spouse or other family members. You may be required to leave your home and find alternate living arrangements, and other restrictions may apply. Violating a protective order is a serious offense that is separate from any other criminal charges you may face. Our lawyer can help you defend against accusations of domestic violence while also addressing a protective order and taking steps to protect your rights.

Theft, Burglary, and Related Property Crimes

If you face charges of theft, the penalties that may apply will usually depend on the value of what was allegedly stolen. For example, theft of items worth less than $100 is usually charged as a Class C misdemeanor, but theft of up to $750 is a Class B misdemeanor, and theft of up to $2,500 is a Class A misdemeanor. At higher amounts, felony charges may apply.

Retail theft charges may apply if you have been accused of shoplifting. These charges will generally involve the same penalties as other forms of theft based on the value of the items that were allegedly stolen. Other factors may also arise in a case, such as whether you have been accused of working together with others to engage in organized retail theft activities.

Some cases involving theft may also lead to charges of burglary. If you are accused of entering another person's home, a store, or another building with the intent to commit theft, assault, or another crime that is classified as a felony, you could be charged with burglary. This is a serious felony offense, especially if it allegedly took place in a home where other people were present. Our attorney can provide a strong defense against charges of burglary, theft, retail theft, or other property crimes.

Drug Charges

In Texas, law enforcement officials take drug crimes seriously. You could be charged with an offense related to the possession of controlled substances, and more serious charges may apply if there was an alleged intent to distribute drugs. The specific charges you may face will often depend on the penalty group of substances found in searches by law enforcement.

Penalty Group 1 includes cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. Possession of less than one gram of these substances can lead to state jail felony charges, while cases involving larger quantities can lead to second-degree or first-degree felony charges. Penalty Group 2 includes substances such as THC concentrates, including vape cartridges and edibles, and felony charges will often apply in cases involving these drugs. Penalty Groups 3 and 4 include many prescription medications, and possession of even small amounts without a valid prescription can result in misdemeanor or felony charges.

Evidence uncovered by police officers can play a key role in drug cases. Our lawyer can review how searches were performed and take steps to suppress any evidence that was obtained through searches that were unconstitutional. He can also provide guidance on the diversion programs that may be available and other options for defense against drug charges.

DWI Charges

When you are pulled over by a police officer, they may take steps to determine whether you were driving while intoxicated (DWI). They may use field sobriety tests or handheld breathalyzer devices to try to find out whether you are impaired, or they may look for other reasons to believe that you have been drinking alcohol or using drugs. If you are arrested for DWI, you may face multiple types of penalties, including a driver's license suspension that may apply even if you are not convicted.

A first DWI offense is usually a Class B misdemeanor, and you could be sentenced to a minimum of three days in jail and a maximum of six months. Penalties will be more serious for a repeat DWI, with a second DWI being classified as a Class A misdemeanor and a third DWI resulting in felony charges. Our attorney can review what happened during a traffic stop, challenge blood or breath test evidence, and determine the best options for resolving a DWI case successfully.

Other Criminal Charges

Our lawyer can help people in a wide range of other criminal cases, addressing charges such as:

• Criminal Mischief: If you are accused of intentionally damaging another person's property, you may face misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the value of the damage that allegedly occurred.
• Criminal Trespass: Accusations of entering someone else's property without permission may lead to misdemeanor charges.
• Weapons Violations: Charges related to firearms or other weapons may include unlawful carrying of a weapon in a location where guns are prohibited, such as a school, or possession of a firearm by a felon.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Cases

Contact Our North Richland Hills Criminal Defense Lawyer

While criminal cases can be stressful, having the right attorney on your side can help ensure that you will be able to secure a successful outcome. At The Dameron Law Firm, our lawyer can review the details surrounding your arrest, explain the charges you are facing, and provide guidance on the best defense strategies. Contact our North Richland Hills, TX criminal law attorney at 817-222-0624 to arrange a free consultation today.