Criminal Defense in Corpus Christi, TX

What Is A Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Because a criminal conviction can have serious consequences, you want an experienced Corpus Christi, Texas attorney on your side. These attorneys research the facts of your case so you can have peace of mind. By performing their own investigation, criminal defense attorneys put you in a better position to negotiate a deal with the prosecutors, possibly resulting in reduced charges, a lower bail amount, less sentencing time and even possibly dismissed charges. Put simply, hiring a defense lawyer in Corpus Christi, TX is the most effective way to protect your rights.

Unfortunately, the Texas criminal process more than likely leads to costly fines, jail time and possible incarceration for those who do not have competent legal counsel. As jails become increasingly overcrowded, criminal defense attorneys work with prosecutors to reduce the time that you may spend in jail. They do this by formulating a plea, reviewing the procedure of the search and seizure, questioning witnesses, gathering evidence, assessing the potential sentence and investigating the prosecutor’s case. Furthermore, your Corpus Christi criminal defense lawyer helps you understand the complex criminal justice system.

Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Corpus Christi, Texas

Hiring a criminal defense lawyer gives you access to a Corpus Christi professional who defends you aggressively. This means you have someone standing beside you when you face the judge. If you are looking to hire a compassionate and committed criminal defense lawyer in Corpus Christi, TX who is ready to help represent you in court, we have lawyers that are standing by in all areas of law throughout multiple locations in the United States. Get in contact with us today.

What is the Difference Between Parole and Probation?

If you are facing criminal charges in Corpus Christi you may have an option for either parole or probation. While their names are similar, these two concepts are vastly different. Your criminal defense attorney can help you understand these alternatives to incarceration.

Probation

Probation is typically an alternative to jail or prison. There are times where a judge may order a defendant to serve probation. If you are on probation, you will be under a certain set of guidelines. Furthermore, there will also likely be strict supervision rules.

Because of this, Texas laws are in place to force you to submit to warrantless searches without any probable cause.

When you receive probation, a judge usually will give you an opportunity to show that you have an interest in receiving rehabilitation. Probation in place of an incarceration sentence may not be an option without expert defense, though. Accordingly, to avoid a direct prison sentence you should immediately seek legal advice.

Even though probation does not send you to jail, it usually requires you to follow many of the same conditions that come with serving time in prison. Some of these conditions include participating in rehabilitating programs, following a curfew, and receiving frequent drug testing.

In Corpus Christi, Texas you may also be required to pay restitution, court costs, a fine and any other fees. The length of time you are on probation may drastically range, depending on the initial crime and your previous history.  

Probation is more commonly known as community supervision in Texas. Community Supervision for a misdemeanor in Corpus Christi carries a maximum duration of 2 years. For a felony it can be up to 10 years. However, if you’re sentenced for more than 10 years for your crime, you are not eligible for community supervision.

Probation Revoked

If you do not follow the precise instructions a judge gives you, the judge may revoke your probation. This typically results in incarceration. Furthermore, depending on the nature of your violation, you may receive an additional sentence beyond your initial one.

Texas operates Community Supervision and Corrections Departments (CSCD) across the state to supervise probationers. Conditions of probation in Corpus Christi will typically include mental health evaluations, random drug tests, and the strict avoidance of criminal activity. Additionally, you will have to find and maintain gainful employment. You will also have regular meetings with your probation officer at the Nueces County CSCD. If you violate these terms, you may have to appear before the Nueces County District Court. If your probation is revoked, you may be fined or ordered to serve your original jail sentence.

Typically, a probation officer manages your probation. This officer monitors your progress and compliance. He or she also files periodic reports with the court. Accordingly, if you do not comply with the terms of your probation, the judge is apt to know. Then he or she may then revoke your probation and send you to jail. A Corpus Christi, Texas criminal defense attorney can help you with probation violations.

Parole

Instead of interacting with a probation officer, parole requires you to report to a parole officer. A parole officer will outline any expectations you are to meet.  In addition to the rules of your parole. He or she also monitors your progress and reports back to the court and the parole board.

Parole is a term to refer to the period of time that comes after a release from incarceration. Just as with probation, there are usually many conditions and safeguards that you must follow during your parole. 

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles determines who has earned parole, along with the conditions of release. Upon release in Corpus Christi, you will have regular meetings with a parole officer of the Region IV Parole Division. Conditions of your parole in Corpus Christi may include the payment of supervision fees and tuition for state-approved drug and alcohol courses. You will typically need written permission before changing your residence or leaving the state. You’ll also be forbidden to buy or sell a firearm and be required to avoid contact with convicted felons. Any violation of these terms may result in your arrest and reincarceration.

If you violate the terms of your parole, the parole board may require you to finish the remaining time of your sentence. Certain violations, though, may result in additional charges and a longer incarceration time resulting in the need for a Corpus Christi, TX criminal defense attorney.

Work With an Experienced Local Corpus Christi, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer

A Corpus Christi criminal defense attorney works with the prosecuting attorney to determine a beneficial outcome in your criminal case. You may not want to go through the criminal justice process alone. By working together to negotiate an affordable bond or a later plea deal, an experienced Corpus Christi, TX criminal defense lawyer uses all available resources and relationships with prosecutors to negotiate the best possible outcome for your criminal defense case. He or she may also help you seek a dismissal of your criminal complaint.

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in any state, contact our team to learn how we can connect you with a reputable criminal defense attorney near you. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Texas state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

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