Criminal Defense

Abilene Criminal Defense Attorneys

Putting Your Rights First

Being arrested is more common than many people think. While it’s not something that gets talked about often, about 1/3 of Americans have some criminal record. That includes arrests and convictions. This means just as many Americans have been arrested as have college degrees. This means, statistically speaking, you have known several people throughout your life with some criminal record. This could include coworkers, classmates, and even close friends and family members.

While it may be a shared experience, many people are unsure of what to do if they find themselves arrested. Several people only know how to respond to an arrest based on what they’ve seen on television or in the movies. This can be disastrous. There are certain things a person should and should not do if they are arrested. The number one thing someone should do if they are arrested is contact an experienced defense attorney. If you or a loved one have been arrested, a criminal defense lawyer could help you maintain your freedom.

What Can I Be Arrested for in Abilene, Texas?

Under the Texas penal code, crimes are broadly divided into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors are the more serious of the two. Misdemeanors are minor offenses including but not limited to:

  • Certain Drug Crimes
  • Driving While Intoxicated
  • Theft
  • Shoplifting
  • Vandalism
  • Trespassing

Misdemeanors are divided into Class A, Class B, and Class C offenses. Class A offenses are considered the most serious and carry the most severe penalties. Misdemeanors are usually punished with fines, jail time, and community service.

Felonies are more serious offenses. While misdemeanors are often property crimes, felonies typically involve some form of violence or harm against another person. Felonies are divided into First Degree, Second Degree, and Third Degree. Felony criminal charges include but are not limited to:

  • Homicide
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Arson
  • Home Invasion
  • Possession of Certain Controlled Substances

The punishment for felonies is more serious than for misdemeanors. Felonies are usually punished with heavy prison time, including life without parole. In cases involving murder, a felony conviction could even result in the death penalty. Even a conviction for a third-degree felony could send someone to prison for years and completely upend their life.

What Should I Do if I’m Arrested in Abilene, Texas?

Everyone knows the saying, “You have the right to remain silent.” If you are arrested, you should absolutely remain silent. Many people believe that it is the job of the police to identify criminals and help bring them to justice. The truth is more complex. It is the job of the police to locate and arrest suspects who may have committed a crime. If the police believe they have enough evidence or reasonable cause to arrest someone, they will. The police will then turn over all the evidence they collected to the prosecutor.

If the prosecutor believes they can win a case at trial, they will most likely bring charges against the suspect. At trial, the prosecutor will use evidence gathered by the police to help build their case. Again, it is not up to the prosecutor to decide if a suspect is guilty or innocent. It is up to a prosecutor to determine if there is enough evidence to secure a conviction at trial. It will ultimately be up to a jury to decide a defendant’s guilt or innocence based on the evidence presented in court.

Why Should I Exercise My Right to Remain Silent if I’m Arrested in Abilene, Texas?

A significant component of evidence presented at trial can be a suspect’s own words. Arresting officers may be called to testify about the suspect’s behavior and anything they said during their arrest. Transcripts or video evidence of police interrogation can also be submitted as evidence. This is why, if you’re arrested, you must exercise your right not to speak to the police and request an attorney immediately.

Many people do not realize the police are allowed to lie during an interrogation. They may claim to have eyewitnesses, cell phone footage, or other incriminating evidence. The police will do this to get a suspect to make self-incriminating statements or even a confession. They may even attempt to convince a suspect that they won’t face any charges if they cooperate or may face lesser charges.

The police have no control over what charges will be filed against a suspect. Everything the police say and do following an arrest will be to get a suspect to incriminate themselves. This is why if you or a loved one has been arrested, you must contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Who Should I Contact if I’m Arrested in Abilene, Texas?

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a crime in Abilene, don’t hesitate to contact the law offices of Barrett Legal PLLC. Our attorneys fight aggressively, and we pride ourselves on obtaining superior results in all the criminal cases we take on. From traffic tickets to drug charges, DUI to homicide, we take on all legal matters.

An arrest can be frightening, but it isn’t the end of the world. If you or a loved one has been arrested in Texas, call the law offices of Barrett Legal PLLC at 325-241-2868 to schedule a free consultation. We are ready to fight for you.