The plea process is a crucial component of the criminal justice system. However, not everyone facing criminal charges understands what plea bargains are and what the plea process entails. If you are considering accepting a plea bargain, it is important that you understand how these agreements work so you can make an informed decision about your future.
In Texas, a person facing a criminal trial – after an arrest or charge – will be scheduled before a judge or jury to examine the evidence against them.
During a criminal trial, the prosecution is often required to prove the action and intent before a defendant can be found guilty. Unfortunately, many alleged defendants often end up committing a crime due to their mental illness or condition. Such mental health issues may include trauma, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or PTSD.
If you are facing criminal charges in Texas, the worst thing that can happen to you is going to jail or prison. Since incarceration is the worst possible outcome for any person facing criminal charges, many defendants wonder, “Are there alternatives to going to jail?” Fortunately, yes. Depending on the charges and the circumstances of your case, you may qualify for alternative sentencing.
If you’re facing a criminal accusation or charge—or any complicated legal issue at all—it’s to your advantage to contact a skilled attorney. It might be tempting to settle for just anyone, but that would be a mistake. There are costly consequences of ineffective representation at every stage of the legal process.
The Second Amendment protects the right of U.S. citizens to keep and bear arms, but there are some circumstances that could infringe on this right. While gun violence and gun deaths are an issue we must address as a nation, revoking an individual’s right to own a gun should be taken very seriously and only imposed when absolutely necessary. One such circumstance where this could happen is if you’re convicted of a domestic violence charge.
The state of Texas treats sex crimes very seriously. Those who have been accused of one of these crimes—as well as those who accuse others—need to realize the severity of their actions.
In the state of Texas, accusations involving sex crimes, including rape, sexual assault, statutory rape, prostitution, or sodomy, are often punished seriously. A sex crime conviction results in massive fines, lengthy imprisonment, a criminal record, registration as a sex offender, loss of certain civil rights, and other life-altering consequences.
Being charged with a crime is always frightening, especially when you think that you are guilty. Some people mistakenly believe that entering a guilty plea can make their life easier because they will not have to hire an attorney or prove anything to anyone.
Being accused of a sex crime is always serious, especially if the alleged offense involves an individual below the age of consent. A conviction for statutory rape can have a lifelong impact.
