Criminal Defense FAQs
Facing a misdemeanor or a felony criminal charge is scary. You and your loved ones may be blaming yourselves, or perhaps overzealous police misinterpreted an innocent situation.
The attorney at the Law Offices of Thomas R. Cox III in Dallas, Texas not only understands whatever situation led to your misdemeanor or felony charge, but he is also one of the few law firms that will bond you out of jail and keep fighting on your behalf.
Criminal law, like any area of law, is complicated. The following offers answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about criminal defense. These will hopefully put your mind at ease as you go through the process of hiring an attorney. To get trustworthy representation in your corner today, reach out to Attorney Tom Cox in Dallas, Texas. His firm proudly serves neighboring communities such as Irving, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, University Park, Highland Park, and Dallas County.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense
Do I have to speak to the police after I’m arrested?
No, you do not. It’s best to call an attorney right away. What they say on television is true—anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. If you speak to the police without meeting with an attorney first, you may get cornered into admitting details that could negatively impact your case. In some cases, you could even get manipulated into confessing to something you didn’t even do.
There’s a difference between cooperating with the police during an arrest and speaking with them. You should cooperate and be polite, but do not speak with them until an attorney is present.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
All criminal charges are serious, but a felony is the most serious and can lead to long prison sentences and even the death penalty in some murder cases. Felony cases can include drug charges, sex crimes, and manslaughter.
A misdemeanor case usually has a fine or a short jail sentence (under a year) attached to it. First-time DUI offenses and petty theft are examples of misdemeanor crimes in Texas.
I just want this to go away. Should I accept a plea deal?
This is another time in which you need the advice of a Dallas, Texas criminal defense attorney. Every plea deal is different. However, even if you committed a crime does not mean that the prosecutor can prove that you did it. Cases can get dismissed due to unreliable witnesses, police misconduct, or lost evidence. So, an experienced criminal defense attorney is in the best position to advise you on whether you should accept or deny a plea deal.
Do I really need a criminal defense attorney?
The criminal justice system, especially in Dallas, Texas, is very complicated. It is risky to try to handle criminal cases such as DUI charges, drug charges, theft, assault, domestic violence, sex crimes, murder, or manslaughter without the assistance of an experienced Dallas County criminal defense attorney. They can make a deal with the prosecutor to reduce or dismiss your charges or argue for mercy on your behalf in front of a judge or a jury. Don’t risk your future by trying to handle your misdemeanor or felony case on your own. Even if you do not go to jail or prison, a criminal conviction will impact your job and housing choices as well as your ability to own firearms.
Understand Your Rights
If you are arrested, don’t speak to the police or other officials. They may act like your friends, but they are not. Instead, call the Law Offices of Thomas R. Cox III at 214-974-4350. Tom Cox can give you free advice over the phone, in English or Spanish. He’s also prepared to bond you out of jail to make the process easier on you. Put his dedicated advocacy in your corner today.