Fort Worth Criminal Defense Attorney

Lawyer for Misdemeanor and Felony Defense in Texas

Whether you have committed a crime or not, anyone in our society can face an arrest and criminal charges. At Hutchison & Foreman, PLLC, we understand how easy it is for anyone to find themselves involved with the criminal justice system.

When you have been arrested or otherwise charged with a crime, the first step is not to panic. While no one wishes to be handcuffed, taken into custody, fingerprinted, and have their mugshot released to the internet, there are certain things you must remember if you find yourself in this unsavory situation. Your civil rights are important. Keep in mind that:

1. You have the right to remain silent. That means you do not have to answer questions or talk to the police. You do not even need to speak to fulfill the obligation to identify yourself, as you need only hand the officer your ID.
2. You are presumed innocent until proven guilty. You would not want to help the officers gather evidence that could be used against you. Please refer to step one. An arrest is not a conviction - there is hope.
3. You have a right to reasonable bail. This is often where the first or second mistake is made by clients who find themselves in the county lockup. We understand that you want to get out of jail as quickly as possible. However, bail money is like an insurance premium. Once paid, a portion is generally irretrievable. In many cases, in as short a time period as 24-48 hours, bail can be reduced, resulting in substantial savings for you.
4. Hire a board-certified lawyer quickly and call as soon as you possibly can. Many clients think they will wait and see if they can get a court-appointed lawyer, not realizing that it takes quite a bit of time and that court-appointed lawyers are generally reserved for indigent defendants. Additionally, many people mistakenly believe that they can make bail and still be assigned a court-appointed lawyer. This is not the case in many counties.
5. Let your lawyer guide you. You are more than likely going to hire a specialist if you need a particular surgery or medical procedure. It would be best if you did the same thing in criminal matters that could lead to you spending years or even life in prison. Take your lawyer's advice and allow them to guide you through the maze of landmines that await a single misstep.
6. Know your rights: Whether you were charged with a misdemeanor, such as a DWI, or a felony murder, you must know your fundamental constitutional rights to ensure that you receive the proper protections. We handle all levels of criminal cases in state and federal courts in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Missouri. When your rights need protecting, you need the experts at Hutchison & Foreman, PLLC on your side.

Seek Attorney Guidance in Plea Bargaining or Trial

The complex field of plea negotiations is fraught with peril for the unwary. Some defendants deserve a reasonable plea agreement, and yet, they may not receive the proper consideration. In other cases, it may not seem like a reasonable plea agreement will be offered - and yet one may be extended by a prosecutor. Other cases simply demand to be tried by a jury. The trouble is that the defendant who is accused of a crime will likely have little say in which option is chosen for their case. However, you have the right to choose a jury trial in most cases. Many factors, including the input of any alleged victims, may determine if a plea bargain will even be offered and how an agreement may affect the accused.

Whether your case is right for a plea bargain or a jury trial is something that you should carefully consider after making full disclosure to your attorney and listening to their sage advice and recommendations. The choice of how to proceed during your case is solely yours. However, this choice needs to be tempered with reason, factual analysis, legal analysis, and wisdom from your advocate.

Learn More From a Lubbock Board-Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer Today

Defending yourself against criminal charges takes time and commitment to the process. Criminal cases are complex. Attorney S. Rafe Foreman has many years of experience, and he is a compassionate advocate for his clients. He is board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in the area of criminal trial law. Attorney Foreman understands how difficult it may seem to commit to a process that has an uncertain outcome. He will answer your questions, help you make informed decisions, and protect your rights. Call Hutchison & Foreman, PLLC at 817-336-5533 or send an email through this secure website to initiate a free case evaluation. From our offices in Fort Worth and Lubbock, we provide representation for clients in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.