The court system in the Austin area is intimidating, and even the county you’re in when you’re arrested makes a big difference. Each Texas county has its own set of priorities and quirks. Where your case is heard can make a big difference. Penalties can be stiff.
When facing misdemeanor or felony charges, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney in Austin advocating for your legal rights because there is more at stake than you may realize.
A criminal conviction could mean life-altering consequences, including:
- Jail time
- Expensive fines
- Probation
- Loss of gun rights
- Inability to rent an apartment or loans
- Revocation of professional licenses
- Difficulties securing a job
We don’t just handle cases in the Austin area. Our attorneys have decades of experience in Travis, Williamson, Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Blanco, and Burnet counties.
Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Conviction
Pleading guilty or no contest might seem like a simple way to avoid jail. However, any criminal conviction will damage you in ways you might not initially consider. A conviction could:
- Cause you to lose child custody or visitation rights
- Cost you your job or professional license
- Damage your reputation within the community (for example, if you’re required to register as a sex offender)
- Prevent you from renting an apartment or getting a loan to buy a house
When developing a customized strategy for your case, we will review every possible consequence of a conviction. Our Austin team is our largest, including at least three former prosecutors, an FBI agent, and one who is fluent in Spanish. We also have a former judge and attorneys with a wide range of criminal defense experience across Texas. This array of experience gives us insider knowledge of how the prosecutors will approach your case. We leverage this expertise to get you the best possible case outcome.
What To Expect When You Hire Us
As soon as you contact us, our team starts working immediately.
You’ll speak to one of our intake specialists when you initially call us. That specialist will note the details of your case and track down any available information and records from the incident.
Next, one of our highly experienced criminal lawyers will contact you. We will ask detailed questions about you, your situation, the incident, and your arrest to help us explore legal options.
Once you’ve chosen to retain our firm, our team will start building your case. This can mean working to secure a bond, securing jail release (even late at night and on weekends), and negotiating with prosecutors for favorable pretrial release conditions.
The stakes are always high in every criminal case. Our lawyers know that your future is at stake, so we’re committed to getting you the best possible outcome. We want to ensure that your side of the story is told.
We have a 95% success rate on cases in Austin.
Our team of defense attorneys in Austin, TX, combines decades of experience with an unparalleled commitment to justice. Our goal is to achieve an exceptional outcome in every case.
You Are Innocent Unless Proven Guilty
In the immediate aftermath of an arrest, it’s critical to remember that you have rights. One is that you’re innocent until proven guilty. Another is that you have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions from the police. You also have the right to an attorney.
Our criminal justice system isn’t perfect. DWI field testing is subjective, and the police may not have followed the proper procedures during your arrest. We have seen many instances in which clients’ rights were violated or facts were inaccurate.
We will carefully review all the evidence, searching for any mistake, even ones that might seem tiny or insignificant.
Additionally, we believe in straight talk. Our ultimate goal is to dismiss your case, but that isn’t always possible. We will review all viable alternatives with you. This could include diversionary programs that, when completed, may result in removing the charges, leaving you with a clean criminal record.
What Criminal Defense Cases Do We Handle?
Michael & Associates handles virtually every type of criminal charge. This includes:
DWI and DUI Charges: Driving While Intoxicated involves operating a motor vehicle or watercraft in a public place while impaired, typically due to alcohol. It is one of our most common cases, and we have a very high rate of DWI dismissals. We have several Certified DWI Scientists on our team who know more about breath and blood testing than any prosecutor. We handle all types, including first DWI offenses, second offenses, third (or more) DWI offenses, intoxication manslaughter, and DUI.
Drug Crimes: Drug crimes in Texas can vary in severity from possession of small amounts to drug trafficking. Laws are sometimes contradictory and inconsistently enforced. No matter how serious the charge may be, we will fight it.
Felonies: In Austin, there are more than a thousand ways to commit a felony. Many of these can potentially result in massive fines or lengthy prison sentences. If you’re facing any felony charge, we will do everything possible to get it dismissed or reduced.
Misdemeanors: Though misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, penalties can still be harsh. We handle Class A, Class B, and many Class C misdemeanors.
Assault charges: In Texas, assault covers a wide variety of charges. They can range in severity from simple assault to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Many of these charges can have long-term consequences if you’re convicted.
Domestic violence: Texas law calls this “family violence,” but the meaning is the same. If you have an altercation with a family member or someone who lives in your household, and police are called, someone will almost certainly be arrested. The potential for social stigma is particularly high. We will carefully examine your case. If we believe the charges against you stem from a misunderstanding, we will work to secure an affidavit of non-prosecution.
Probation violations: If you’re already on probation, the threat of having that revoked can be terrifying. You may have to serve your entire original sentence if your probation is revoked. We have a strong track record of beating these.
Homicides: Homicide charges require meticulous preparation and care. Charges can range from criminally negligent homicide to capital murder. Any manslaughter or murder charge requires a carefully planned strategy and detailed investigation of evidence. If you’re facing any homicide charge in the Austin area, don’t leave your fate in the hands of an overworked public defender. We will devote the necessary time and care to your case.
Theft: Theft covers a range of offenses, including shoplifting, embezzlement, writing bad checks (which may also constitute fraud), theft of services, larceny, or knowingly purchasing stolen property. We will thoroughly investigate your arrest and look for any weak evidence.
Other Charges: We handle virtually all types of criminal charges.
This includes:
- Trespassing
- Burglary
- Terroristic threat
- Harassment
- Evading arrest
- Weapons charges
- Traffic tickets
Contact us today for a free consultation, and we will carefully review your case.
Don't Put Your Future in the Hands of an Overworked Public Defender
If you decide that you can’t afford an attorney, a public defender will be appointed to represent you. However, these attorneys may have less experience than a private criminal defense attorney. They may miss key nuances in your case and be less effective in the courtroom.
Additionally, most public defenders are overworked, and the high caseload prevents them from becoming personally invested in your case.
Often, a public defender can be less experienced than a private criminal defense lawyer in defending against criminal charges. Because of their inexperience, they may be more ineffective in court and not fully understand the nuances of your specific case. They may not want to devote the time necessary to take your case to trial.
On the other hand, a Michael & Associates attorney has access to more resources and will provide the personalized attention you deserve. Though many cases in Austin can be resolved without a trial, we’re always willing to go to trial when necessary to get you the best possible outcome. Don’t settle for anything less than a zealous advocate when your future is at stake.
