The court system in the Fort Worth area is intimidating, and even the county you’re in when you’re arrested makes a big difference. Each Texas county has a different set of priorities and quirks. Penalties can be stiff.
When facing misdemeanor or felony charges, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney in Fort Worth to fight for your legal rights. There is more at stake than you know.
A criminal conviction could mean life-altering consequences, including:
- Jail time
- Expensive fines
- Probation
- Loss of gun rights
We don’t just handle cases in the Fort Worth area. We also help clients in Tarrant, Dallas, Ellis, Rockwall, Denton, and Collin 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:
- Jeopardize your child custody or visitation rights
- Damage your reputation within the community (for example, if you’re required to register as a sex offender)
- Cost you a job or professional license
- Prevent you from renting an apartment or getting a loan to buy a house
When we're developing a customized strategy for your case, we'll go over every possible outcome of a conviction with you. Our Fort Worth team has a variety of legal experiences. One is a former prosecutor with the Dallas County District Attorney’s office, and another served as president of the Ellis County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
However, you aren’t just getting the Fort Worth team when you hire us. You’ll get the full force of our entire Texas team, with a wide range of legal experience that includes DWI scientists, a former judge, and even an ex-FBI agent. These diverse skill sets give us insider knowledge of how our opposition will approach your case. We use this expertise to get you the best possible case outcome.
What To Expect When You Hire Michael & Associates
As soon as you contact us, our team gets to work.
You’ll speak to one of our intake specialists during your initial call. 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 your situation, the incident, and the 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
After that, we will build a custom defense to protect you and your rights.
The stakes are high in every criminal case. Our lawyers know your future is in jeopardy, so we’re committed to getting you the best possible outcome. Every story has two sides, and we want to ensure your side is told.
We have a 97.7% success rate on cases in Fort Worth.
Our Fort Worth team 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 essential to remember that you have fundamental 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.
The criminal justice system in Fort Worth isn’t perfect. DWI field testing is subjective, and the police may not have followed the proper procedures during your arrest. Drug possession enforcement can be erratic. We have seen many instances in which police reports were inaccurate or clients’ rights were violated.
We will carefully review all the evidence, searching for any mistake, even ones that might seem minor or insignificant.
Additionally, we believe in being honest. While our ultimate goal is to get your case dismissed, that isn’t always possible. We will review all viable alternatives with you. This could include diversionary programs that, when completed, may leave you with a clean criminal record.
Which Criminal Cases Do We Handle in Fort Worth?
Michael & Associates handles virtually every type of criminal charge in Fort Worth. This includes:
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.
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.
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.
Felonies: There are more than a thousand ways to commit a felony in Fort Worth. Many 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.
Homicides: Homicide charges require careful preparation and care. Charges can range from criminally negligent homicide to capital murder, but all are exceptionally serious, and all evidence must be thoroughly investigated. If you’re facing any homicide charge in the Fort Worth 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.
Misdemeanors: Though misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, penalties can still involve expensive fines and jail time. We handle Class A, Class B, and many Class C misdemeanors.
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. We have a strong track record of beating these.
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 goods. We will thoroughly investigate your arrest and capitalize on any weak evidence.
Other Charges: We handle virtually all types of criminal charges.
This includes:
- Burglary
- Evading arrest
- Harassment
- Terroristic threat
- Trespassing
- Traffic tickets
- Weapons charges
Contact us today for a free consultation, and we will carefully review your case.
Possible Downsides to Using a 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 in Fort Worth 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 less effective in court and not fully understand the nuances of your specific case. They may not have the time required 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 Fort Worth can be resolved without a trial, we never shy away from a 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.
