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Top Houston Criminal Lawyers
Tag Archive for criminal defense attorney
If someone in your family has been arrested for assault, you probably aren’t sure where to turn or what to do next. While your loved one’s criminal arrest is a daunting situation, you might do several things right away to obtain advice and control. In the event you (or another family member) happen to be the victim of the assault, that only complicates the situation.
A positive starting point is to speak to the Best Houston Criminal Lawyers at the Charles Johnson Law Firm in Houston, Texas who will guide you through the complicated maze of the justice system.
Simple Steps
You may take several straightforward measures which will provide the support you and your loved ones need.
- Contact an Attorney
As pointed out, securing a criminal defense attorney for your arrested family member is the first order of business. The sooner you obtain legal advice, the more effective it may be. A knowledgeable lawyer will strive to preserve the legal rights of your family member, thereby aiding you in looking out for your family’s best interests. Attorney Charles Johnson will first want to know where your family member is being held (if he or she remains in jail) and may perhaps want to meet with you to discuss the situation. Attorney Johnson will then need to gather the relevant facts to prepare a defense.
- Take Care of Your Family
Your family may be strongly affected by the charge, particularly if you have children. If one of you was the victim of the assault, it is very important to seek medical attention right away. Whether or not or not the assault happened within the family, you may possibly wish to obtain assistance; local social services or mental health professionals might provide valuable advice. Friends and extended family members can offer comfort — and assistance with child care, household tasks and other duties.
- Support Your Arrested Family Member
Being arrested is usually an unsettling experience, and your family member will probably need to have your support. If you are able to get in touch with each other after the arrest, remind your relative not to answer questions until an experienced criminal defense attorney is present; everything he or she says may be used against him or her in court. Try to help your family member remain calm. Tell your family member what you are doing on their behalf.
- Contact the Jail
If your relative is still in custody, contact the jail to discuss visiting hours; whether or not you need to supply additional information; any prescription drugs your loved one is taking; any sort of physical or mental illness that your family member may possibly have; and whether assignment to a mental health unit is appropriate. Find out whether or not your family member will stay in this jail and if there is a pending court date.
- Make a Bail Decision
In most cases, the judge will set bail at a hearing. If you cannot pay cash, you may possibly be able to post a bond for the amount of the bail; this may, however, require that you pledge your home or other valuable property to secure the bail bond. If your loved one does not show up for court dates, your property may then be seized by the bond company. It is your responsibility to decide whether or not the benefits outweigh the risks.
Dealing with the assault arrest of a family member is difficult and time consuming. A skilled and experienced attorney from the Charles Johnson Law Office in Houston, Texas will help you plan your next move and expertly guide you through this challenging ordeal.
Houston Criminal Lawyers: Coping with a Domestic Assault Arrest
by Charles Johnson
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Hire the Most Dedicated Houston Criminal Lawyers!
Being arrested for a criminal offense in Houston, TX is a quite scary moment in your life. The federal government has the ability to take away your liberty for the rest of your life. A very complicated process begins to operate the moment you are arrested by law enforcement. It truly is daunting and overwelming.
Nevertheless, these are generalities only. The real answer is determined by the form of crime you had been arrested for, the circumstances surrounding it, the county you are in, etc. Only those who understand the criminal law process, and know how to make it work, can really tell you what you should expect in your particular case. This is definitely one area of the law you do not ever want to handle on your own.
A good criminal defense attorney will usually provide a complimentary consultation to anyone charged with a criminal offense. You ought to take advantage of that no charge consultation asap. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney is extremely important to successfully getting through the criminal process. Get a no cost initial consultation by calling the Best Houston Criminal Lawyers at the Charles Johnson Law Firm right now, 24 / 7, 365 days a year.
Listed here are the steps you may expect to take place, and what each step within the process means to you:
Stop and Arrest
The entire process starts with a stop or an arrest by law enforcement. A stop isn’t as formal as an arrest. A police officer will stop you to ask questions. They cannot stop you unless they have a reasonable belief you violated the law. What is known as a valid “reasonable suspicion”? There are a million cases answering that question and a Attorneys In Houston is going to be able to give you a great many examples during your free consultation.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that an individual always has the right to remain silent, even if you are simply stopped and questioned. You do not have to respond to questions from law enforcement at any time. In reality, everyone ought to know their constitutional rights relating to criminal law.
If you are in a vehicle, the police officer could possibly ask to search it. The authorities cannot search your vehicle unless they have “probable cause”, or if you consent. Some might seek your consent mainly because they do not quite have “probable cause.” You do not have to give your consent to a search of your vehicle. Some might search your automobile later, nevertheless your lawyer can certainly then challenge the probable cause police officers asserted as being a reason to search the vehicle. Should you give your consent, law enforcement do not need any other reason to search your car, and your lawyer will have substantially less to challenge in court.
“Probable cause” is more serious than “reasonable suspicion”, however there are a million court cases explaining it too and the Houston Criminal Lawyers at the Charles Johnson Law Firm will give an explanation of those during your consultation. You cannot challenge a police officer’s assertion of probable cause until later on, in the courtroom. Once again, let your attorney handle that question later.
Generally, a law enforcement officer will be able to charge you should they have probable cause to believe you committed a crime, or if there is a warrant out for your arrest. If a stop and search bring about an arrest, you ought to not resist it. If it is not really valid, you will want to do so, nevertheless you cannot legally challenge it until later. Resisting arrest is known as a crime alone . The right advice in the event you are arrested is to be calm, always be silent, and demand a lawyer before they ask you any type of questions.
Booking
After being arrested, the police officer will “book” you. This is the process where they take your fingerprints, get your mug shot, do a background check, and ask you questions. Remember, you have the right to remain silent and the right to demand an attorney. You do not need to respond to questions. They aren’t going to let you out of jail even should you respond to virtually all their questions. Just be calm, always be silent, and let your attorney deal with things later. That is certainly the very best you can do.
Charging
The charge originates from the prosecutor, in no way the police. The victim does not get to charge you, and contrary to popular belief, they don’t get to drop the charges either. The prosecutor will quite often take into account the wishes of the victim, however they do not have to. You are in the hands of the state subsequent to being arrested. They can’t hold you forever, however. You must be charged with a criminal offense within a certain limited amount of time or they have to release you.
Arraignment
This is where the Judge or Magistrate will formally read your charges and let you know your rights. You should have asserted your right to a lawyer before now. If not, do so now. If you are asked how to plea, and you do not have an experienced Houston criminal defense lawyer, you should say “not guilty.”
The Magistrate will determine whether or not you ought to be released, and if so, how much your bail will be. Bail is the amount of money you, or someone else, should post with the court so they can be sure you will reappear. If you do not, your bond is going to be forfeited, and the county retains it.
If bail is set, another person must post it for you or hire a bail bondsman to do so. Should you hire a bail bondsman, and you run off, the bondsman loses the bail money to the court. If that occurs, they send another person after you – a bounty hunter. Furthermore, there is going to be a warrant out for your arrest. In some cases you might be released on your own “recognizance”, which just means there is absolutely no bail. Nevertheless you are currently in the system and definitely will be required to appear for additional proceedings.
Discovery
Discovery is known as a pre-trial process where the prosecutor needs to give certain information and facts to your Houston Criminal Lawyers. Attorney Charles Johnson will be entitled to see all of the evidence against you well before trial. There are no secret, last minute witnesses allowed.
Pre-Trial Motions
This is the most effective reason to remain silent, not give your consent to a search, and demand a criminal defense attorney in the event you are arrested. Your Houston Criminal Defense Lawyers can prepare any number of pre-trial motions. They normally ask the Court to exclude certain evidence from trial if it was obtained in an illegal or impermissible fashion. It is challenging to suppress evidence if you spoke voluntarily or gave consent to a search.
Plea Bargaining
This is a fancy word for negotiations. If the two sides reach an agreement, you will ordinarily be required to plead guilty to one or more of the criminal charges to acquire the deal that has been reached. This involves going to court, answering some questions from the Judge, and telling the court on the record that you are guilty to the charge agreed upon by Attorney Johnson and the prosecutor.
Trial
If the prosecutor and your Houston Attorneys could not arrive at an agreement on a plea bargain, you will generally go to trial. Trial is where the government has to put on evidence that you committed a criminal offense, in most cases including producing witnesses live in court to testify. You do not have to testify. You do not need to put on any type of evidence whatsoever. The government needs to demonstrate its case, and it must prove it beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sentencing
If you are found guilty, or in the event you enter a plea of guilty based on a plea bargain, you will undoubtedly be sentenced by the Court. The Judge will decide on the suitable punishment. This can be anything from probation to active prison time. There are guidelines that apply and give the Judge a general range of punishment options.
The Experienced Houston Criminal Defense Lawyers at the Charles Johnson Law Firm can certainly do a lot on your behalf at sentencing, such as ensuring that all the procedures are followed, arguing for lesser guidelines, and arguing circumstances which would allow the Judge to sentence you to less than that called for within the guidelines. Also, a lawyer is able to help you before sentencing by explaining to you what actions you might take to make the Judge more likely to be lenient on you. For instance, if you are charged with drunk driving, and take a class or go to rehab, the Judge might take that into consideration when sentencing you.
Aggressive Lawyers in Houston
I have attempted to provide you with a useful overview of the criminal process, with a few great tips on how best to deal with important things at every stage. But I should repeat my very first and most important advice here: call Attorney Charles Johnson the moment a criminal charge is made against you. It is no joke, and you could lose your protection under the law, your cash, and your freedom.
Remember, Houston Lawyer Charles Johnson will provide you with a free of charge consultation for any individual charged with a criminal offense. You should take advantage of that no charge time with a knowledgeable lawyer to better understand the exact nature of your situation, and what is likely to happen to you at trial or sentencing.
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Many states have undertaken a modification to their rape and sexual assault laws, making an extensive group of sex related crimes. A majority of these crimes are often referred to collectively as sexual assault, criminal sexual conduct or sexual abuse. The chief characteristic of these laws is that they prohibit doing any kind of sexual act with another individual against that person’s will. Usually, it is not necessary to show physical resistance by the injured person, only that the individual didn’t agree to the act. If you have been charged with sexual assault, seek the advice of the Best Criminal Lawyers in Houston at the Charles Johnson Law Firm.
The most serious kinds of sexual assault are those committed against kids or those that involve use of violence.
Is Sexual Assault Exactly The Same as Rape?
The conventional meaning of rape requires an act of sexual intercourse or sexual penetration use of force or against the victim’s will. Sexual assault consists of contact such as sexual touching. These definitions, however, vary by jurisdiction.
The majority of sexual assault allegations are made by somebody who knows the accused. If a sexual act is carried out with a minor who apparently consented, criminal charges may arise simply because minors aren’t considered capable of giving consent.
The seriousness of a sexual assault charge, as well as the penalty that is imposed, may depend upon the amount and type of force utilized by the defendant and also the injuries suffered by the victim. The victim’s physical resistance isn’t a main factor in deciding the severity of the charge. Sexual assault charges are frequently felony charges, although some kinds of sexual assaults may be misdemeanors.
The penalties for sexual assault are severe and include prison or jail, monetary fines, psychiatric evaluation and treatment, and restitution payments to the victim. A person convicted of sexual assault may be forced to register as a sex offender for the rest of his or her life and have his or her name appear on the public registry of sex offenders.
Prosecution and Defense of Sexual Assault Cases
Generally, the only witnesses to an alleged sexual assault are the victim and the person accused. Numerous cases therefore become “he said/she said” kinds of cases, in which one particular person’s word is pitted against another’s. False allegations have been made by both adults and kids. An adequate defense against a sexual assault charge requires sufficient info and rigorous advocacy.
Hire the Finest Criminal Lawyers in Houston: The Charles Johnson Law Firm
Sexual assault includes numerous types of sexual acts done with out the consent of the victim. These cases frequently don’t involve eyewitnesses and, as a result, are complex. Being convicted of sexual assault can result in lengthy prison time and social isolation as soon as you’re released. If you’re facing sexual assault charges, speak with the most experienced and aggressive Criminal Lawyers in Houston at the Charles Johnson Law Firm.
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The Top Houston Criminal Lawyers at the Charles Johnson Law Firm can decide which defenses might pertain to your case should you be arrested for possession of illegal drugs, either for private use or with intent to sell, in the event you plead not guilty. Various states deal with the issue of unlawful drugs in various ways, while the federal government has a tendency to have the most stringent drug sentencing regulations. Nevertheless drug possession defenses are rather standard across state lines. Several defenses challenge the stated information and facts, testimony or evidence within the case, whilst others focus on procedural mistakes, frequently search and seizure infractions.
The following are a few defenses to drug possession criminal charges, several much more typical than others:
Illegal Search and Seizure
The 4th Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the privilege to due process of law, such as legal search and seizure methods before a charge. Search and seizure challenges are very typical in drug possession cases. Unlawful drugs discovered in “plain view,” including a vehicle’s dash panel following a legal traffic stop, might be seized and utilized as evidence. However illegal drugs discovered within the trunk of your vehicle after prying it open with a crowbar, presuming the suspect didn’t provide authorization, can’t be put into evidence. In the event the accused’s 4th Amendment rights had been breached, then the illegal drugs can’t be utilized at trial and the criminal charges usually are dismissed.
Illegal Drugs Belong to Another Individual
A typical defense to any type of criminal offense arrest would be to merely state that you did not do it. The drug possession equivalent would be to state that the illegal drugs are not yours or that you simply had no idea they had been inside your apartment, for instance. The Finest Houston Criminal Lawyers at the Charles Johnson Law Firm will compel prosecutors to demonstrate that the marijuana cigarette discovered within the automobile really belonged to their client rather than another individual within the automobile.
Crime Lab Assessment
Merely because it appears to be crack or Ectasy does not necessarily mean that it is. The prosecution needs to establish that a seized material is actually the illegal drug it claims it is by submitting the evidence for crime lab analysis. The crime lab analyst then needs to testify at trial in order for the prosecution to prove its case.
Missing Illegal Drugs
Attorney Charles Johnson will make certain prosecutors have the ability to provide the actual illegal drugs for which their client has been arrested. Comparable to the requirement for analysis by a crime lab, prosecutors who misplace or otherwise don’t have the actual drugs risk getting their case dismissed. Seized drugs frequently are transferred a number of times prior to ending up within the evidence locker, therefore it should by no means be presumed that the evidence continues to exists throughout the trial.
Illegal Drugs Had Been Planted
This might be challenging to establish, because a law enforcement officer’s sworn testimony carries a great deal of weight within the courtroom. Moreover, other police officers might hesitate to blow the whistle on a fellow police officer. However, The Charles Johnson Law Firm will file a motion that, if authorized by the judge, demands the department to produce the complaint file of the given police officer. This file references the names and contact details of those that produced the complaints, who may then be interviewed by the lawyer or his private detective.
Entrapment
While police are free to operate sting operations, entrapment happens when police officers or informants cause a suspect to commit a criminal offense this individual otherwise might not have committed. If the informant pressures a suspect into giving illegal drugs to a 3rd party, for instance, then this might be regarded as entrapment. Usually, entrapment happens when the state offers the illegal drugs involved.
Do I Need A Criminal Lawyer?
If you’re arrested for any sort of of these or some other drug related criminal offense you should get in touch with The Finest Houston Criminal Lawyers as soon as you possibly can. The consequences of carrying out a drug offense may be very serious, such as actual jail time, in some cases for several years in significant high profile drug cases. Being found guilty for a drug-related crime could not just harm your personal and professional stature, but may lead to actual termination from a good job or even the suspension or revocation of one’s professional licenses. It is not whether or not you’ll acquire an attorney, rather, it is who you’ll find to handle your case at your most susceptible time.
Top Houston Criminal Lawyers: The Charles Johnson Law Firm
Do not let drug charges spoil your future. The Top Houston Criminal Lawyers will expertly defend drug charges in the courtroom. If you’re struggling with misdemeanor or felony drug possession charges after having a drug arrest in Texas, safeguard your legal rights and future. Contact the Charles Johnson Law Firm 24/7 to schedule a free initial consultation.
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The 6th Amendment of the United States Constitution ensures the right to an experienced criminal defense lawyer to anybody fighting federal criminal charges. The Fourteenth Amendment and a few state constitutions also afford this right to anybody dealing with state felony criminal charges. Those that are indigent and can’t afford a lawyer have the right to have one appointed for them for no cost. Many people, nevertheless, don’t comprehend what the right to a criminal defense lawyer indicates, when this right attaches or exactly who qualifies for a court-appointed attorney.
Houston Criminal Defense: Employ the Finest Houston Criminal Lawyers
If you’re charged with a severe criminal offense, it’s important which you retain the services of an skilled criminal defense attorney to battle for your legal and constitutional legal rights all through the criminal justice procedure. Get in touch with the Leading Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer about your case right now.
Federal and State Law
The right to counsel is really a fundamental right of criminal defendants assured by the United States Constitution. Numerous states also incorporate this right into their constitutions, and several states offer a broader scope of the right to counsel than the federal constitution. Nevertheless, defendants defending state felony criminal charges are nonetheless entitled to counsel, even when the state constitution doesn’t offer such a right, under the federal constitution via the Fourteenth Amendment.
Attachment of the Right
Criminal defendants are afforded the right to an experienced criminal defense attorney all through each and every crucial stage of a criminal proceeding as soon as the right has “attached.” Under federal rules, the defendant’s right attaches as soon as “adversary judicial proceedings” have been initiated against the defendant. This includes when the defendant has been arrested for or indicted for a criminal offense and during a preliminary hearing, information and arraignment.
Thus, for the right to attach, the defendant needs to have been arrested for a criminal offense. It doesn’t attach if the individual is simply suspected of committing a criminal offense. It doesn’t attach during the investigative stage prior to the filing of actual, formal criminal charges – even when the individual is the sole suspect. A charge, without any formal criminal charges, also doesn’t trigger the right to an experienced criminal defense attorney. This doesn’t mean, nevertheless, that an individual being investigated for a criminal offense can’t employ a criminal defense lawyer on his or her own.
Once the right has attached, the state can’t interfere with the defendant’s right to obtain counsel and has an obligation to be sure the defendant’s right is honored. The right isn’t available in civil or administrative proceedings or during license suspension or revocation hearings.
Appointed Counsel
In order for a criminal defendant to receive a court-appointed attorney, the defendant can’t simply be unable to afford the counsel of a criminal defense attorney of his or her choosing, but has to meet the meaning of an indigent. The trial court has the authority to ascertain whether or not a defendant is indigent. Several jurisdictions have guidelines primarily based on income that allow individuals meeting the criteria to be presumed indigent. Various other jurisdictions, nevertheless, don’t have any type of guidelines and have to make the determination on a case-by-case basis.
In those states that determine indigence on a case-by-case basis, the court has to look at the defendant’s total financial circumstances, such as his or her income, assets, debts and various other financial obligations prior to deciding if the defendant could afford to pay for an experienced criminal defense attorney. Consequently, just because a defendant is unemployed doesn’t promise he or she will be appointed counsel.
Defendants receiving court-appointed attorneys don’t have the right to have a criminal defense lawyer of their choosing. If the court finds that the defendant is indigent, the court will assign a public defender to the defendant. The right to appointed counsel only extends to the trial and the first appeal of the trial court’s verdict.
Waiving the right to a Lawyer
Just as virtually all criminal defendants have the right to a lawyer, they also have the right to self-representation and can waive the right to an experienced criminal defense attorney. In order to waive this important right, criminal defendants must be able to demonstrate to the judge that they’re competent (possess the mental capacity) to waive this right and that their waiver is knowing, intelligent and voluntary. The judge has to make certain that the criminal defendant recognizes the disadvantages of self-representation prior to allowing the waiver.
Defendants considering representing themselves in a criminal trial should carefully take into consideration the implications of this action. Criminal defense attorneys have a great deal of training and comprehend the intricate, and quite often confusing, workings of the law and criminal justice procedure. Given the complexities of criminal procedure and, most importantly, the serious consequences a criminal conviction carries, a criminal defense lawyer is best suited to protect defendants’ legal legal rights and help them achieve the very best potential outcome.
Houston Criminal Defense: Employ the Finest Houston Criminal Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been charged with a criminal offense, you’ve the right to an experienced criminal defense lawyer. It’s vital that you begin working with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible within the procedure, even when you’ve not been formally arrested for a criminal offense. To learn more about your legal legal rights, get in touch with the Best Houston Criminal Lawyers right now.
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The Most Dedicated Houston Criminal Lawyer Charles Johnson is going to be accessible twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to take your call. He will make himself accessible to meet with you for an initial totally free consultation to talk about your case at a time and date and location that’s convenient for you.
Consulting with the Best Houston Lawyer Charles Johnson is suggested for individuals charged with a crime, simply because persons accused of crimes will probably be able to better understand the charges that have been brought against them and what defense is available for those charges. It’s a constitutional right for anyone charged with a crime within the United States to have fair and competent legal counsel in a court of law or to have the capability to represent themselves in a court of law, based on the Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments.
Houston Criminal Defense: Hire the Most Qualified Criminal Defense Attorney » Charles Johnson
Anyone that has been charged with a crime should consult the advice and also the representation of the Best Houston Attorney to help comprehend the nature of the charge, what defenses are available for the crime, if plea bargains are available, and what could occur if the defendant is convicted of the crime. They can also help to identify pretrial problems and bring about essential motions either prior to or throughout the trial that can help to have the charge dismissed or have the charges lessened. Consulting with your attorney can mean the difference between serving a 20 year jail term and having your case dismissed. Charles Johnson is skilled in defending those charged with a selection of various crimes and studies the ever changing laws.
State vs. Federal Crimes
There are differences in between becoming charged having a state criminal offense or a federal criminal offense. Any individual charged for a crime ought to inform their attorney as to which level crime they’ve been charged simply because the defense that the lawyer prepares will probably be different if the crime is a state level charge or a federal level charge.
If You are Charged with a Felony or Misdemeanor
Waiting to consult a criminal defense attorney until a person is charged with committing a crime can be detrimental to that person’s case. An individual suspected of committing a crime, whether or not they actually committed the crime, ought to consult with the Most Dedicated Houston Lawyer instantly. Immediacy is an important factor when creating a defense to a criminal charge and Attorney Johnson will start working on a defense as soon as feasible.
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Although men and women in the United States are entitled to privacy and freedom from government intrusion, there is a limit to that privacy. State or federal police officers are permitted, where justified, to search your premises, car, or some other property and assets in order to look for and seize unlawful items, stolen goods or evidence of a crime. What rules must law enforcement follow when engaging in searches and seizures? What can they do in upholding the laws, and what can’t they do?
What the authorities May Do:
- Under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, law enforcement officials may engage in "reasonable" searches and seizures.
- To prove that a search is "reasonable," the authorities must generally show that it is more likely than not that a crime has transpired, and that if a search is conducted it is probable that they will find either stolen goods or evidence of the criminal offense. This is named probable cause.
- In a few situations, law enforcement need to first make this showing to a judge who issues a search warrant. In the majority of special circumstances, however, law enforcement may be able to conduct a search without the need of a warrant. In fact, virtually all searches are "warrantless."
- Police may search and seize items or evidence when there’s no "legitimate expectation of privacy." In other words, if you did not have a privacy interest in the items or evidence, the authorities can take them and, in effect, no "search" has happened.
Note: In deciding whether or not there was a "legitimate expectation of privacy," a court will consider two important things:
- Did you have an expectation of some degree of privacy?
- Was that expectation reasonable in our society’s view?
Example: You have a semi-automatic rifle that you had stolen from a pawn shop. You leave the firearm laying on the hood of your vehicle when you get home. You don’t have a "legitimate expectation of privacy" with regard to items you leave on the hood of your vehicle, and police officers may take the weapon. No search has happened.
- Police may use first-hand info, or tips from an informant to justify the need to search your property. If an informant’s information is used, the police must prove that the information is reliable under the circumstances.
- Once a warrant is obtained, police officers may enter onto the specified area of the property and search for the items listed on the warrant.
- Police could very well extend the search beyond the specified area of the property or include various other items in the search beyond those specified or listed within the warrant if it is necessary to:
- Ensure their safety or the safety of others;
- Prevent the destruction of evidence;
- Discover more about possible evidence or stolen items that are in plain view; or
- Hunt for evidence or stolen items that, based upon their initial search of the specified area, they believe may be in a different location on the property.
Example: The police have a warrant to search your basement for evidence of a drug manufacturing operation. On their way through your home to go down to the basement, they see a cache of firearms sitting on your kitchen table. Some may take the guns to guarantee their safety while searching your basement.
- Police may search your property without the need of a warrant if you consent to the search. Consent must be freely and voluntarily given, and you cannot be coerced or tricked into giving it.
- Police may search your person and the immediate surroundings without a warrant when they are placing you under police arrest.
- If an individual is arrested in a residence, law enforcement may make a "protective sweep" of the home in order to make a "cursory visual inspection" of places where an accomplice may be hiding. In order to do so, the authorities must have a reasonable belief that an accomplice may be around.
Example: Police officers arrest you in your living room on criminal charges of murder. Some may open the door of your coat closet to make certain that nobody else is hiding there, but may not open your medicine cabinet due to the fact that an accomplice couldn’t hide there.
- When you are being taken to jail, police may perform an "inventory search" of items you have with you without the need of a warrant. This search may include your vehicle if it is being held by law enforcement in order to make a list of all items inside.
- Police may search without the need of a warrant should they reasonably fear for their safety or for the public’s safety.
Example: If the authorities drive past your house on a regular patrol of the neighborhood and see you, in your open garage, with ten cases of dynamite and a blowtorch, they may search your garage without having a warrant.
- If it’s necessary to prevent the imminent destruction of evidence, the police may search without the need of a warrant.
Example: If the authorities see you trying to burn a stack of cash that you stole from a bank, they could perform a search without a warrant in order to avoid you from further destroying the cash.
- Perform a search, without the need of a warrant, when they are in "hot pursuit" of a suspect who enters a private dwelling or area following fleeing the scene of a criminal offense.
Example: If the authorities are chasing you from the scene of a murder, and you run into your apartment in an effort to get away from them, they may follow you into the apartment and search the area without the need of a warrant.
- Police may perform a pat-down of your outer clothing, in what is named a "stop and frisk" situation, as long as they reasonably believe that you may be concealing a weapon and they fear for their safety.
What the authorities May NOT Do:
- The police may not perform a warrantless search anywhere you have a reasonable expectation of privacy, unless one of the warrant exceptions applies.
- If evidence was obtained through an unreasonable or unlawful search, the police may not use it against you in a trial. This is designated the "exclusionary rule."
- The police may not use evidence resulting from an unlawful search to obtain some other evidence.
- The law enforcement may not submit an affidavit in support of obtaining a search warrant if they did not have a reasonable belief in the truth of the statements in the affidavit.
- Unless there is a reasonable suspicion that it contains evidence, unlawful items, or stolen goods, law enforcement may not search your motor vehicle. If your vehicle has been confiscated by police officers, however, they can search it.
- Unless they have a reasonable suspicion that you are involved in a criminal activity, the authorities may not "stop and frisk" you. Should they have a reasonable suspicion, they can pat down your outer clothing if they are concerned that you might be concealing a firearm.
Houston Search & Seisure Defense: Hire the Most Respected Houston Lawyer
Courts quite often need to determine case-by-case whether or not the circumstances in which the police searched without a warrant had been legal. Therefore, if the search has already occurred and you are not sure of its legality, speak to the Leading Houston Drug Crimes Attorney as soon as possible. And any time a search has not yet been conducted, make sure that you understand your rights in advance.
Charles Johnson |
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As an alternative to sentencing a defendant to a prison term, a judge could possibly choose to sentence a defendant to probation. Probation releases a defendant back into the community, but the defendant does not have the same degree of freedom as a regular citizen. Probation comes with conditions that restrict a probationer’s behavior, and if the probationer violates one of those conditions, the court may very well revoke or modify the probation.
Courts typically grant probation for first-time or low-risk offenders. Statutes determine when probation is practical, nevertheless it is up to the sentencing judge to figure out whether or not to essentially allow probation.
Houston Criminal Defense: Hire the Most Effective Houston Criminal Defense Attorney
Even though sentencing judges have this latitude, they must still remain within the statutory limits when allowing probation. By way of example, a judge can’t impose probation for a period longer than the maximum sentence prescribed by statute.
Probation has three primary goals:
- To rehabilitate the defendant
- To protect society from further criminal conduct by the defendant
- To protect the rights of the victims
Once a judge has granted probation, the matter moves into the jurisdiction of probation officers, who monitor the probationer’s compliance with the terms of the probation.
Probation Conditions
Conditions are an inherent part of probation. Judges set conditions in order to meet the goals for probation stated above. A probationer needs to comply with these conditions or else the court may possibly impose a jail sentence or add more restrictive conditions to their probation.
Courts in most cases have a good deal of discretion when setting probation conditions, nevertheless that doesn’t mean that judges can set whatever terms they want. Probation conditions must be reasonable. This means that the conditions can never be vindictive, vague, overbroad or arbitrary. In addition, the conditions must be related to the protection of the public. Also, in cases where a judge wishes to impose special conditions, those conditions must relate to the nature of the transgression that the probationer committed.
Judges set the conditions, nevertheless probation officers enforce them. Any time a probation officer finds probable cause to believe that the probationer has violated the terms of the probation, the judge will likely either change the terms of the probation or revoke the probation and impose a prison sentence.
Probation Revocation
Because the probationer’s freedom is at stake, however, the probationer has to receive some procedural due process before a court revokes their probation. While the verdict to revoke probation, just like the ruling to grant probation, is at the court’s discretion, the court has to go through a number of procedural requirements before revoking probation. The probationer dealing with revocation doesn’t have as many legal rights during revocation proceedings as they do through the original criminal trial, however.
In order to revoke probation, a court has to provide the probationer with notice of the proposed revocation and conduct a hearing on the matter. The probationer has a right to testify at the hearing, present supporting witnesses, and confront the witnesses against them. The probationer also has a right to a neutral hearing body, and needs to receive a written statement containing the reasons for revoking probation.
If there is sufficient evidence, a violation of even a single condition is able to bring about revocation of probation. The violated condition has to be valid, however. In cases where a condition is later found to be unreasonable then violation of that condition will not constitute grounds for revocation.
Houston Probation: Hire the Most Qualified Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are accused of violating the terms of your parole or probation or have questions regarding a potential probation offense, make sure you call the Most Respected Houston Criminal Defense Attorney the instant for a free of charge initial consultation.
Charles Johnson |
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The illegal sale or use of prescription drugs might bring about serious criminal charges. In the event you have been arrested for a forged prescription or the unlawful possession of a prescribed pharmaceutical, you will need the Best Houston Criminal Lawyer to protect your legal rights and fight on your behalf in court.
The Most Effective Houston Criminal Defense Attorney is going to be available at any sort of hour, 365 days /year to answer the questions you have and build your defense.
Any individual can be dependent on prescribed pharmaceuticals. Many individuals started out taking their drugs for health-related reasons, however became dependent. When their prescriptions ran out, they obtained the drugs by some other means. The Top Houston Criminal Lawyer understands the consequences of a criminal conviction for average, everyday men and women. They can certainly help you deal with any sort of of the following criminal charges:
- Prescription Forgery
- Sale of Prescription Drugs
- Prescription Fraud
- Illegal Possession of Prescription Drugs
The main goal in each individual prescribed pharmaceutical case is to prevent a jail sentence. The Best Houston Lawyer will help you explore alternative sentencing options, such as entering a drug treatment center. You could very well be in need of rehabilitation, not a jail sentence. Looking forward, they will help you get the assistance you need.
While the majority of prescribed drug cases involve painkillers, the Most Dedicated Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer will handle criminal charges involving an array of drugs, for an array of clients, including juveniles. If your case involves any of the following prescribed pharmaceuticals or others, they can certainly help:
- Adderall
- Ritalin
- Vicodin
- OxyContin
- Xanax
- Valium
- Soma
- Seroquel
Houston Prescribed Drug Possession/Sales Defense: The Most Dedicated Houston Criminal Defense Attorney
Trafficking in prescription medicine carries with it substantial prison sentences and hefty fines. Having five oxyCodone pills (4.26 grams) in your possession leads to mandatory sentence of 3 years minimum, with greater amounts ending up with sentences of up to Twenty five years. Some other prescription drugs that are prosecuted under the category of trafficking are Vicodin, opium, Valium, amphetamines and Ritalin. Labeling a person to be a drug trafficker because that person does not have a legitimate prescription for pain medication can destroy a person’s life. Frequently he or she is dependent on the drug, but wouldn’t be permitted to participate in a drug diversion program because he may be arrested for a first degree felony. If you or a family member has been charged with possession or trafficking of prescription drugs, or other prescription drug crimes, the Best Houston Attorney can prepare a strong defense for your case.
Prescription fraud is when forgery, misrepresentation or counterfeiting is used to illegally procure prescription drugs. This could be done for private use or to distribute or sell these drugs to other persons. Prescription fraud is typically accomplished by stealing, altering or creating fake/counterfeit blank prescription slips. Other crimes having to do with prescribed drugs are selling one’s own legal prescription or distributing it to other individuals and illegally manufacturing prescribed drugs.
Whether you have been arrested for prescription drug possession, sale, or fraud, you ought to take these charges as seriously as any sort of other drug arrest. Call the Best Houston Criminal Defense Attorney for a no cost preliminary consultation.
Charles Johnson |
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Hire the Finest Houston Drug Crimes Attorney!
Drug possession is a severe criminal charge in Texas carrying a wide range of punitive measures from probation to lengthy prison sentences, depending on the quantity of the drug. A conviction on drug possession charges could have serious implications for you mainly because of the likelihood that you might have to go to jail and pay stiff fines reaching into the thousands of dollars, in addition to the probability the authorities may perhaps seize your vehicle or other assets.
Drug possession charges will follow you with a criminal record which can also keep you from certain jobs and professional licenses. If you are charged under the possession law, it means the state has arrested you for transporting or having access to a controlled substance including marijuana, cocaine, or Ecstasy.
A drug possession conviction may possibly bring about a six month driver’s license suspension under Texas statutes, so it makes sense to contact an criminal defense attorney for more information on alternatives to pleading guilty should you require the ability to drive. Law enforcement will be able to charge you with drug possession should they find drugs in your pockets or anywhere else on your body, or they can certainly charge you under a claim of “constructive possession“. This means the drugs had been in a place that you normally control or could very easily reach, that could be your car, your apartment, or the cushions of a couch where you had been sitting when police officers entered.
Speak to a Houston, Texas law firm to schedule a free of charge preliminary consultation with a qualified, aggressive Drug Possession Defense lawyer.
Aggressive Drug Possession Defense
The Most Effective Houston Criminal Lawyer will have a great deal of working experience providing vigorous defense for adults and juveniles confronting defense criminal charges for possession of illegal substances, that include:
- Marijuana
- Crack cocaine
- Heroin
- Methamphetamines (meth
- Other illegal drugs
The penalties for a drug conviction can range from fines of $2,000 and 180 days in jail to fines of $50,000 and an entire lifetime in prison. The level of misdemeanor or felony charge is based upon the amount of drugs confiscated. By way of example, possession of five ounces of marijuana would lead to state felony charges with a sentence potential of up to $10,000 and a couple of years in prison.
A drug possession conviction might lead to criminal penalties, including fines and incarceration, and other penalties, such as license suspension, damage to reputation and loss of ability to acquire student loan financing. The Most Qualified Houston Criminal Lawyer will make every effort to minimize or altogether avoid such drastic repercussions through providing zealous defense counsel.
Drug Possession Sentencing
Judges will typically attempt to determine if the drugs had been for personal use or drug possession for sale and distribution when sentencing. Quite often the fines are quite major and quite often the sentence will include at least random drug testing and probation if not some jail time. Drug awareness classes and community service hours are quite often the initial option for the majority of judges, once it has been confirmed that the drugs had been for personal use.
Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer Charles Johnson can help prove this, or simply prove that the drugs were definitely not yours in situations where they were recovered from an automobile or residence.
Protect Your Rights
You have a right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer – USE THEM. The Recommended Houston Drug Crimes Attorney investigates the methods in which the evidence was acquired in order to uncover violations of your constitutional rights.
Elicited confessions and the seized drugs are quite often the only evidence creating a case against you. This will certainly provide leverage in plea negotiations and even lead to dismissal of drug criminal charges. Any evidence that is obtained in violation of your legal rights is inadmissible in court – which means the evidence can’t be utilized in a case against you. Any time a confession was obtained unlawfully or unlawful drugs had been confiscated with an invalid search warrant (illegal search and seizure), your attorney should fight to suppress the evidence. As a highly skilled drug possession criminal defense lawyer, Charles Johnson understands how to mitigate damaging evidence.
Will I have to go to Jail on my Drug Possession Criminal Charge?
State possession law allows counties to set up diversion programs for men and women charged with offenses concerning the use or possession of drugs, including marijuana. And, judges are required to give probation, or community supervision, in certain drug possession court cases.
The state health code also requires any county with a population of more than 200,000 to establish a drug court program to send some drug offenders to treatment as opposed to jail.
The punishment primarily depends on the quantity of drugs involved and your prior conviction history, but it is very conceivable you could possibly not have to serve time for a drug possession conviction if it’s your initial offense for a relatively small amount./p>
The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure makes community supervision and mandatory drug treatment programs a sentencing requirement for folks convicted of possessing:
- Less than 1 gram of drugs such as crack or meth.
- Less than 5 units of drugs that include LSD.
- Less than 1 gram of drugs including Ecstasy (MMDA) or PCP.
- Less than one pound of marijuana.
Nevertheless, the judge doesn’t have to sentence you to probation if you have been found guilty of a previous felony, or in the event you have violated an earlier probation sentence. In those cases, it is up to the judge whether or not you go to jail or get probation.
If your attorney can show the officers did not have probable cause, your consent, or a search warrant, your attorney may possibly be able to challenge the legality of the search that turned up those drugs and get the evidence suppressed, keeping the state from making its case against you.
To do that, the prosecutor must show that law enforcement officials found the drugs on you or in your control following a legal search. The judge also can sentence you to serve three to six months in jail before starting probation. Bear in mind, the state must first prove the criminal charge of drug possession before you may be sentenced. I highly recommend you get in touch with your lawyer for a free of charge consultation on your Texas drug possession charge, and your lawyer will walk you through the basic facts of your case, and your ideal legal defense solutions. As you can see, drug possession court cases get complicated very quickly.
Hire The Very Best Houston Drug Possession Defense Attorney: The Charles Johnson Law Firm
If you are confronting misdemeanor or felony drug possession charges following a drug charge in Texas, defend your liberties and future. Contact the Best Houston drug crime defense lawyer to schedule a free preliminary consultation. Many times the first arrest on Drug Possession criminal charges can be dropped down to a disorderly conduct, resulting in less significant penalties that usually do not include incarceration. Additionally, the Best Houston Drug Crimes Attorney could possibly even be able to have the criminal charges dropped in situation where you had been merely within the vicinity where the drugs had been located.
Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer Charles Johnson will definitely negotiate these types of arrangements to avoid you from having a drug related charge on your record.
Charles Johnson |
11 comments
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