SAN ANTONIO CRIMINAL JUSTICE ATTORNEY - LAW OFFICES OF PATRICK L. HANCOCK

Anybody convicted of a crime in Texas may face serious consequences with employment. Many careers have been ruined by the failure to properly defend criminal charges. A criminal conviction may breach your employment contract and be grounds for dismissal or the loss of your professional license.

When seeking new employment, you may need to declare your criminal record on job applications and future employers will have visibility of your record during background checks. If your offense is a sexual crime, you may even have to register on the sex offender's database, which is a publicly accessible online registry that includes in-depth personal details that can severely damage your reputation. Certain jobs may be off-limits, depending on the nature of your conviction.

The professional and reputational damage that you can potentially suffer from a criminal charge makes it vital to defend any criminal charge vigorously. Your career could be at stake and it is unlikely that you will receive any favorable treatment from a prosecutor. If you are a professional in San Antonio, consult with the team at Hancock Criminal Defense during a free case evaluation as soon as possible after you have been arrested and charged, if not before.

Crimes in Texas are classified as felonies or misdemeanors. Like many states, Texas has adopted a system called "determinate sentencing." This means that a set of sentencing guidelines helps determine the punishment that should be assigned for each crime based on its severity.

This generally enables consistent sentencing practices and commits to ensuring that punishments are meted out fairly across all jurisdictions.

The following classifications of crimes and their associated penalties are detailed from the least to most serious:

Class C misdemeanor

• Examples: Traffic citations, petty theft/shoplifting
• Sentence: A fine of no more than $500. No jail sentence.

Class B misdemeanor

• Example: DWI (first offense), prostitution, indecent exposure
• Sentence: A fine of up to $2,000, up to 180 days in county jail, and up to three years of probation.

Class A misdemeanor

• Example: DWI (second offense), assault with bodily injury
• Sentence: A fine of up to $4,000, up to a year in the county jail, and up to three years of probation.

State jail felony

• Example: DWI with a child passenger, drug possession
• Sentence: A fine of up to $2,000, between 180 days and two years in jail, and the possibility of probation.

Third-degree felony

• Example: DWI (third offense), indecent exposure to a child
• Sentence: A fine of up to $10,000, 2-10 years in prison, and the possibility of probation.

Second-degree felony

• Examples: Human trafficking, sexual assault, aggravated assault
• Sentence: A fine of up to $10,000, 2–20 years in prison, and the possibility of probation.

First-degree felony

• Example: aggravated sexual assault against a child, attempted capital murder
• Sentence: A fine of up to $10,000, 5–99 years (or life) in prison, and the possibility of probation.

Capital felony

• Example: capital murder (premeditated)
• Sentence: Life imprisonment or the death penalty.

THE CONFIDENCE THAT COMES WITH PREPARATION AND EXPERIENCE

The day you are arrested and charged with a crime may very well be the worst day of your life.

Many people who are wrongly accused, unaware that they have committed a crime, or who made an honest mistake that has left them in serious trouble, become stressed, agitated, and fearful for the future. This is understandable. However, it helps to have the steady guidance of a seasoned criminal defense attorney who is deeply familiar with the Texas judicial system, accustomed to working with people who have been arrested for the first time, and able to provide considered legal advice at the time that it is most needed.

At such challenging times, the experience and meticulous preparation of the team at Hancock Criminal Defense instill confidence. We believe there is always a viable defense for any crime and we are experienced enough to find it. We will pore over the evidence, including the actions of law enforcement in gathering evidence, meticulously check whether your rights were violated, and look for opportunities to expose weaknesses in the case against you.

Then, as we begin to consider your options in detail, we can discuss your chances of case dismissal, what you should plead, what you can expect at trial with a not guilty plea, whether the prosecution may be open to reducing the charges, how best to build a rigorous defense, and so on. A public defender is highly unlikely to be able to put the same level of time and commitment into advising and defending you despite their best intentions. The stakes are too high for you to gamble.

Your interests are best served with our dedicated and knowledgeable team of criminal defense professionals led by Patrick L. Hancock. In and out of the courtroom, our decades of experience in building defenses and preparing for trials means that our arguments to judges and juries are highly persuasive. We understand the San Antonio court system and Patrick L. Hancock is a familiar face within it.

If you're facing criminal charges, it's crucial to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Early intervention by a skilled attorney can significantly affect the outcome of your case. From the moment you're arrested or charged, a San Antonio criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights, gather evidence, and build a strong defense. Waiting too long to seek legal representation can result in lost evidence, unprepared defense, and potentially harsher penalties. It's best to consult with a criminal attorney immediately to ensure you have the best possible defense strategy.

Our law firm is 100 percent devoted to criminal defense. We emphasize fully preparing ourselves for all stages of every case, including initial questioning, investigative work, plea negotiations, and trial. We offer each client an honest assessment of his or her case and the possible strategic options. We also pride ourselves on giving each client as much consultation time as he or she needs.

We use our broad criminal law experience to vigorously defend each client while staying on the cutting edge of criminal law in Texas.

The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer can vary widely based on factors such as the complexity of the case, the criminal attorney's experience, and the time required to prepare and present your defense. On average, criminal defense attorneys may charge hourly rates ranging from $200 to $700. Some may offer flat fees for specific cases, while others might work on a retainer basis. It's important to discuss fees upfront and understand what services are included. While legal representation can be costly, investing in a skilled San Antonio criminal lawyer can be crucial for a favorable outcome in your case.

Misdemeanors and felonies are classifications of crimes that differ in severity and potential penalties. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses, often punishable by fines, community service, or up to one year in county jail. Common examples include petty theft and minor assault. Felonies, on the other hand, are more serious crimes that carry harsher penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, significant fines, and loss of civil rights. Examples of felonies include murder, rape, and armed robbery. Understanding the difference is crucial as it affects the legal strategy your criminal law attorney in San Antonio will use to defend your case.

The duration of a criminal case can vary significantly based on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the court's schedule, and whether the case goes to trial. Simple cases may be resolved in a few months, while more complex cases can take a year or longer. Pre-trial motions, discovery, and negotiations all impact the timeline. A San Antonio criminal justice attorney will work diligently to resolve your case as efficiently as possible, but it's important to be prepared for a potentially lengthy process. Regular communication with your lawyer can provide a clearer timeline based on the specifics of your case.