Benbrook Criminal Defense Lawyer

Attorney for Property Crimes, Weapons Charges, Violent Crimes, and Drug Charges in Benbrook, TX

When you are accused of a criminal offense, the potential consequences can impact every aspect of your life. A conviction could require you to pay large fines, which could lead to financial difficulties for you and your family. You could be sentenced to jail or prison, disrupting your life, your career, and your relationships. With a criminal record, you may struggle to find employment in the future, or other opportunities may be limited. To avoid these issues, it is crucial to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights and provide a strong defense strategy.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the complex issues that can affect criminal cases, and we can provide the representation you need during your case. We will fight to protect your future by defending against a conviction or taking steps to minimize the penalties that could affect your life.

Property Crimes: Theft, Shoplifting, Burglary, and Arson

Offenses that affect a person's property are known as property crimes. In addition to penalties such as fines and jail time, a person who is convicted may be required to pay restitution. Our attorney can help defend against charges of:

• Theft: Unlawfully taking someone else's property without their authorization could lead to either misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the value of the property involved in a case.
• Shoplifting: This type of theft involves stealing goods from a store without paying for them. Shoplifting charges can range from misdemeanors for lower-value items to felonies for high-value items or repeat offenses.
• Burglary: Breaking and entering into a building or vehicle with the intent to commit a crime is a felony offense on its own, even if no other crimes occur. A burglary conviction can lead to a long prison sentence, especially if a weapon was involved or if there was an intent to commit a violent crime or sex crime.
• Arson: Intentionally setting fire to property can result in criminal charges, including in cases where property was allegedly burned for the purpose of collecting an insurance claim. The penalties for arson can be severe, particularly if a case involves injuries, death, or significant property damage.

Protecting Your Rights in Cases Involving Weapons Charges

While Texas has permissive gun laws, the state does regulate the possession and use of firearms and other weapons. In certain situations, a person could be charged with a weapons offense such as:

• Illegal Possession of a Firearm: Certain people, such as convicted felons, are prohibited from possessing firearms. People who are accused of violating these restrictions may face felony charges.
• Use of a Weapon in a Crime: If a gun or other weapon is used during a crime such as robbery or assault, the penalties that a person may face may be enhanced. Harsher sentences will usually apply upon conviction.
• Reckless Discharge of a Firearm: When a person is accused of firing a gun inside a municipality and putting other people at risk of being seriously injured or killed, they may face misdemeanor charges.

Violent Crimes: Assault and Domestic Violence

Violent offenses are taken very seriously by law enforcement and prosecutors in Texas. A conviction for a violent crime can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, restraining orders, and damage to your personal and professional life. Our lawyer can help defend against charges such as:

• Assault: If you are accused of intentionally injuring someone, you could be charged with this offense. Threats to inflict injuries may also lead to assault charges. The severity of the charges will often depend on factors such as the extent of the injury, the use of a weapon, and whether the victim was a public servant.
• Domestic Violence: Acts of abuse or other forms of violence between family members, former partners, or people who live in the same household can lead to criminal charges. A person who is accused of domestic violence may face criminal penalties, and restraining orders may be issued, leading to a loss of rights, such as the right to possess firearms.

Drug Crimes: Possession, Distribution, and Manufacturing

Drug crimes in Texas are harshly prosecuted. Drug-related offenses may involve controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin. The specific charges may involve:

• Drug Possession: When a person is accused of owning, holding, or carrying controlled substances, they may face serious criminal charges. While the specific charges will depend on the types of drugs and the amounts that a person allegedly possessed, drug possession is often classified as a felony.
• Drug Distribution: More serious charges may apply if law enforcement believes that a person intends to sell or distribute illegal drugs. These charges often carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences.
• Drug Manufacturing: Producing illegal drugs or packaging controlled substances for distribution is a felony offense in Texas that carries similar penalties to drug distribution.

Other Types of Criminal Cases

The Meza Law Firm, PLLC provides representation in a wide variety of other types of criminal matters, including:

• Sex Crimes: Allegations of offenses such as sexual assault, prostitution, indecency with a child, or internet sex crimes like distribution of child pornography carry severe legal consequences, including the possibility of sex offender registration. Our attorney can work to challenge evidence and raise reasonable doubt about whether an offense occurred.
• DWI (Driving While Intoxicated): People who are charged with drunk driving offenses may face criminal penalties including fines and jail time, and they may lose their driving privileges for an extended period. Our lawyer can help challenge the legality of traffic stops, field sobriety tests, and breathalyzer results to defend against a DWI conviction.
• Juvenile Offenses: Minors who are accused of criminal offenses will typically face juvenile delinquency proceedings. While these cases focus on rehabilitation, a minor may still face penalties that could affect their life and their future. Our attorney can help protect a juvenile's rights and work to minimize the consequences they may face.

Contact Our Benbrook, Texas Criminal Defense Attorney

As soon as possible after being arrested or charged with a crime, you will need to make sure you have representation from a skilled attorney. The Meza Law Firm, PLLC can provide you with guidance during your case while helping you build an effective defense strategy. Contact our Benbrook criminal defense lawyer by calling 817-732-6392 to schedule a free consultation.