Katy Criminal Defense Lawyer

Katy Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal charges can leave you feeling powerless and stressed. With severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record, criminal charges can have a major impact on your life. Working with a Katy criminal defense lawyer can lead to reduced penalties or even charges being reduced or dismissed.

Greco Neyland, PC, has helped over 5,000 clients face criminal charges in both state and federal courts. Working with our experienced attorneys can give you confidence through their guidance on your charges and defense strategy. Our attorneys’ aggressive defense against criminal charges often results in charges being dismissed and reduced sentences.

Consequences of a Criminal Conviction

Criminal charges carry penalties that can leave you in financial hardship, without certain freedoms, or imprisoned. Penalties vary depending on your specific case, but a Katy criminal defense attorney can explain to you the possible consequences of your charges and how they may be able to negotiate for reduced penalties. Some common penalties for criminal charges in Texas include:

• Capital punishment
• Incarceration
• Probation
• Multas
• Restitution
• Community service
• Rehabilitation programs
• Treatment programs

In addition to these penalties, a criminal conviction could impact your personal and professional life. A criminal record could limit employment, housing, and education opportunities.

Our Practice Areas

72 people faced charges in 2023 after being arrested by the Katy Police Department. Our attorneys seek to represent such individuals in a variety of criminal defense cases. Regardless of your charges, Greco Neyland, PC, is passionate about bringing a strong defense against the prosecution. Some of our practice areas include:

• Driving while Intoxicated (DWI): Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other drugs can lead to penalties such as a suspended license, fines, or jail time.
• Drug crimes: Drug charges could include the possession, manufacturing, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances, and may result in years of penalties.
• Gun charges: Despite Texas’s Open Carry Law, gun charges such as illegally carrying or possessing a weapon, carrying a weapon as a convicted felon, or unlawfully discharging a firearm can lead to severe penalties.
• Violent crimes: Texas has the 6th-highest violent crime rate in the United States. Harming or threatening others can lead to charges from assault to homicide, with a devastating impact on your future freedom.
• Sex crimes: Crimes such as sexual assault and rape, as well as prostitution or child pornography charges, carry strict penalties and a lasting impact on your reputation.
• Property crimes: There are nearly 700,000 property crimes a year in Texas, which include charges such as theft, larceny, and burglary.

Why Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer

A criminal defense lawyer is a great source of advice from the moment you are arrested through sentencing. When you hire a criminal defense lawyer, there is a higher chance of a better outcome due to their:

• Knowledge of criminal defense laws: A criminal defense requires an understanding of Texas and federal laws to identify a strong defense. A lawyer can use this knowledge to explain your charges and possible penalties to you and to craft a defense.
• Ability to analyze evidence: Your lawyer can gather evidence, such as witness statements, forensic evidence, or documents, to prove innocence, support their defense, or push for dismissal. They can also scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence for errors or illegal evidence and stop it from being used against you.
• Powers of negotiation: Lawyers often rely on negotiation to achieve lower sentences. In many criminal defense cases, a lawyer can negotiate a plea bargain in which the defendant accepts a lesser charge and receives lower penalties, such as probation or community service, rather than being sentenced to jail.
• Knowledge of legal processes: A criminal defense lawyer in Katy can ensure that deadlines are met and that all legal procedures are followed. Their familiarity with the legal processes surrounding your charges makes them a great resource who can explain courtroom procedures and manage your stress.

FAQs Katy, TX Criminal Defense Laws

What Should You Do After You Are Arrested?

If you are being arrested, try to remain respectful and do not resist the arrest, as this could lead to further charges. Law enforcement officers can use what you say against you, so request to contact an attorney, then remain silent. A lawyer can advise you on what to say and do and inform you on the next steps.

Do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer Even if I Am Innocent in Katy?

Yes, if you are facing criminal charges in Katy, you should hire a criminal defense attorney regardless of whether you are guilty or not. Wrongful convictions happen, but having a lawyer to defend your innocence can prevent this by presenting evidence and challenging the prosecution, which could dismiss the charges against you.

What Is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony Charge?

Felony charges are often considered more serious than misdemeanor charges and can result in greater penalties, such as over a year in prison or higher fines. Crimes that could be misdemeanors can become felonies due to repeated offenses or aggravating factors that result in greater damage or reveal malicious intent. Your attorney can help you understand whether your charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, as well as the penalties and impact on future charges.

How Soon Should You Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can protect you against self-incrimination and unreasonable searches and seizures after your arrest by communicating with law enforcement on your behalf. If you contact them early, they can collect more evidence and have more time to build a defense. Having a lawyer to represent you as soon as possible after an arrest gives you the greatest chance of a reduced sentence or dismissed charges.

Protect Your Rights With a Katy Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal charges can come with life-altering penalties, which may leave you overwhelmed and scared for what the future could bring. By working with an experienced attorney at Greco Neyland, PC, you have access to legal advice and a personalized defense that can lead to an optimal outcome for your case. Póngase en contacto con nosotros today to learn how an attorney can help you navigate your criminal charges.