Yearly Archives - 2020

2020 Criminal Case Outcome Trends in Houston

2020 Criminal Case Outcome Trends in Houston

It’s not a secret that the city of Houston, Texas, has one of the strictest approaches towards crime. This perspective isn’t limited to felony cases, but also primarily applies to misdemeanors. The notion of actions having consequences is perhaps most relevant when it comes to criminal justice cases in the Space City. 

But the times are now changing. With a call for more effective handling of criminal cases, the tide is turning towards leniency in criminal justice. If you or your loved one is about to face a criminal case, then knowing about these trends can help. You need to learn how they might relate to your specific situation and how your legal representation may use them in your favor. 

Are you interested to learn more about this topic? Think it can help you in the near future? Without further ado, here are the top criminal case outcome trends in Houston for 2020.

Misdemeanor Arrests Aren’t Dependent on Cash Bail

One of the biggest trends in criminal justice is the change in handling misdemeanor bails. After a lengthy legal battle, a landmark decision in November 2019 finally declared that Harris County misdemeanor arrests would not have to be subject to cash bails

This means that in 2020, you will see more progressive handling towards misdemeanor cases in Houston. Gone are the days when misdemeanor defendants had to spend time behind bars just due to being short on cash. Now, they can get a chance to rebuild their lives and be productive members of society.

If you or a loved one is currently going through the case of a misdemeanor, then discussing this trend with your attorney will be a beneficial decision.  

Criminal Justice Reform Will Take Center Stage

The above decision is part of a recently stirred movement for criminal justice reform. The latest trends in Houston of not shackling juveniles and fining prosecutors for withholding evidence stem from this approach. But while those are significant changes, they are just starting steps to modifying Houston’s overall outlook towards penalization. 

In 2020, criminal cases are likely to see more arguments that speak for more substantial reform. This means that case defenses may depend on a big picture approach rather than exclusively zeroing down on your specific issue. 

If your criminal defense attorney thinks that taking this route may help, then they may most likely take this approach to improve your chances at defense. This doesn’t mean that it will throw the facts regarding your case out of court entirely. Further, this approach can still help by pointing out issues in the systemic handling of your case.

Focus on Improvement Than Penalization

It is also an increasing trend in criminal case outcomes to look at the social background of a defendant instead of reducing them to their most recent crime. This way, lawmakers and judges make decisions that are helping the defendant rather than throwing them behind bars for the sake of it.

With this in mind, 2020 may be full of cases where a criminal case defense is based upon the defendant’s social background or circumstances. While this may not grant everyone immunity, it is more likely to open up a broader perspective to judgment and a better chance at a lenient sentence.

If you or a loved one got involved in a criminal case due to issues such as poverty, then your criminal defense attorney may take this route to defend and present your case. 

Learn More About How These Trends Can Help

Criminal defense is a vast subject where legal advice needs to be highly specific and exclusively personalized. This is why we make sure that we can provide you with the counsel you need to present your case effectively. 

To learn how our team of experienced defense attorneys at the Martinez Law Firm can help your case, don’t hesitate to give us a call today. We specialize in DWI defense cases and can help you with an ALR hearing, court probation, and more. We will be happy to discuss your cases’ details and help you in any way we can. In the meantime, learn more about DWI cases in Houston

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What to Look for in a Criminal Defense Attorney in Houston

Facing a criminal charge is not a pleasant situation. Fortunately, you are one step ahead of the crowd. You fully realize that you should retain the services of a criminal defense attorney in Houston. Still, you may find yourself with a couple of questions about the process. 

The first and foremost issue is how to find the best criminal defense attorney. It is an important decision because the better the lawyer, the better the case result. Check out our guide to help you understand how to screen and select a criminal defense attorney in Houston that is right for you. 

Service Is Essential

A criminal case is something that may be a new experience in your life. That’s why you want a defense attorney specializes in your type of incident. 

The right criminal defense attorney in Houston will understand that this is an anxiety-inducing situation and will pay close attention to your case. They will strive to conduct a thorough initial analysis, and be there to answer any questions you may have after you form a relationship. 

Learn more about your attorney, how much time they have, the number of cases they are working on, and if they have the bandwidth to work on your case correctly. 

Also, remember to take note of if they respond to your calls or emails as quickly as possible. The initial engagement process should not take long. Usually, you should be able to meet with a representative within 24 hours. 

Finally, you want a criminal defense attorney that understands the gravity of the situation and will move swiftly to get you past this moment in your life. Responsiveness and a sense of urgency is a must.

Criminal Attorney not Civil Attorney

There are many different areas of law, and you want to make sure that you select an attorney that specializes in your particular situation. 

If you find yourself in a criminal case, you may immediately call an attorney that you know. While that is a step in the right direction, remember that they may not have the right expertise and could better serve as a referral source.

Remember that a lawyer who may have helped you with your business is not the same one that may be best for your criminal case. Lawyers who help you with your taxes, will, or land deeds will likely not be the best lawyer to handle your criminal situation. It would be best if you chose a lawyer that will have the skills to defend you in this highly relevant manner with a proven track record. 

Yes, it is a simple and obvious distinction, but it is one to be aware of in your search. A professional defense representative will have a deeper understanding of the local criminal courts and will know exactly how to navigate your case for the best possible result.

Local Expertise Matters

Each courthouse has its own culture and patterns of behavior, and the right legal representative will understand the nuances, quirks, and vagaries in the local courts. That gives you an upper hand and an edge in moving past your case. 

While the law of the land may be the same across the region, the practices and implementations may vary and can have a remarkable impact on how the verdict ends. You would be wise to seek out an attorney that specializes in the Texas state law.

Simple Targeted Expertise Tames Legal Complexity

Defendants know that the modern legal system is quite complex, but a proper criminal defense attorney will be able to handle your case for you. These segments range from white-collar-crime to common drunk driving cases.

Defendants such as yourself will want to ensure that the attorney you choose will have substantial experience in your type of offense. Of course, it doesn’t have to be strictly the same as your specific offense, but the more targeted and similar to your case, the better it is for you.

Remember to ask your potential representative about their knowledge in your type of offense, time dealing with such cases, and other pertinent information.

Cost Structure

Make sure that you understand all aspects of the cost structure before initiating the professional relationship with your defense attorney in Houston. You value superior service and will pay for it, but you need to know all aspects of the service. 

Does the lawyer charge a flat fee, or do they charge by the hour? What counsel and effort will come with their services? The best firms give clients transparent prices for their services.

Remember that these are just a few of the main points that you should pay attention to as you proceed to find a criminal defense lawyer that has your best interests at heart. If you find yourself in criminal legal trouble in Houston, reach out to us today during a free DWI case review

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How to Find the Best DWI Attorney in Houston

Have you been arrested for or charged with a DWI in Houston, Texas? Are you helping friends or family members that are currently facing such a situation? Don’t worry. We know that it is a frightening situation. Remember to reach out for assistance from a legal professional who can advise you and walk you through the process today. 

Your search for a legal representative in Houston will be worth the effort. A DWI attorney in Houston, Texas, can help you to fight the case and let you move on with your life. Review our guide on how to find the best DWI lawyer in Houston.

Government-Appointed or Private DWI Attorney?

While you will have the option to go with a court-appointed attorney, it will likely be in your best interest to go with a private DWI attorney. The consensus is that the private DWI attorney will have the right incentives to pursue the case with more enthusiasm. It is in your best interest to go with someone who is aligned with the best outcome in your DWI case.

Always Choose Experience

One critical part of this process is to ensure that you’re looking to hire the best professionals to guide you through this speed bump. Remember that an experienced DWI attorney is essential when seeking the best results for your case.

You will understand that the DWI lawyer has experience because he will be able to converse with you on various parts of the process and cover the basics without any trouble. You can further investigate expertise by asking the potential representative of the last time they took on a DWI case. 

You can also delve further and inquire as to their in-depth understanding of the local courthouses. Do they know of the judges and the processes of the local court system that you can use to your advantage?

It is essential to realize that you need a lawyer that has full knowledge of aspects such as plea bargains and knows how to stay calm under pressure and perform well.

That is also one of the main reasons why you would want to shy away from representing yourself in court. You would not know about the different details, processes, and nuances that could help you resolve your DWI issue.

Finding a DWI Attorney In Houston

Now that you know about the key attributes to look for when starting your search, here are some of the tried and true methods of finding a DWI attorney near you.

Do Your Due Diligence

The best DWI attorneys understand the client and their needs are a high priority. Remember to find someone that will not only listen to you but will make sure to move in urgently. They will take the time to understand what you have to say and go over your case with you. 

Conduct an Online Search

You can find competent lawyers in Houston near you by searching on Google or Bing. Look at their track record, cases handled, years of experience, percentage of happy clients, and their overall level of success in court.

Inquire with Family and Friends

You may also get reliable recommendations from family friends that you can cross-reference by searching on the web.

Formulate a Comprehensive List of Potential Candidates

Make a simple list of the candidates that resonate with you. Take notes of their hourly rate or cost and jot down questions to ask during a consultation. Please pay attention to details such as their qualifications and standing with the state. 

Visit Your Prime Candidates

Once you have a shortlist of attornies, you can move forward and schedule visits with the best candidates. Take a moment and notice if you feel comfortable with your candidate. Does everything make sense? If so, then you are ready to hire your candidate.

Receive a Free DWI Case Review

We know that finding a great candidate to resolve your DWI situation in Houston can be difficult. We are here to help you navigate through this process. 

Reach out to us today, and we can start your free DWI case review to discuss the best possible options for your case. You can also reach out to us for a free DWI phone consultation so that we can learn more about your case. 

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