Austin Criminal Defense Attorney

Texas has certain offenses that are “enhanceable”. This means that if you are convicted of the offense now, then the same offense will be a higher criminal charge in the future. One example is a Texas DWI conviction. Although some states will not use a previous DWI/DUI to enhance a charge after a period of time; in a Texas DWI arrest a past conviction for DWI will always be used to enhance your DWI charge. This means a second offense is a Class A misdemeanor and a third offense is a Felony.

The same “enhancement” applies to other criminal charges, including family violence and domestic violence cases. If you are arrested you want to ensure you hire the best criminal defense attorney in Austin. A conviction for any criminal activity can be life altering. Hire a team of Austin criminal defense attorneys that will fight for you.

The key to defending an Austin criminal charge is knowledge. We have multiple Austin criminal defense attorneys who were previously on the law enforcement side making arrests. Steve and David both have the knowledge gained as law enforcement officers and as field training officers, training others on how to conduct Texas criminal arrests. Our team approach, combined with past experience, helps to ensure you have the greatest chance of having your charges reduced, dismissed, or a not guilty verdict at trial. Don’t settle for any attorney; call an Austin criminal defense attorney who will fight for your case like it is his own case!

What does an Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer do?

If you are accused of a criminal offense, an Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer will take your side in your legal defense. Criminal Defense Lawyers will work tirelessly to translate the rights you have by the law to defend your innocence in the eyes of the law. Navigating the criminal justice system can not only be exhausting, but it can be very intimidating, and you need knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense lawyers to protect your rights while you still have them, and minimize the negative outcome of a criminal charge.

Our Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers will use their legal skills to fight FOR you, defending you while your prosecutors and possibly even the justice system will try to fight against you. With our experience, we will work with you to create a personalized plan for your legal defense. With every bit of evidence available to us by the power of the law, along with our experience and knowledge of any evidence that may be presented against you, we will use our legal skills to build an honest and ethical argument for your innocence.

Criminal Defense Lawyers will work to defend your freedom. With all of the implications and negative effects that come with a criminal charge, a defense lawyer will work tirelessly so you can keep your privileges and livelihood. Driving, owning a firearm, child custody, and American citizen status are just a few rights and privileges at stake when you’re facing a criminal charge. Don’t allow a criminal charge to ruin your life. Work with an Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer today to save you from a criminal conviction, and to salvage what will be left of your personal freedoms.

DIY vs. Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

If you have been convicted of a criminal offense in Texas, you should not be considering DIY lawyering. If you want to avoid incarceration, your only reasonable option is to hire a criminal defense lawyer.

When charged with a criminal conviction, many people will immediately think they can represent themself in a court of law to save the money of paying an attorney. This is NEVER as good of an idea as it sounds. While you may be legally allowed to represent yourself without a lawyer, you never should represent yourself, or try “do-it-yourself (DIY) lawyering” in a real court of law. Some defendants may be studying law, and use their court case as an opportunity to practice. Even if you feel familiar with the judicial system and laws, it is still highly recommended to not DIY. Practicing law is a skill that takes years of accredited training to get good at. Studying on your own time is not equivalent to years of law school, hands-on experience, and an entire team of experts working day and night to prove your innocence.

Unfortunately, in the complicated judicial system, simply thinking you are innocent, and “telling the truth” is not enough of a defense to keep you from getting charged and hit with a hefty penalty. Legal language is very complicated. Working with an attorney can save you from incriminating yourself further by saying the wrong thing, or taking the wrong action that is interpreted by the prosecution as further evidence of guilt. Attorneys must be familiar and very knowledgeable of the complicated legal process, your rights, and what actions you must take to remain innocent. Ignorance of appropriate legal action, such as filling out the right paperwork, to whom and when, is not an excuse and could land you in even worse legal trouble than you were originally in. When people represent themselves in a court of law, they take on a big risk and usually cost themselves far more money, time, and a worse legal outcome than if they had worked with a lawyer in the first place.

Working with an attorney, on the other hand, you will get someone to explain your rights and explain how your own case may affect your options. They can leverage their skills, team, and experience to determine what you can expect from the prosecuting side, and what options you have. Working with professionals is always recommended, and the more competent your representation is, the better your outcome will be. By working with a criminal defense lawyer, you will have a fighting chance to walk away with little to no legal consequences or charges.

Personalized Representation
When working with criminal defense attorneys, your representation will be personalized and unique to your case. Our attorneys will work directly with you to understand your needs and determine an appropriate plan of action to defend you with as little negative impact as possible. We don’t copy and paste how we handle a case. The Law Offices of Stephen Bowling DWI & Criminal Defense Attorneys will make a plan personalized to your needs, the evidence for your side and against you, and based on the options you have.

Bold & Fearless Defense
When you’re coming to us, you may be in one of the most vulnerable phases of your life. A criminal charge is no joke. At a time like this, you need a team that is bold with experience and knowledge to not only defend you legally but to stand by your side through the process. When the process and judicial system may feel like they are against you, we will be on your side. Our team of intelligent and bold leaders will work to put your mind at ease, and execute your defense fearlessly.

Honest & Clear Legal Guidance
Navigating a criminal accusation can be an extremely difficult and stressful time in your life. Our attorneys can guide you through the legal process with the understanding of what you are experiencing and what you are facing, and formulate a plan that will help you understand every step in the legal process.

The Impact of A Criminal Charge On Your Record

There can be many negative impacts from a criminal charge on your record if you are convicted. Possibly the most notable and common is the impact it can have on your future employment. Criminal convictions can make it more difficult to find a job because most employers have a criminal background check. Criminal convictions often lead to financial troubles for this reason.

Immigration: A criminal record can prevent immigrants from obtaining any change in their immigration status, such as obtaining a green card or becoming a naturalized citizen.

Child Custody: For those with children, the stakes can be higher. Having a criminal record can play against your child custody rights, especially if you are charged with violent offenses.

Privileges: There are other privileges you can lose as a result of a criminal charge. Driving, the right to own a firearm, and even more.

And while these consequences are bad enough, they can be combined with fines, community service, and even incarceration.

If you are facing criminal charges, you are facing any and all of these possible consequences. A criminal charge will not go away. The sooner you take action, the more likely you are to obtain a better outcome for yourself.

Have You Been Arrested in Austin, TX?

If you have been arrested in Austin, there is no time to lose – your FREEDOM could be at stake. A conviction can have a serious negative impact on your rights, privileges, and future. You do NOT have time to waste. You must contact a criminal defense lawyer as quickly as possible to start working on your case to defend your innocence.

At the Law Offices of Stephen Bowling DWI & Criminal Defense Attorneys, clients will receive a free consultation. Contact our office today or schedule a free case evaluation. We are available 24×7 to answer your call or to schedule an appointment.