Tarrant County Criminal Lawyer

When criminal charges have been brought against you in Tarrant County, a criminal defense lawyer can help you fight back.

Charged with a criminal offense in Tarrant County, Texas? Worried about losing your freedom and your future? Unsure of what to do next? The Law Offices of Jeff C. Kennedy has you covered.

Anyone in this situation has a right to be nervous. Depending on the crime you’ve been charged with, you could be looking at an expensive fine, a drivers license suspension, a criminal record, and even jail or prison time.

That doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a conviction, though. By working with a Tarrant County criminal defense lawyer from our firm, you give yourself the best chance of dodging the penalties of the crime you’ve been accused of. Our goal is to achieve an acquittal or dismissal of charges—whatever the best outcome for a client is.

Self-Representation Versus Hiring A Criminal Lawyer: Bad Idea

For any number of reasons, people facing criminal charges are often tempted to forego legal counsel and represent themselves. And the truth is that the state loves it when this happens.

If you don’t have a seasoned criminal defense lawyer on your side, you may not even be offered a plea bargain. Of course, your goal should always be to have your charges dismissed. But going without a lawyer reduces the options you have in Tarrant County criminal court.

Even working with a Tarrant County public defender—if you satisfy the income limits—isn’t the best idea. Public defenders know their stuff, but they’re also often dealing with a caseload that leaves little time to focus on your case.

A criminal lawyer from our Tarrant County law firm can provide the legal counsel you need to obtain the best result for your case. We’ve been helping people like you for over twenty years. You’ll also benefit from the fact that we know all the ins and outs of Tarrant County’s criminal justice system.

Felonies, Misdemeanors, and Their Punishments in Tarrant County

Every crime in the Texas penal code has a punishment. From the most minor misdemeanors to the most severe felonies, it’s crucial to know what’s at stake when you’ve been charged with a crime.

Even if it’s your first offense, you can’t count on the prosecution going easy on you. Much depends on the details of the alleged offense, your arrest, how your case is presented, and the personalities of said judge and prosecutor.

Your Tarrant County criminal lawyer can tell you what penalty you can expect in the event of a conviction. Here are these are the general guidelines for the different classifications of felonies and misdemeanors in Texas:

• Class C Misdemeanor – Up to a $500 fine.
• Class B Misdemeanor – Up to a 180-day jail sentence and up to a $2,000 fine.
• Class A Misdemeanor – Up to a one-year jail sentence and up to a $4,000 fine.
• State Jail Felony – Between a 180-day and two-year jail sentence and up to a $10,000 fine.
• Third-Degree Felony – Between a two- and ten-year prison sentence and up to a $10,000 fine.
• Second-Degree Felony – Between a two- and twenty-year prison sentence and up to a $10,000 fine.
• First-Degree Felony – Between a five- and ninety-nine-year prison sentence and up to a $10,000 fine.
• Capital Felony – A prison sentence of life without the possibility of parole (unless the defendant was a minor when the crime took place) or the death sentence.

Many crimes can also come with other penalties. For instance, a drunk driving charge could result in a license suspension. A sex crime might require registration as a sex offender. A drug-related offense might require substance-abuse counseling.

Criminal Defense Law: All Is at Risk

Few crimes have no repercussions beyond the legal consequences. In essence, your entire future is at risk. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a criminal defense lawyer to beat the charges against you.

A conviction could mean the end of everything you’ve worked toward—even after you’ve paid the legal penalty. While this is especially true for anyone facing the possibility of becoming a felon, it’s also true of misdemeanors in Tarrant County.

When you have a criminal record, it can greatly reduce your options for jobs, housing, loans, and even higher education. Even keeping your current job might not be possible. And you might even lose some of your rights.

By fighting your criminal charge in court, you’re not just dodging the penalties. You’re also saving your future.

The Defense You Need to Beat Criminal Charges

A criminal defense lawyer from our Tarrant County firm will know how to build a potent defense for your case. Getting our lawyers on board as soon as possible gives you the best chance to clear your name.

Is there a Tarrant County warrant out for your arrest? We can help you arrange a walk-through and even bond so you don’t have to risk a public arrest. And you might be able to get out on bail the same day. This also lets us learn more about your case right from the start.

No matter when our criminal lawyer comes on board, we’ll be able to work with you to build the best defense for your unique case.

If you’ve been charged with assault, we’ll question witnesses to determine if something was blown out of proportion. If you’ve been charged with drug possession, we’ll explore whether the police had probable cause to conduct a search. Whatever the details, we’ll find all of the weak points in the case against you and highlight them during your trial.