Fort Worth Criminal Defense Lawyers
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We understand that if you, or a loved one, have been accused of a crime it may be difficult to think straight. It is normal for someone to have feelings of being confused, frightened, and worried about what the future might hold. While these feelings may be normal, it should not paralyze you. The one thing that years of practice have shown us is that pretending the problem does not exist will not help.
So, what should you do if arrested in Fort Worth? Get an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible!
Why? Most people provide the evidence the police need for the Tarrant County District Attorney's office to obtain a conviction through themselves by consenting to searches, providing statements, etc. While most people would not intentionally provide such evidence against themselves, the pressure surrounding a criminal arrest often overrides this intention. For example, many people think that if they just sit down with the police then they can either a) talk their way out of the situation or b) help the police understand why they should be let go. In both of these situations, you are almost always going to go to jail, and the more you say then the more likely you will strengthen the case against you (even when you think you are helping yourself).
While it may prove beneficial for you to be cooperative with the police, it is important to do so in a controlled environment with an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side. Even if you believe that the evidence is so overwhelming against you, it still takes a qualified criminal defense lawyer to make that determination.
Our Fort Worth criminal defense lawyers are well aware that the Tarrant County District Attorney's office will bring the full resources of the State of Texas to prosecute you, and for that reason you need someone on your side.
If you are facing criminal charges in Fort Worth, and would like to discuss how our firm can help, please do not hesitate to reach us via our contact form or call us at (817) 717-6847.
A few years ago Texas law changed for those confronted with an arrest for Possession of Marijuana under 2 ounces. Long gone have been the days where a simple joint could land you a Life Sentence; however, this new twist on the law has in ushered a new dawn for the cannabis connoisseurs that offered less harsh treatment (at least when it came to the encounter with law enforcement).
The change in Texas law permits law enforcement officers with an option when confronted with the possible arrest of someone found to be in possession of marijuana in an amount that is less than 2 ounces to either a) arrest the person or b) right a ticket.
However, the new law did not change the classification of the charge. In other words, you may not go to jail, but you are still facing up to six (6) months in the Tarrant County Jail, plus a maximum fine of $2,000. In short, the criminal case will be handled as it was in the past by the court system.
While several criminal defense lawyers in Fort Worth have disagreed with having persons found only to be in possession of small amounts of marijuana thrown in jail, the new law that permits tickets to be issued has come with some concerns.
One of the primary concerns is whether those ticketed for Possession of Marijuana will fully understand the severity of charge (i.e. police only give tickets for minor infractions of the law). While it may be true that most offenses that receive a citation are considered minor in scope, it does differ when it comes to possession of small amounts of Marijuana...simply put, they are not treated minor.
First, the charge carries the full punishment range of a Class B misdemeanor. Second, and arguably the biggest danger, is that failing to show up to your scheduled court date will result in you facing another possible charge for Failure to Appear that could also carry jail time. Finally, just the appearance of a ticket can create the impression of an offense that is less serious than others; however, this is not the case, because if you are convicted of Possession of a Marijuana (even less than 2 ounces) you still face having your driver's license suspended and paying surcharges to the State of Texas.
In closing, if you have been either arrested, or ticketed, for Possession of Marijuana you need to take it seriously, and speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Fort Worth as soon as possible.
Fort Worth Criminal Defense Lawyer Post - July 27, 2010
Category: Marijuana, Possession, Drugs, Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas
