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There are several points in the criminal justice process when a person may be taken into custody and jailed. If you have been arrested or are facing criminal charges, it is important to understand when you may be at risk of being incarcerated. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights. Here are some examples of when a person may be taken into custody during the criminal justice process:

  1. Arrest: If the police have probable cause to believe that you have committed a crime, you may be taken into custody and arrested.
  2. Bail hearing: After an arrest, you may be eligible for release on bail. However, if the judge determines that you are a flight risk or a danger to the community, you may be ordered to remain in custody until your trial.
  3. Plea bargaining: If you plead guilty to a crime or agree to a plea deal, you may be sentenced to time in jail as part of your plea agreement.
  4. Trial: If you are found guilty of a crime after a trial, you may be sentenced to time in jail as part of your punishment.
  5. Probation violation: If you are placed on probation and fail to comply with the terms of your probation, you may be taken into custody and jailed.

An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand the potential risks and consequences of each stage of the criminal justice process and develop a defense strategy to protect your freedom. Reach out today to get a Free Initial Consultation.

If you have a pending criminal charge you change look up your next court date online.

To find your court date for a criminal charge in Harris County, you can go to the Harris County District Clerk’s website and search under criminal records.

To find your court date for a criminal charge in Galveston County, you can go to the Galveston County records search.

To find your court date for a criminal charge in Brazoria County, you can go to the Brazoria County records search 

To find your court date for a criminal charge in Fort Bend County, you can go to the Fort Bend County Clerk’s records search 

To find your court date for a misdemeanor criminal charge in Montgomery County, you can go to the Montgomery County County Clerk’s records search. For a felony offense in Montgomery County you can go to the Montgomery County District Clerk’s records search.

If you have been charged with a crime, it is important to understand the specific charges against you. The charges against you will be read to you by a Judge at your first court appearance after you are arrested. That this initial court date the Judge will decide if probable cause exists that the offense alleged against you occurred and they will set a bond amount for your case. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand the charges and the potential consequences of a conviction.

The potential penalties for criminal charges will depend on the specific charges and the laws of the state where the crime was committed. In Texas, crimes are classified as either felonies or misdemeanors. Felonies are more serious than misdemeanors and carry more severe penalties. Here are the different levels of felonies and misdemeanors in Texas, along with their corresponding punishment ranges:

Level of Crime

Punishment Range

Capital Felony

Death or life imprisonment without parole

First-Degree Felony

5 to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000

Second-Degree Felony

2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000

Third-Degree Felony

2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000

State Jail Felony

180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility and a fine of up to $10,000

Class A Misdemeanor

Up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000

Class B Misdemeanor

Up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000

Class C Misdemeanor

A fine of up to $500

An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand the potential penalties and develop a defense strategy to fight the charges.

Yes, if you have been charged with a crime, you have the right to an attorney. It is always best to have an attorney represent you. An attorney has specialized training and experience that the normal person does not have. They can evaluate your case, spot issues in the allegations against you, and use their knowledge of the court system to help get you the best outcome. It is important to exercise this right and seek the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
It is generally not a good idea to speak to the police or prosecutors without an attorney present. If a police officer or the prosecutors asks to speak with you politely decline and ask that you be given the chance to hire an attorney. Demand that an attorney be present during any meeting with the police or prosecutors. Anything you say can be used against you in court, and it is important to have legal representation to protect your rights.
Bail is an amount of money that is paid to the court to secure your release from jail while you are awaiting trial. Whether or not you should post bail will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. In some cases you might be benefited or avoid bigger harm by not posting bail immediately. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand your options and advise you on the best course of action.
In some cases, it may be possible to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed. This can occur if the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence to prove your guilt or if there are legal issues with the case. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand your options and work to get the charges against you dismissed.
Whether to go to trial or accept a plea deal is a decision that should be made after careful consideration and with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Your attorney can help you understand the potential risks and benefits of each option and advise you on the best course of action for your specific case.
Court appearances can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case and the laws of the state where the crime was committed. In general, you will be required to appear in court at specific times throughout the legal process. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand what to expect at your court appearances and provide guidance on how to best prepare.

An experienced criminal defense attorney can provide you with the best possible defense and increase your chances of a favorable outcome. Contact our team of attorneys for a Free Consultation today!