Mendoza Law: San Marcos Criminal Defense
Criminal Defense attorneys in San Marcos, TX
No one in Texas can press charges against you, such as the accuser or victim. When the police arrest you, the case is delivered to the prosecutor's office for review. It is at this time they may file charges against you.
Knowing that just being arrested can be a serious problem, even if charges are not filed, is critical. For instance, with domestic violence, an angry partner could send the police to arrest you on bogus charges to scare you. If this happens to you, your fate could be in the hands of the prosecutor, even if you are innocent.
Our San Marcos criminal defense attorneys can fight for your rights. We can help you to build a case to convince the state not to file charges.
Theft crimes
You may be charged with theft in Texas if you engage in forgery, fraud, or shoplifting. Remember that theft is a moral turpitude crime, which means it can damage your ability to obtain employment. It also can affect whether a jury will believe your testimony.
Depending on the number of goods involved, theft may be charged as a Class C misdemeanor or up to a first-degree felony. A first-degree felony can be charged if what you stole was worth $200,000 or more. Your attorney may try to contest the charges by noting there is a mistake of fact, lack of intent, or the crime was committed under duress.
Drug charges
Most drug crimes in Texas have harsh penalties. You can be charged with a serious drug crime for possessing, selling, or manufacturing marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamines. Depending on the drug and quantity, you can be charged with a felony or misdemeanor, and those variables affect the prison term.
Sex crimes
Texas sex crimes include sexual assault, rape, child molestation, indecency with a child, child abuse, child pornography, indecent exposure, and public lewdness. There is a tremendous amount of negative stigma with sex crimes, especially involving children. If you are convicted, you may have to register as a sex offender when you get out of jail. Being forced to register as a sex offender can affect your ability to get a job and where you live.
In Texas, online solicitation of minors sounds like a sex crime, but it technically falls under property crimes. Anyone who is 17 or older commits this crime when they have communicated in a sexual manner with someone who is under 17, or the offender thinks the person is under 17.
This crime can occur by text, email, other electronic messaging, and commercial online services. This offense has occurred whether or not you actually met the person. Anyone who participates in this crime faces a third-degree or second-degree felony charge.
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