Have you been arrested for a criminal offense in Addison, Texas? If so, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can protect your rights and defend your freedoms.
At Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian, we understand how getting arrested can take a toll on your life and reputation. Our compassionate and experienced team can serve as your guide and protector inside the criminal justice system. Our attorneys are top-notch negotiators and tenacious litigators ready to argue your case in court.
While the law says you are innocent until proven guilty, this is often not how it feels. The burden of proof lies with the prosecutor, but the criminal justice system often makes you feel guilty. Your criminal defense team is just a phone call away.
Call our office today at (972) 369-0577 for a consultation and case evaluation. We’re ready to take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Why Do I Need a Criminal Defense Attorney?
You may feel overwhelmed and frightened when you’re charged with a criminal offense in Addison, Texas. Unfortunately, some believe they can represent themselves, especially in a misdemeanor charge.
However, there is a gap between what you learn in books or see on television and real-life applications of that knowledge. Like when you’re negotiating with the prosecution or presenting your case in court. There are critical nuances in case law that only an experienced practitioner can interpret and apply.
When you hire the experienced criminal defense team from Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian, you can rely on us to handle every aspect of your case. This frees you to take care of other personal matters. Our experienced attorneys also have a network of resources they can tap into to ensure that you get the justice you deserve.
Without an experienced defense attorney, you may inadvertently say something to weaken your case. Additionally, the police and prosecution might try to intimidate you to compromise your defense.
Hiring an experienced trial lawyer should be your first step after an arrest. We can help ensure you don’t accidentally do or say something that costs you your freedom. We’ll be with you throughout the process to protect your rights.
Practice Areas
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in misdemeanor and felony charges. Yet, we understand that every case is unique, and we are ready to hear yours. You are best served by an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands the nuances of your situation. Our legal team has experience in the following areas:
Criminal Defense Process
Every situation is unique, but most cases follow a common process through the court system:
Investigation, warrants, and arrest. Each criminal case begins when law enforcement investigates a criminal offense. This can involve multiple enforcement agencies. Law enforcement may make an arrest immediately or take the issue before a judge for a warrant when they have probable cause you are responsible.
Processing and bond. Processing is also known as “booking.” During this process, you get photographed, fingerprinted, and checked for outstanding warrants. If you have not been arrested for a serious crime, such as capital murder, you could be eligible for bail.
Preliminary hearing and indictment. If you were arrested for a felony charge, the prosecutor could seek a preliminary hearing before a judge or an indictment before a grand jury. In both cases, the prosecutor must present their case and receive a positive response from the judge or grand jury to proceed.
Arraignment. You hear the charges filed against you during this court date. The judge will ask how you plead: guilty, not guilty, because of insanity, or no contest.
Discovery. This is a process during which your attorney and the prosecutor have time to see the evidence that both sides have gathered. The police must provide you with any evidence against you or evidence showing you are innocent.
Negotiations and motions. The prosecutor can open negotiations with your criminal defense attorney. However, this is only an option and not the right of the defendant. The prosecutor may negotiate when they believe the defendant has a strong case. Your defense attorney may file motions before the judge asking the court to take specific actions. For example, they could file a motion to suppress certain evidence or reduce bail.
Trial. When negotiations are not successful, the trial will proceed.
Sentencing. If you’re found guilty, the judge will announce a final decision about punishment. This is called sentencing. It usually happens at a separate hearing where your attorney provides evidence to convince the judge to reduce your sentence.
What Should I Do If I’m Arrested?
Under the U.S. Constitution, you have certain rights, even if you have committed a crime. After an arrest, you must exercise those rights. This ensures that the system works fairly and your rights are protected.
You have the right to remain silent, and you have the right to an attorney. After an arrest, you are not required to speak to anyone in law enforcement. It’s best to speak with your attorney before speaking with the police. They can help ensure you don’t make any statements that can be used against you later.
You have the right to probable cause for search and seizure. This means that the police can conduct limited searches for things in plain sight. They cannot do a general search unless there’s probable cause for evidence of a crime.
You also have the right to a speedy trial. This ensures that you do not wait for long periods of time in jail before your first court date. However, your lawyer may waive this right if they need more time to develop a solid defense.
Choose an Experienced Addison Criminal Defense Lawyer
The criminal defense lawyers of Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian have years of experience defending clients against allegations that they committed various crimes. If you were wrongfully accused, there could be lifelong consequences. It is the prosecutor’s responsibility to prove you have committed a crime, and it’s your legal team’s responsibility to raise doubt in the jurors’ minds.
Contact us immediately for a confidential consultation if you or a loved one were arrested. You have options. You’re not alone in this fight when you have an Addison, Texas, criminal defense lawyer on your side.
Call our office today at (972) 369-0577 to schedule your consultation. You can reach someone from our legal team 24 hours a day, seven days a week.