Criminal Defense Attorney in Austin
No one is ready to be charged with a criminal offense in Austin or anywhere else in the state of Texas. When it does happen, you need competent, professional legal representation immediately. The Erin Shinn Law Office provides aggressive legal defense for individual convicted of crimes in Austin.
If you’ve been accused of a crime, it’s essential that you speak to an attorney, while there’s still the opportunity to mount a valid criminal defense. Erin Shinn will review the police case against you and determine the best course of action. As one of Austin’s premier criminal defense lawyers, attorney Erin Shinn defends Austin-area clients against a variety for charges.
DWI Offenses
A DWI conviction comes with hefty charges, even if it’s a first offense. Texas DWI penalties have become increasingly harsh, and the number of DWI arrests in the state approaches 100,000 nearly every year.
A conviction on a DWI offense, often referred to as DUI in other states, comes with a fine, possible jail time, a suspended drivers license, and additional fees to reinstate your license.
Subsequent convictions mean increased jail time, greater fines, and longer suspensions, plus the possibility of the court ordering an ignition interlock device. These are consequences that can bury the potential of an individual, crippling their ability to work or go school.
Assault
There are several categories of assault, each having the possibility of arrest. These include:
- Simple assault (misdemeanor)
- Aggravated assault (felony)
- Domestic violence misdemeanor/felony
Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony assault, you risk jail, fines, and a criminal record. Retaining the services of a criminal defense lawyer to defend your situation can mean the difference between the Austin-area courts seeing you as a criminal or an upstanding member of society who has made an isolated mistake.
Misdemeanor Crimes
There are three different classifications of misdemeanors in the state of Texas:
Class A
A Class A misdemeanor is likely to carry the consequence of one year in jail along with a $4,000 dollar fine. Class A misdemeanor examples are:
- Assault with bodily injury
- A second offense for a DWI
- Vehicle burglary
- Possession of a deadly weapon
Class B
A Class B misdemeanor carries the sentence of 180 days in jail along with a $2,000 fine. These are often offenses. Examples of Class B misdemeanors include:
- First-time DWI offense
- Harassment
- Prostitution
- Indecent exposure
Class C
A Class misdemeanor is the lesser of the three categories. These kinds of offenses would fall under the criteria of:
- Disorderly conduct
- Public intoxication
- Gambling
- Petty theft
As you can see, misdemeanors have varying degrees of severity. How they are presented to the court often depends on the experience level and knowledge of your criminal defense lawyer. The proper representation can be the difference between overcoming these unfortunate events, or facing consequences that can follow you for life.
Felonies
Felonies are the highest-penalty crimes in the state of Texas. The categories include:
Capital Felony
These are crimes that are punishable by death or life without parole.
First-Degree Felony
A first-degree felony is a crime that can result in anywhere from 5-99 years in jail as well as a significant fine.
Second-Degree Felony
A second-degree felony carries the sentence of two to twenty years in prison along with a fine of up to $10,000. An example of a second-degree felony could be an assault on a family member leading to significant bodily harm.
Third-Degree Felony
A third-degree felony is an act that can carry the consequence of two to ten years of imprisonment along with the expense of a $10,000 fine. The possession of up to 50 pounds of marijuana is an example of a third-degree felony.
State Jail Felony
Under special circumstances, certain actions cause the crime to be labeled as a state jail felony. These actions come with the consequence of 180 days to two years of jail along with the fine of $10,000. The criteria that falls within this kind of crime is often the theft of either:
- A firearm
- Livestock exceeding the value of $20,000
- Property exceeding the value of $2,500
Austin, TX Criminal Defense
If you or a loved one stands accused of a criminal offense, it’s paramount that you obtain the appropriate defense. Criminal defense attorney Erin Shinn has devoted her life to defending those accused of crimes in Austin and other regions of Texas.
No one can guarantee the outcome of a case, but finding the right attorney can give you a distinct advantage in your criminal defense. Erin Shinn of Austin is dedicated to her clients and will do everything in her power to create a favorable outcome. Contact her today to discuss the details of your arrest.
