Pasadena, TX Criminal Defense Lawyer

Pasadena, TX Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing criminal charges in Pasadena, TX, can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. When you are in trouble with the law, the consequences of a conviction can affect your freedom, your reputation, and your future. At The Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, a Pasadena, TX criminal defense lawyer can provide you with knowledgeable, dedicated legal counsel. We are familiar with Pasadena courts and judges, and we know how to build a strong defense.

Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Texas criminal defense attorney Joseph Ruiz is a nationally accredited criminal defense attorney. He has been a member of the Super Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and the recipient of the Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Silver Award. Attorney Ruiz is a member of the Texas Bar College. His clients choose him for his tenacity, strategic insights, and courtroom savvy.

Types of Criminal Charges in Texas

In Texas, criminal offenses are categorized as either misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors such as a first-time DWI or petty theft can result in fines, probation, or up to a year in jail. Felonies, which include aggravated assault, drug trafficking, or burglary, can carry multiple years of incarceration and lifelong repercussions.

Some offenses, like domestic violence or repeat DWI, can quickly escalate in severity. It is vital to understand the nature of your charge since penalties vary based on your record, the facts of the case, and how it is prosecuted. The sooner you get legal advice, the more options you may have to protect your future.

What to Expect After an Arrest in Pasadena

If you get arrested in Pasadena, either by Pasadena PD or Harris County Sheriff’s deputies, you’ll be taken to jail and booked. You will likely have a bail or bond setting in front of a magistrate, and could face arraignment with formal charges brought against you, and then pretrial court hearings and negotiation. All of this is done in the Harris County criminal courts, where the rules of procedure and local practice influence how the case will move forward.

A defense lawyer can help guide you through each of these stages, from motions to suppress evidence to plea bargains. The earlier a lawyer can get involved, the better, and it is not unheard of to have cases dismissed even before formal charges have been filed.

How a Criminal Record Can Impact Your Future

A criminal conviction can follow you for many years after a case is over. Having a criminal record can restrict your opportunities for housing, employment, professional licenses, and loans. Some crimes can impact your immigration status or cost you civil rights, such as the right to vote or own a firearm.

In 2023, Pasadena’s overall crime index score was 347, 1.4 times the national average and higher than 93.1% of U.S. cities. Violent crime and property crime have risen over the past five years, with 11 homicides recorded in 2023. With crime rates this high, strong legal representation is critical for anyone facing charges in Pasadena to protect their rights and future.

Your criminal record will include even those charges that were dismissed or deferred and will show up in a background check. This is why it is so important to aggressively fight the charges against you at the earliest stages or to seek a plea deal that minimizes charges or makes you eligible for expunction. Protect your future by protecting your record. An experienced criminal defense lawyer understands every legal option you have.

Your Rights Under Texas Criminal Law

If you are accused of a crime in Texas, you have rights under the United States Constitution and the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. You have a Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, a Sixth Amendment right to an attorney, and a Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable search and seizures. Texas law also prohibits the use of evidence that is obtained in violation of these rights. (Tex. Code Crim. Proc. §§ 1.05, 1.051, and 38.23)

FAQs About Pasadena, TX Criminal Defense Laws

What Should I Do First if I’m Arrested in Pasadena?

If you get arrested in Pasadena, stay quiet and ask for a lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you, even before charges are filed. Know your Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights. Don’t discuss your case with the police or anyone else until after you have spoken with a criminal defense attorney who is familiar with the Harris County court system.

Can I Avoid Jail Time for a First-Time Offense in Texas?

Yes, you may avoid jail time for a first-time offense in Texas, depending on the charge and circumstances. Probation, pretrial diversion, and deferred adjudication are often options for first-time offenders. Your eligibility depends on many factors, including the offense’s severity and your criminal record.

Your attorney can analyze available options and work to secure the most favorable result for your case. In some cases, they may be able to keep a conviction from showing on your record at all.

How Does Bail Work in Harris County Criminal Cases?

In Harris County, bail is generally set soon after arrest, often at a hearing in front of a magistrate. The judge or magistrate will consider the seriousness of the charge, your criminal history, and the likelihood of flight. Your lawyer can file a motion to reduce bail if it’s set too high. A personal recognizance (PR) option exists for certain cases. An attorney can help you understand the local rules, bond conditions, and work to protect your right to release.

Will a Conviction Stay on My Record Forever?

In Texas, a conviction remains on your record forever, unless it’s eligible for expunction or nondisclosure. You can get some convictions sealed after a waiting period, such as some misdemeanors and deferred adjudications. It’s much more difficult to seal a felony conviction.

Employers, landlords, and licensing boards may discover old convictions through a background check. A criminal defense attorney can help you avoid a conviction or maintain eligibility for future relief.

Contact a Pasadena, TX Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you are charged with a crime, you need a lawyer who has experience in handling similar cases. At The Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, we deliver smart, focused criminal defense for our clients in Pasadena and all across Harris County. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step in protecting your future.