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Arrested at Work in Houston
Getting arrested is always a scary prospect. It can be humiliating, frightening, and overwhelming all at the same time. It's hard to know what to do and what to expect, but at least you can usually handle it privately while going about your regular life. However, if you're arrested at work, your arrest suddenly becomes a public spectacle in front of your colleagues, boss, and maybe even people who work for you. In this stressful time, it's important to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty, and your arrest does not mean a court will convict you. You need an expert in Texas criminal defense to protect your rights and guide your case to the best possible resolution.
What Happens After an Arrest?
After the police take you into custody, they'll take you to a police station or central processing station. You do not have to answer their questions beyond basic information about yourself. In fact, you should ask for an attorney before you speak to the police. After booking, you'll face the following:
- Arraignment: At the arraignment, you'll hear the official charges against you, and you can plead not guilty or guilty. The court will set a trial date if you plead not guilty.
- Bail: The court will either detain you or set bail. Bail is set on a schedule for Harris County courts based on the grading of your offense.
- Preliminary Hearing: At your preliminary hearing, the prosecutor will present the state's case, and the judge will decide if there's enough evidence against you to proceed to trial. This is an important opportunity for your attorney to get a look at the state's case and the evidence against you.
- Trial: At trial, the state will present the case against you, and your attorney will present your defense. You have the right to a trial by jury, but you may also choose a bench trial where the judge decides your guilt or innocence. Either way, the finder of fact must find you guilty "beyond all reasonable doubt" to impose a guilty verdict at your trial.
- Sentencing: If the court finds you guilty, the court will impose your sentence, including jail time, fines, and other terms.
Preparing for an Arrest
If you know that you have an arrest warrant pending or that you may face an arrest in the future, you should contact an expert in Texas criminal defense law immediately. An experienced attorney will know how to negotiate with prosecutors, arrange for you to turn yourself in for an arrest and processing, represent you in your first hearings, negotiate for release on your own recognizance or with reasonable bail, and negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges.
You Need an Expert in Texas Criminal Defense
If you've recently been arrested at work, it's important to remember that an arrest does not mean that a court will find you guilty. With an expert in criminal defense protecting your rights and zealously advocating on your behalf, you'll have your best shot at a favorable resolution. Attorney Doug Murphy is an expert in Texas Criminal Defense Law and DWI Defense. He is one of only two attorneys in Texas with Board Certifications in both these specialty areas of the law.
Doug is also highly respected by his peers in the Houston legal community. He was also recently named Lawyer of the Year by U.S. News and World Report Best Lawyers in America list for DWI defense in Houston for 2021 and 2023. He earned this prestigious recognition through the nomination and votes of his fellow lawyers in the Texas. Doug is also a nationally recognized expert in DWI defense and has lectured to attorneys across the country at more than 120 legal seminars, conferences, and continuing legal education classes.
Doug and the skilled team at the Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. have years of experience in criminal defense and as prosecutors. They have the skill and the knowledge to guide you through this stressful time. Contact the Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. online or call them at 713-229-8333 to schedule your consultation.