Copyright @ Raphael Ortega Law PLLC, 2023| All rights reserved.
Facing an arrest and subsequent filing of criminal charges can be a frightening, confusing, and stressful situation. Even if the case is only a misdemeanor under state law, a conviction will create a criminal record and have long-lasting consequences. Felony cases, on the other hand, are much more serious and can result in a minimum prison sentence of at least one year—while the harshest sentences can result in life imprisonment or even, the death penalty.
Approach your case from a position of knowledge and strength. Provide yourself with a vital advantage by hiring a Conroe criminal defense lawyer to take the lead. Raphael Ortega is a former felony prosecutor and ICE trial attorney. He is an experienced legal professional that is prepared to explain the laws that control your case, evaluate evidence, and craft a strategic defense. Raphael utilizes a client-centered approach to represent your interests in court. He is a fierce advocate, ensuring that his clients are never left in the dark – even in the darkest moments.
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Criminal cases in Texas fall into one of two categories:
Most criminal cases are misdemeanors that can never result in more than one year in jail under Texas Penal Code § 12.21. However, if a person has a prior misdemeanor conviction on their record, under certain circumstances the judge may need to impose a mandatory-minimum jail sentence.
Common examples of misdemeanor charges in Conroe include:
A skilled Conroe and The Woodlands criminal defense attorney is prepared to present strong defenses against any type of misdemeanor charge.
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Felonies involve the most serious types of crimes and include any case where a conviction can result in a prison term of more than one year (Tex. Penal Code § 12.31-35). In many examples, convictions come with mandatory prison sentences.
Felony cases in Texas include:
A knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer in Conroe, such as Raphael Ortega, is prepared to fully explain how state law defines a specific offense and what a prosecutor needs to prove in court. The firm is also ready to explain how a conviction may impact your present and future.
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Immigration Consultation Immigration law is complex and ever changing. It can be difficult to navigate even seemingly simple immigration issues. It can be downright overwhelming to face state or federal criminal charges along with the potential immigration consequences of any conviction. Immigration law is so complex that it can even be difficult for lawyers specializing in other areas of law, such as criminal, family, corporate, or personal injury to represent clients that may have collateral immigration issues. Consulting an experienced criminal defense attorney who was both a former state prosecutor and ICE prosecutor will help you navigate your case.
Noncitizens with no immigration status could face immediate deportation without ever seeing an immigration judge if they are convicted of certain crimes such as burglary, fraud, drug trafficking, alien smuggling, crimes of violence or other aggravated felonies. To make matters more confusing, even certain misdemeanor convictions could be classified as an aggravated felony under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Both lawful permanent residents (LPR) and undocumented noncitizens convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT) may face inadmissibility and removability issues. Under certain instances, a noncitizen may not even need to be convicted of a crime to be placed in removal proceedings.
The individual’s legal status as an immigrant can majorly affect any immigration penalties, such as if they:
Understanding the nuances of “crimmigration” (criminal law immigration) is near impossible for noncitizens and highly difficult for non-immigration attorneys. A knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer who was a former state prosecutor and ICE attorney like Raphael Ortega can assist in counseling your clients or help fight alongside you as you protect their rights.
An effective defense against any type of criminal charge begins from the moment that an arrest occurs or from when you believe you may be under investigation for a crime. Even after an arrest, police officers will attempt to use their vast resources to obtain more evidence about the supposed offense. This means that people facing an arrest need to continue to take steps to protect themselves.
Having a well-practiced Conroe criminal defense attorney by your side from the earliest possible opportunity gives them a better chance of helping your case. Even if you are still in police custody, a committed lawyer could help prevent aggressive interrogation techniques or stop an improper identification procedure.
A seasoned attorney also provides legal guidance during all pretrial court sessions. This includes arguing for fair bail terms during an arraignment, contesting the need for restraining orders, and arguing important motions about the admissibility of evidence.
Finally, a capable Conroe criminal lawyer is prepared to present a strong defense at trial. This may include offering evidence that helps fight back against a prosecutor’s case and working to create reasonable doubt in the minds of jurors.
Any criminal allegation has the potential to change your life forever. Even if the case is only a misdemeanor under state law, convictions will create criminal records, harm your reputation, and may result in a jail sentence. It is critical that you be prepared to address these charges as quickly as possible with the strongest advocate by your side.
Hiring a Conroe criminal defense lawyer to help you may be a step in the right direction. A dedicated attorney like Raphael Ortega, as a former felony prosecutor, is ready to explain the laws that control your case, explain prosecution tactics used to build a case against you, obtain evidence that helps prove your innocence, and guide you through every court hearing and potential trial. Call now to schedule a free confidential consultation and discuss the details of your case with a qualified legal professional serving Conroe and The Woodlands.
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Copyright @ Raphael Ortega Law PLLC, 2023| All rights reserved.