Bedford Criminal Defense Lawyer

Bedford Criminal Charges Demand a Zealous Defense

If you were arrested or are under investigation for a felony crime or misdemeanor offense in Bedford, Texas, you need to take the matter seriously and retain an experienced Bedford criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

At Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys, our Bedford criminal defense attorneys have more than 80 years of criminal law and DWI experience, and several of our lawyers once served as criminal prosecutors. We are committed to providing zealous criminal defense to every single one of our clients, regardless of the criminal charges they face.

Given the enormous stakes you are facing if convicted, you should never speak to the police or discuss your case with anyone without obtaining legal representation from an experienced Bedford criminal defense attorney.

While no attorney can guarantee the outcome of a criminal prosecution, you increase the odds of staying out of jail and safeguarding your reputation and future by retaining an experienced proven criminal defense law firm.

Contact Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys today for a free consultation regarding your case and learn how we can help you obtain the most favorable outcome possible.

Why Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys Is the Right Criminal Attorney to Handle Your Bedford Criminal Charge

Our criminal defense team understands the inner workings of law enforcement and the Tarrant County District Attorney’s offices because we have five attorneys who once worked as prosecutors in both Collin County and Tarrant County. We have tried over 500 criminal jury trials and more than 300 DWI trials in the courts of Tarrant County and other courts in North Texas. Whether you are facing a serious felony crime or a minor misdemeanor citation, the experience and knowledge at Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys stand ready to protect your freedom and ensure you get your life back!

We draw upon our extensive experience to expose any possible improper police procedures, such as violations of his clients’ Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable search and seizure and Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination.

These violations, along with other Due Process violations, can result in the exclusion of key evidence and dismissal of charges or acquittal after trial. Even when these options are not realistic based on the facts and evidence, we use private investigators and forensic experts to aggressively challenge the evidence and expose shortcomings in the prosecutor’s case, so the prosecutor is motivated to offer a favorable plea agreement.

It is a strategy that not only works but has resulted in our defense attorneys receiving consistent recognition as among the top trial lawyers in the country.

While you may have heard that those accused of criminal offenses in Bedford and the surrounding areas of Texas may have the right to a court-appointed criminal attorney, there are important reasons to consider retaining a private Bedford criminal defense lawyer instead.

First, many people are ineligible for a court-appointed attorney under the financial need-based standards that determine whether a person is entitled to a court-appointed attorney.

Second, the process of fighting criminal charges is stressful and upsetting, and court-appointed attorneys have huge caseloads and limited resources. This means that you may not get much of an opportunity to talk to your court-appointed attorney except for a few minutes in court. In contrast, private attorneys typically have more extensive resources and time to devote to your case, because they do not have an enormous caseload.

Finally, most court-appointed attorneys do not have a private practice with a proven track record of obtaining favorable results for their clients. What is more important than ensuring you maintain your freedom? What is more important than making sure your criminal record is clean?

Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys is dedicated to fighting for the rights of our clients, making sure they receive the zealous representation and personal care necessary to keep them informed and help them obtain a successful outcome.

Criminal Charges in Bedford that Fulgham Hampton Can Help You Fight

Our Bedford criminal defense law firm is dedicated to preventing our clients from becoming the victims of overzealous prosecutors and law enforcement officers. We handle the full range of criminal offenses in Bedford, including but not limited to the following:

When you are accused of these serious crimes, you face many potential penalties, including incarceration, hefty fines, probation, mandatory counseling, community service, anger management or substance abuse classes, driver’s license suspension, and other forms of punishment. Further, you also may experience significant long-term informal consequences that affect your employment, housing, immigration status, education, reputation, and personal relationships.

What's the Difference Between Felonies and Misdemeanors in Texas?

In Texas, as in many other jurisdictions, the primary distinctions between felonies and misdemeanors lie in the severity of the offenses and the potential penalties. Here are the key differences between felony crimes and misdemeanor crimes in Texas:

Severity of Offenses:

  • Felony: Felonies are generally more serious crimes. They include offenses such as murder, aggravated assault, sexual assault, robbery, and certain drug crimes. Felonies are categorized into different degrees (e.g., first-degree felony, second-degree felony) based on the severity of the offense.
  • Misdemeanor: Misdemeanors are less serious offenses compared to felonies. Examples include simple assault, theft (below a certain dollar amount), minor drug offenses, and some traffic violations. Misdemeanors are also categorized into classes (e.g., Class A misdemeanor, Class B misdemeanor) based on the severity.

Penalties:

  • Felony: Felonies carry more severe penalties. The potential consequences for a felony conviction include significant prison sentences (ranging from state jail time to life imprisonment), substantial fines, and other collateral consequences such as the loss of certain rights.
  • Misdemeanor: Misdemeanors generally result in less severe penalties. The maximum jail time for misdemeanors is one year, and fines are less substantial compared to felonies. In some cases, individuals convicted of misdemeanors may serve their sentences in a county jail rather than a state prison.

Incarceration Location:

  • Felony: Individuals convicted of felonies may serve their sentences in state prisons.
  • Misdemeanor: Individuals convicted of misdemeanors typically serve their sentences in county jails.

Impact on Civil Rights:

  • Felony: Felony convictions can have more severe consequences for civil rights. In addition to potential imprisonment and fines, individuals convicted of felonies may face restrictions on their right to vote, possess firearms, and serve on juries.
  • Misdemeanor: While misdemeanors can still impact civil rights, the consequences are generally less severe. Some misdemeanors may result in temporary restrictions on certain rights, but these restrictions are often less restrictive than those associated with felonies.

Legal Process:

  • Felony: Felony cases typically involve more complex legal processes, including grand jury proceedings and more extensive pre-trial proceedings.
  • Misdemeanor: Misdemeanor cases often involve simpler legal processes, and individuals may have the option to resolve cases more quickly through plea agreements.

It's important to note that the specific penalties and classifications can vary based on the nature and circumstances of the offense. If you are facing criminal charges in Texas, it's crucial to consult with a qualified criminal defense attorney who can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.

What Should I Do After Being Arrested in Bedford, TX?

If you've been arrested in Bedford or any other location, it's important to take certain steps to protect your rights and navigate the legal process. Here are some general guidelines to follow after being arrested:

  • Remain Calm: It's understandable to feel stressed or anxious, but try to remain calm and composed. Resisting arrest or arguing with law enforcement officers can escalate the situation and may lead to additional charges.
  • Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent: You have the right to remain silent. Politely inform law enforcement that you wish to exercise your right to remain silent and that you would like to have an attorney present during any questioning.
  • Request an Attorney: You have the right to an attorney. Clearly and respectfully request to have an attorney present before answering any questions. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for a court-appointed lawyer.
  • Provide Basic Information: You may be required to provide basic identification information, such as your name and address. However, avoid volunteering additional information without the presence of an attorney.
  • Be Mindful of Your Words: Anything you say or do can be used against you in court. Be cautious about what you say, both to law enforcement officers and to others. Avoid discussing the details of your case with other inmates.
  • Document the Arrest: If possible, take mental notes or make a mental record of the circumstances surrounding your arrest, including the time, location, and any potential witnesses. This information may be useful later in your defense.
  • Contact Someone: You have the right to make a phone call. Use this opportunity to contact a family member, friend, or attorney. Be mindful of what you say during the call, as it may be recorded.
  • Cooperate with Booking Procedures: While asserting your rights, cooperate with booking procedures. This includes providing necessary personal information and complying with fingerprinting and photographing processes.
  • Understand the Charges: Ask the arresting officers about the charges against you. Understanding the charges is essential for making informed decisions and communicating effectively with your attorney.
  • Avoid Making Statements Without Attorney: Avoid making any statements to law enforcement without your attorney present. Wait until you have consulted with an attorney before providing a formal statement.
  • Hire an Attorney: As soon as possible, consult with and hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. An attorney can provide legal advice, guide you through the legal process, and build a strong defense strategy tailored to your case.

Remember that each case is unique, and the specific circumstances of your arrest may influence the appropriate actions to take. Seeking legal advice from an experienced attorney at Fulgham Law Firm is crucial to understanding your rights and building a defense against the charges you may be facing.

What Should You Do If A Bedford Detective Has Called You?

It is a terrifying situation. You receive a call from an unknown number on your cell phone. You answer the phone, and it is a Bedford police detective on the other line asking you to have an interview regarding a possible “investigation” in which you are involved. What should you do?

For the innocent, the temptation is to agree to meet with the Bedford detective and hear what he has to say and explain how you are innocent, and the investigation should be dropped. However, in practice, it does not work this way. Why? If you receive a call from a Bedford police officer stating you are the subject of an investigation, you should expect to be aggressively interrogated if you meet with the detective alone.

In fact, most detectives are trained to manage interrogations in a manner that requires you to answer many yes or no questions. In fact, many questions by detectives are framed in a manner that makes it appear you are guilty regardless of how you answer them. For example, “Did you know the items were stolen before or after you showed up at the house?” As you can tell, this question presupposes your guilt. So, what should you do?

How Can A Bedford Criminal Defense Attorney Protect You?

If you are the subject of a criminal investigation in Bedford, Texas, you should hire an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney. Why? Because everything you say to a detective will be used against you. Everything! Do not expect the criminal investigator to give you the benefit of the doubt with anything that you say. On the contrary, if you agree to be interviewed and you say something that could be interpreted as a confession, you should expect the detective to interpret your statement as a confession.

However, if you hire a Bedford criminal lawyer to step in to assist you, you have now exercised your 6th Amendment right to counsel and your 5th Amendment right to remain silent. The advantage of retaining an experienced criminal defense lawyer to assist you is that your lawyer can now speak to the detective and provide evidence that may clear your name, and you do not have to worry about your lawyer’s words being twisted or manipulated against you. Why? Because every word your criminal attorney says to the detective is labeled as hearsay under Texas criminal law and cannot be used against you in a court of law. This is critical! This protects you from being manipulated by an overzealous Bedford detective during an interrogation.

By having a criminal attorney involved in the investigative process, you may avoid the prospect of being arrested or charged with a crime. Have you been contacted by a Bedford detective? Do not hesitate to contact Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free consultation to help you plan a defense against the detective!

Where Is The Bedford Municipal Court Located?

The Bedford municipal court is located at 2000 Forest Ridge Drive, Bedford, Texas 76021. For more information regarding the Bedford municipal court procedures, you can visit their website at: https://www.bedfordtx.gov/court/

Where Is The Bedford City Jail Located?

If you need information on a loved one who is currently in the Bedford City Jail, please call 817-952-2040 or visit the detention facility located at 2121 L. Dodson Dr, Bedford, Texas 76021. For more information on the detention facility please visit: https://www.bedfordpolice.com/detention-facility

Call Us Right Now To Get Help

(817) 813-8013

Contact Fulgham Hampton about Your Bedford Arrest as Soon as Possible

Whether you have been arrested or are merely the subject of a law enforcement investigation, the decision to retain an experienced Bedford criminal defense lawyer from Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys may even prevent formal charges from being filed against you.

When you retain one of our lawyers during the pre-charge investigation stage of a case, we could limit the scope of interrogations and searches or expose fatal flaws in the prosecutor’s case so that the prosecutor declines to file charges or files less serious or fewer charges.

Our Bedford misdemeanor and felony defense law firm provides tenacious representation and advocacy when seeking a successful outcome for our clients. Contact us today at 817-877-3030 or via email at intake@fulghamlaw.com.

Start fighting for your tomorrow.

Contact Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys

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From navigating complex legal nuances to securing dismissals and favorable settlements, trust our seasoned team to protect your rights and deliver effective criminal defense tailored to your unique case.

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