Life doesn't always go as planned. The selection of a Weatherford criminal defense lawyer is, therefore, critical. At Fulgham Hampton Criminal Attorneys, we are dedicated to assisting those accused of a crime in achieving a more favorable result.
Your Freedom Is Our Top Priority at Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys
If authorities charged you with a felony in Texas, you need a strong defense lawyer to stand up for your rights. Clients facing criminal charges can benefit from the skills of Fulgham Hampton Criminal Attorneys' legal team. Our first concern is protecting you and achieving a better criminal defense outcome.
Why Choose Us for Your Strongest Defense?
All attorneys are not equal when your reputation, finances, and freedom are at stake. That’s why you can count on the lawyers at Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys. We offer the following credentials and benefits.
Focused Practice
Your attorney should focus specifically on your criminal defense. Don’t choose general practitioners dabbling in a dozen different legal fields. Choose an attorney who handles cases just like yours on a regular basis.
Courtroom Litigation Experience
Even with most cases resolving in pleas, you still want your legal counsel to be prepared to go to trial. Verify your lawyer’s level of experience - cross-examining witnesses, presenting evidence, and swaying juries during Texas criminal trials.
Resources & Investigation Skills
Determine what resources an attorney uses to invest in cases and clients. Do they maintain independent investigators? Forensic specialists? What sets them apart? Underfunded lawyers cut corners and push plea deals rather than vigorously defend you.
Local Reputation & Results
Texas jurisprudence varies substantially between counties and cities. Ask defense lawyers about their case outcomes and reputation with local judges, prosecutors, and courts specifically. Or request references to speak to past clients.
Commitment and Early Involvement
The level of attention from your lawyer often declines dramatically during a case. Seek attorneys who are fully committed to you from the time of your arrest and the investigation through an appeal, if needed.
Compatibility and Communication
No two attorneys approach cases exactly alike. Candidly discuss an attorney’s unique style and credentials. Gauge your comfort level - especially regarding communication frequency and clarity. Trust your gut feelings during the initial consultation.
Reasonable Fees
The cynicism surrounding some lawyers is understandably off-putting. Seek fair-priced counsel rather than those chasing clients with discount fees or overcharging outrageously. Compare fee structures during free consultations. How much value will they deliver?
Practice Areas - Criminal Defense Cases We Represent in Weatherford, Texas
Below are the crimes our attorneys regularly handle.
Assault Charges
Assault occurs when someone threatens another person with harm or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes physical injury.
Simple assault does not include the use of a weapon or result in serious bodily injury. The charge is escalated to aggravated assault if a weapon, such as a firearm or knife, is involved or the victim is seriously injured.
Simple assault may cover threats, inappropriate touching, or small injuries like bruises and scrapes. It does not cover injuries such as bleeding, fractured bones, or other serious physical harm. The offense is classified as a Class C misdemeanor in Texas, which is often discussed alongside topics like Texas open carry laws, as both deal with public safety and legal consequences. Harsher punishments apply for subsequent offenses.
Assault Classifications
- Class C Misdemeanor. If you’re charged with assault but do not injure the other victim, you are usually assessed a $500 fine. However, you still need to speak to our legal team at Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys. This type of charge can greatly impact your criminal record and your life.
- Class A Misdemeanor. If you harm someone, your assault is classified as a Class A misdemeanor crime. This common form of assault is seen the most often in courts. The maximum penalty can lead to a year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
- Third-Degree Felony. If you strangle a family member or cut off their respiration, then an assault becomes a felony. You can also be charged with this crime if you assault a family member by other means or if you’ve had a prior conviction. This conviction carries a penalty of two to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
You can also receive a third-degree felony charge for assaulting a public servant, government employee, security officer (on duty), or emergency service employee.
- Second-Degree Felony. In Texas, aggravated assault is a second-degree felony. If you issue a threat to someone while armed with a deadly weapon, you can ultimately face this charge. Sexual assault or rape is also a second-degree felony. If convicted, you may spend two to 20 years in prison and pay a fine of up to $10,000.
- First-Degree Felony. The most severe felony assault charge, a first-degree felony, covers aggravated assault when it is done against a dating partner, family member, or someone living in your household and ends in a serious bodily injury.
You can also receive this conviction if you’re accused and charged with sexual assault (or rape) a second time.
In addition, first-degree felony charges are also leveled against defendants who commit assault against:
- On-duty or uniformed public servant or security officer
- A public servant in the line of duty
- A public servant - to show retaliation
- An actual or possible crime witness
- An informant or reporter of a crime
A first-degree assault felony charge can lead to five years to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Theft and Property Charges
Theft happens when someone unlawfully takes property intending to deprive the owner of said property without their permission.
Theft charges include shoplifting, receiving stolen goods, and extortion.
Generally, the theft of any property under $2,500 is a misdemeanor crime. Property theft worth $2,500 to $30,000 may lead to a felony conviction of 180 days to two years in a state prison.
A third-degree felony covers the theft of property worth $30,000 to $150,000, while a second-degree felony is charged for property valued from $150,000 to $300,000. Any property taken that is over $300,000 can lead to a first-degree felony conviction.
Drug Crimes
We defend clients who are charged with possession as well as for production, trafficking, and distribution.
Punishments for Controlled Substances
Texas divides controlled substances into Penalty Groups based on the legal seriousness of the drug. Harsher punishments apply depending on the substance and amounts possessed.
Penalty Group 1:
- Includes the most dangerous drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
- Any amount for personal use is a felony, punishable by six months to two years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Possessing over 400 grams bumps potential prison time up to 10 to 99 years and includes a fine of up to $100,000.
Penalty Group 2:
- Includes illegal drugs like PCP, ecstasy, and fentanyl analogs.
- Less than one gram earns felony charges of six months to two years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Over 400 grams trigger possible five to 99-year sentences and a possible $50,000 fine.
Penalty Group 3:
- Covers prescription drugs like Xanax, Ritalin, and anabolic steroids when abused recreationally.
- Less than 28 grams brings misdemeanor penalties of one year maximum jail time and up to a $4,000 fine.
- Over 400 grams again drastically increases sentences up to 99 years and includes a fine of up to $50,000.
Marijuana Possession Penalties in Texas
While Texas has decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana in recent years, you can still face misdemeanor or felony charges under state law, depending on the quantity.
Less Than 2 Ounces:
Possessing under two ounces of marijuana is a Class B misdemeanor in Texas. This can result in 180 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000.
Two Ounces to 2,000 Pounds
Amounts between two ounces and 2,000 pounds are considered "felony marijuana." This can lead to 180 days to two years in prison and fines ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the precise quantity and judge's discretion. Police also have the latitude to categorize possession as an intent to distribute.
Over 2,000 Pounds:
This quantity triggers the highest first-degree felony charge in Texas, which includes potential prison sentences of 10 years to life (99 years maximum) and a fine not exceeding $100,000. Trafficking sentences depend on the precise amount of over 2,000 pounds possessed.
Defenses:
As experienced criminal defense lawyers, our team at Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys stands ready to dispute drug-related charges, challenging the legitimacy of marijuana quantity measurements, possession technicalities, or lab-testing processes.
DWI/DUI
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) laws in Texas make it unlawful to operate any motor vehicle on roads with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher.
DWI is a Class B misdemeanor, which is more serious. A DUI charge is a Class C misdemeanor and only applies to a minor or defendant who is under the legal drinking age of 21.
If someone is charged for the crime or arrested as a repeat offender, they may face jail time, hefty fines, suspension of their driver’s license, or vehicle impoundment.
Domestic Violence Cases
Domestic violence refers to harm or threats occurring within family or household relationships. This can involve spouses, partners, parents, siblings, and other close family members. In these situations, assault charges can be more severe due to the nature of the relationships involved. Plaintiffs may require restraining orders for protection.
If you have any questions about how Texas defines and penalizes these acts under its statutes, feel free to ask!
Don't leave your future in the hands of the prosecution. Our Texas criminal defense attorneys at Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys have a proven track record of achieving dismissals, acquittals, and favorable plea bargains for our clients. Make sure you contact a legal representative to achieve the best results!
Contact Us 24/7 for your free case review!
You can find Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys at 119 North Main Street, #220, in Weatherford, Texas 76806. We are located just north of the Parker County Courthouse. Call us at (817) 877-5201 today for your free case review.
Facing Criminal Charges in Texas? Why You Urgently Need a Defense Attorney
If you or a loved one have been arrested and charged with a crime in Texas, it’s imperative that you immediately contact and hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. Without proper legal representation guiding your defense, you’re extremely vulnerable to harsh penalties - penalties that can disrupt your life for years to come.
Don’t leave your fate or freedom in the hands of prosecutors aiming to “get wins” by piling on charges and pushing for maximum sentences. A qualified Texas defense lawyer levels the playing field and fights to protect your rights every step of the way.
Why You Need to Act Fast
Here’s why hiring a criminal defense counsel is urgent as soon as charges are filed:
Time Is of the Essence
Prosecutors move fast following an arrest, filing formal charges quickly while beginning the discovery process to build evidence. An attorney starts working right away to counter the prosecution, analyze the state’s case for weaknesses, and identify ways to dismiss charges or achieve an acquittal.
Avoid Costly Mistakes
Attempting to get through the Texas criminal procedure without legal training is a recipe for disaster. Even admitting to seemingly “harmless” facts to detectives and investigators can sink your defense.
Assert your right to remain silent until your lawyer is present. An attorney spots legal pitfalls you won’t see coming and challenges questionable evidence.
Investigate the Facts
Police reports and complaints only tell “one side of the story” from the accuser's perspective. Your criminal defense lawyer thoroughly probes the facts, interviewing witnesses, visiting relevant locations, and reviewing documents to construct the strongest defense.
Negotiations With Prosecutors
Over 90 percent of Texas criminal cases end with plea bargain deals rather than dramatic courtroom trials. Your experienced negotiator seeks charge reductions, minimized penalties, or alternative resolutions. They know what “levers to pull” based on prosecutors’ tendencies and the local courts.
Knowledge of Texas Criminal Law
The Texas statutes contain thousands of pages detailing various offenses and penalties. How confident are you when it comes to analyzing these complex laws? Attorneys stay constantly up-to-date on emerging case law, sentencing guidelines, and available defenses against specific allegations and claims.
The prosecution has infinitely more resources than you do to leverage the full weight of the law. Balance the scales with a legal representative in your corner.
Contact a Weatherford Criminal Defense Lawyer from Fulgham Hampton Right Away
You have a lot at stake when you’re facing criminal charges. That is why you need a lawyer who understands your legal requirements and needs. Contact Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Lawyers today. Call (817) 877-5201 for your case review right away.