General Criminal Defense

Experienced Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being charged with a crime, whether misdemeanor or felony, can be an incredibly stressful experience that leaves you unsure about your future. To protect your interests and your rights in the face of any criminal charges in Dallas, contact the Law Office of Mark F. Fernandez. Our practice can help you design an effective defense backed by 15 years of experience in criminal law. Read on to learn more about the steps you should take when you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony under state, local, or federal laws.

What to Do If You Are Facing Criminal Charges

If you are under arrest or in custody for a crime, there are a number of tactics that law enforcement may use to incriminate you in court. Therefore, you will want to know how to protect yourself when you are being questioned or arrested.

• Know your rights – Regardless of what you are told or asked during questioning, you always have the right to remain silent and have an attorney present. The primary goal of any law enforcement officer is to get a confession, so it is best to avoid answering any questions until you can consult an experienced lawyer to offer insight on the case.
• Contact an attorney – Once you are out of the custody of law enforcement, you should schedule a formal consultation with a Dallas defense lawyer to discuss all the details of your case. A skilled lawyer will not make any promises about the outcome of your case or guarantee that your charges will be dropped, but he or she may reassure you with an extensive knowledge of local and federal laws and the most effective strategies to implement in court.
• Understand your charges – Whether through a conversation with your attorney or your own research, you should get to know your charges so that you know what to expect in your case. Learning about your charges can also help you take steps to look better in front of the judge when you go to court. For example, attending Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings following drug or alcohol charges can show that you have made an effort at rehabilitation and recovery.

How to Find the Right Defense Attorney

You may need to meet with a few different lawyers before deciding on the right one to represent your case. A few key factors that you should know before choosing an attorney include the primary areas of defense covered by the practice, the size of the practice, the availability of your lawyer, and who will be representing you. At the Law Office of Mark F. Fernandez, you will work directly with Mr. Fernandez to fight charges of drug crimes, assault, alcohol violations, protective orders, white collar crimes, and immigration detainers. To schedule your initial consultation in our Dallas office, call (214) 613-2186.