Austin Criminal Law
When facing criminal charges, understanding austin criminal law is essential to protecting your rights. Gordon Law PLLC specializes in austin criminal law and provides aggressive defense for clients throughout Travis County. Our team has helped countless clients navigate austin criminal law — as experienced practitioners of austin criminal law, we know what it takes to win. If you need a firm that understands austin criminal law and Texas courts, call us today. As your dedicated austin criminal law team, we review every detail of your case. Trust proven austin criminal law attorneys to fight for the best possible outcome. Gordon Law PLLC — the austin criminal law firm you can rely on when it matters most. Free consultation about your austin criminal law matter today.
Austin Criminal Defense Attorney
When facing criminal charges, having a skilled austin criminal defense attorney on your side makes all the difference. Gordon Law PLLC provides aggressive defense as your trusted austin criminal defense attorney. Our team has helped countless clients — as an experienced austin criminal defense attorney, we know what it takes to win. If you need a austin criminal defense attorney who understands Texas courts, call us today. As your dedicated austin criminal defense attorney, we review every detail of your case. Trust a proven austin criminal defense attorney to fight for the best possible outcome. Gordon Law PLLC — the austin criminal defense attorney you can rely on when it matters most. Free consultation with our austin criminal defense attorney today.
Comprehensive Guide to Criminal Charges in Austin, Texas
Austin is a thriving city, but criminal charges are a reality for many residents each year. Whether you are facing a first-time misdemeanor or a serious felony, understanding how the Texas criminal justice system works and what to expect can make a significant difference in how you navigate the process.
Gordon Law PLLC provides criminal defense representation to individuals facing charges in Austin, Travis County, and throughout Central Texas. This guide covers the types of charges we handle, the criminal process, your rights, and why qualified legal representation matters.
Types of Criminal Charges in Austin and Travis County
DWI and Alcohol-Related Offenses
DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) is one of the most common criminal charges in Travis County. Texas law defines intoxication as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or losing the normal use of mental or physical faculties due to alcohol or drugs. A first-offense DWI is a Class B misdemeanor, while subsequent offenses and aggravating factors can elevate charges to felony level.
Drug Offenses
Texas drug charges are governed by the Texas Controlled Substances Act and classified by Penalty Group. Offenses range from misdemeanor marijuana possession to serious felony charges involving manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to deliver. Convictions can result in incarceration, fines, and significant collateral consequences.
Assault and Family Violence
Assault in Texas includes intentionally or recklessly causing bodily injury, threatening bodily injury, or causing offensive physical contact. When the alleged victim is a family or household member, the charge carries enhanced penalties and consequences, including potential loss of firearm rights and immigration consequences.
Theft and Property Crimes
Texas theft offenses are classified by the value of the property taken, from Class C misdemeanor (under $100) to first-degree felony (over $300,000). Burglary, robbery, and fraud-related offenses also fall within this category and carry serious penalties.
Felony Charges
Felony convictions in Texas carry the most serious consequences, including state prison sentences ranging from two years to life, substantial fines, and permanent restrictions on civil rights such as voting and firearm ownership. Common felony charges include aggravated assault, sexual assault, robbery, burglary, and felony drug offenses.
The Texas Criminal Justice Process
Arrest and Initial Appearance
After an arrest, the defendant is booked and brought before a magistrate, typically within 24 to 48 hours, for a determination of probable cause and bail conditions.
Grand Jury Review (Felony Cases)
Felony charges in Texas must be presented to a grand jury before formal charges are filed. The grand jury evaluates whether probable cause exists to indict the defendant.
Arraignment
After indictment or formal charging, the defendant appears for arraignment and enters a plea. Most defendants initially enter a not guilty plea to allow time for investigation and negotiation.
Pre-Trial Phase
During the pre-trial phase, the defense reviews discovery materials, files motions, and engages in plea negotiations. Many cases are resolved at this stage.
Trial
Defendants have a constitutional right to a jury trial. The prosecution bears the burden of proving every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sentencing
If convicted, the court imposes a sentence consistent with the statutory range for the offense. Aggravating and mitigating factors may affect the sentence.
Your Rights Under Texas and Federal Law
Every person accused of a crime in Texas has important constitutional rights:
- The right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself (Fifth Amendment)
- The right to legal counsel (Sixth Amendment)
- The right to a speedy and public trial
- The right to confront witnesses
- Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures (Fourth Amendment)
- The right to present a defense
Exercising these rights from the moment of arrest can be critical to protecting the outcome of your case.
Collateral Consequences of Criminal Convictions
A conviction in Texas can carry consequences that extend well beyond the sentence itself:
- A permanent criminal record visible to employers, landlords, and licensing boards
- Loss or suspension of professional licenses
- Immigration consequences, including deportation for non-citizens
- Loss of firearm rights for felony convictions and certain misdemeanor convictions
- Loss of voting rights during incarceration for felony convictions
- Restrictions on housing and federal benefits
Why Qualified Defense Representation Matters
The Austin criminal justice system moves quickly, and critical deadlines and decisions arise early in the process. Without legal representation, defendants may miss opportunities to challenge evidence, preserve rights, or negotiate favorable outcomes.
An experienced Austin criminal defense attorney can review the facts of your case, identify potential defenses, advise you on your options, and represent your interests at every stage.
Contact Gordon Law PLLC
If you or a family member is facing criminal charges in Austin or Travis County, contact Gordon Law PLLC to discuss your situation and learn more about how we can help.
Gordon Law PLLC
600 W. 28th Street, Suite #106A
Austin, Texas 78705
Phone: 512-678-9333 (WEED)
We offer free consultations and flexible payment plans.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult a qualified attorney about the specific facts of your situation.
