Criminal Defense Lawyers In Austin Defending You

When you’re facing criminal charges in Austin, the weight of the legal system can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to face it alone. Marc Chavez Law Firm stands ready to defend your rights with a unique blend of prosecutorial insight and personalized legal care. Whether you’re confronting a misdemeanor or grappling with a felony, our extensive experience and client-focused approach can make a significant difference in your case. Take the first step towards a strong defense and call Marc Chavez Law Firm today at 512-337-9774.

Why Choose Marc Chavez Law Firm for Your Criminal Defense

Many criminal defense attorneys in Austin vow to advocate for you, but our prosecutorial experience is unparalleled. Being on the other side of the courtroom has equipped our team with a unique understanding of how the prosecution thinks and operates. As a former prosecutor, Marc Chavez has intricate knowledge of criminal law and prosecution tactics, which are hugely beneficial in formulating robust Austin criminal defense strategies. Trust Marc Chavez Law Firm as your Austin criminal defense team to provide a great strategy and get the justice you deserve.

At Marc Chavez Law Firm, you aren’t merely another case number. Each of our clients is a unique individual deserving of personalized attention and understanding. Our firm is committed to understanding your situation and providing empathetic legal support, which enhances the defense and your overall experience. This client-focused approach ensures that you’re not lost in the legal jargon and processes; instead, you’re an integral part of your own defense team.

We are also renowned for our legal excellence. Our chief attorney Marc Chavez was a Super Lawyers Rising Stars, and has been a Super Lawyer for the past four years,  endorsing the high level of skill and care he brings to each case. This recognition is not merely a testament to his legal prowess but also a demonstration of his dedication to his clients.

Our firm’s impressive track record is self-evident. With a history of securing dismissals, favorable plea agreements, and acquittals, the Marc Chavez Law Firm consistently achieves fantastic results for those whom we defend. This dedication to clients exemplifies our commitment to not just providing legal defense, but to safeguarding your future.

Former Prosecutor Advantage

Our firm’s prosecutorial background gives us a powerful advantage in the courtroom. With an extensive background and deep legal knowledge, we bring a high level of skill and personal attention to criminal defense cases. Having experience as district attorneys, we have a thorough understanding of the tactics employed by Texas prosecutors, particularly in felony cases such as DWI/DUI.

Our prosecutorial experience encompasses pre-trial hearings, jury selection, and crafting convincing closing arguments. This is particularly beneficial in assault and violent crime cases, where understanding the prosecution’s strategies can mean the difference between a conviction and an acquittal.

This prosecutorial insight facilitates a proactive defense against a spectrum of drug and DWI/DUI charges, enabling the anticipation of the state’s strategies beforehand.

Client-Focused Approach

We distinguish ourselves with a personal touch in an industry where cases often get delegated to paralegals or less seasoned lawyers. We ensure personal attention by handling all cases directly at our law office, providing clients with direct communication for a deeper understanding of their legal options.

This approach in turn makes our firm far more accessible. At our office, clients are able to easily communicate with our attorneys for consultations and inquiries, with a commitment to answering and returning calls promptly. We also adapt to current safety protocols, ensuring that you can access the legal help you need, safely and conveniently.

Our personalized, innovative approach to criminal defense adapts to our clients’ various needs and employs the necessary resources to contribute to client satisfaction and positive outcomes.

Comprehensive Legal Services

At Marc Chavez Law Firm, we don’t solely focus on criminal defense, but we also offer comprehensive legal services in other domains such as family law and personal injury. Whether you’re dealing with a bitter divorce case or seeking compensation for an injury, Marc Chavez Law Firm has the knowledge and experience to assist you.

We offer these services to clients throughout Central Texas, including Travis County and Williamson County.

Types of Criminal Cases Handled by Marc Chavez Law Firm

Serious criminal charges, particularly those that occur at a felony level, demand a strong defense. We don’t hesitate to take on tough cases, and we explore all available pathways for helping our clients reach a positive outcome. Some examples of felony cases that we can assist with include:

• Aggravated assault
• Arson
• Attempted or solicited capital murder
• Drunk driving
• Evading arrest
• Murder and manslaughter
• Possession of controlled substance
• Robbery
• Sexual assault

Texas prosecutors are aggressive when it comes to felony charges. Having district attorney experience, our team knows what angles the state will take to pursue a conviction. If you have been charged with a felony, we can help you better understand your legal options before deciding how to best move forward.

DWI/DUI Defense

A DWI/DUI charge can indeed be frightening. However, with Marc Chavez Law Firm, you can be confident of being in competent hands. Whether you’re a first-time offender or a repeat offender, we provide our Austin, TX clients with a robust defense regardless of their criminal history.

Unfazed by potential challenges, we at Marc Chavez Law Firm readily accept tough DWI/DUI cases. We explore all possible pathways to achieve a favorable conclusion for our clients. And our success isn’t just theoretical. Our portfolio shows how we have achieved the dismissal of second DWI charges, proving our competence and commitment to our clients.

Drug Offenses

Texas typically imposes severe penalties for drug offenses, underscoring the importance of having a seasoned attorney representing you. We at Marc Chavez Law Firm handle drug offenses that include possession, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances, tackling legal challenges across a range of drug-related charges.

In Travis County, the penalties for drug possession are determined by the type and quantity of the specific controlled substance involved. It takes a skilled legal team to understand these nuances and protect your rights. We employ strategic defense tactics to protect our clients’ rights in drug offense cases, challenging the evidence and pursuing favorable results.

Assault and Violent Crimes

Charges for assault and violent crimes can indeed be intimidating. However, our experienced team at Marc Chavez Law Firm can guarantee the protection of your rights. We have litigated numerous difficult and high-profile assault and violent crime cases.

We handle specific types of assault-related criminal cases, including domestic violence and aggravated assault. With our drive and dedication, we can ensure that you receive strong defense, regardless of the charges you’re facing. We’re the right team for the job. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

Navigating the Texas Criminal Justice System

The Texas criminal justice process comprises several stages:

1. Arrest – The initial stage where an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement for the alleged commission of a crime.
2. Indictment – A formal accusation made by a grand jury that there is enough evidence to charge the individual with a crime.
3. Plea bargaining – A negotiation process between the defendant and prosecutor, where the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence or the dropping of other charges.
4. Trial – The formal examination of evidence before a judge and possibly a jury, to determine if the defendant is guilty of the charges.
5. Post-trial – The phase after a trial has concluded, which may include sentencing, the possibility of an appeal, or the execution of the sentence.

These stages can extend over a lengthy period, making the process tricky and daunting for those unfamiliar with the system. That’s where we come in. Led by a criminal law attorney, an experienced criminal defense attorney team like Marc Chavez Law Firm can play a critical role in understanding the Texas criminal justice system by providing clients with the necessary perspective and resources to mount a criminal defense, including legal representation.

It’s imperative to discuss the case details and explore all legal options with our team before consenting to a plea bargain. Accepting a plea bargain without understanding the potential consequences can be detrimental to your case, especially if the plea includes a guilty plea for a charge that could have been challenged in court.

Following an arrest, the arraignment is a pivotal stage where the defendant is formally charged, informed of their rights, and bail may be set for court appearances. Having a seasoned attorney at this stage is vital to safeguard your rights and advocate for fair bail conditions.

Understanding Texas Laws

A thorough understanding of Texas laws, including those related to criminal conviction, is essential for effective work through the criminal justice system. In Texas, the process for a felony charge includes:

1. Indictment: A grand jury decides if there’s enough evidence to proceed to trial.
2. Arraignment: The defendant is formally charged and informed of their rights according to the Texas Constitution.
3. Bail determination: The amount of bail is determined after the arraignment.

At Marc Chavez Law Firm, we aid clients in understanding these laws. Our experience ensures that clients have a thorough understanding of their rights and the legal procedures they are undergoing. This includes explaining Miranda Rights in Texas, which encompass rights under the 5th Amendment, including the right to a grand jury and protection against self-incrimination, and the 6th Amendment right to legal counsel.

Working with Law Enforcement

Interacting with law enforcement during a criminal investigation can be daunting. The Miranda Warning in Texas ensures individuals are aware of crucial rights, such as the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney, during custodial interrogation. It’s crucial to understand when these rights apply to avoid unwittingly waiving them.

At Marc Chavez Law Firm, we advise clients on how to interact with law enforcement. After an arrest, it is advisable to exercise the right to remain silent, as this helps avoid potential self-incrimination and safeguards legal interests. Furthermore, it’s important to avoid admitting guilt or making any statements that could be used in court before consulting with their lawyer to ensure their legal protection.

Courtroom Strategies

Successful defense hinges on effective courtroom strategies. At Marc Chavez Law Firm, we leverage pretrial motions as a critical tool to protect clients’ rights, challenge the admissibility of evidence, and address constitutional violations. Successful pretrial motions require thorough legal research, preparation, the ability to present compelling legal arguments, and staying updated with recent court decisions.

If in Texas the Miranda Warning is not properly administered, the firm can render any statements made as involuntary and inadmissible, which can be pivotal in the defense strategy. Understanding the adversary trial system in Texas, where both prosecution and defense present cases to a judge or jury, is fundamental to our court strategies.

Protecting Your Future: Expungement and Record Sealing

A criminal record can impact employment, housing, and educational opportunities, making expungement and record sealing indispensable for safeguarding the future. They potentially restore civil rights and remove barriers that can result from a criminal record. However, the criteria and process for expungement and record sealing vary by state, making it essential to seek state-specific legal advice from an experienced criminal defense lawyer for the right outcome.

Not all arrests and convictions qualify for expungement, and eligibility often depends on the jurisdiction, offense type, and any required waiting periods. Juvenile offenses may have separate rules and procedures for sealing records. While expungement results in the destruction of criminal records, sealing criminal records hides them from public access and most background checks but not from law enforcement, with important consequences for individuals’ privacy and record accessibility.

All of this information can sound overwhelming, but at Marc Chavez Law Firm, we can help you through the intricate requirements to provide you with clarity.

Eligibility for Expungement

In Texas, expungement eligibility is determined by assessing whether the statute of limitations has expired and if the case was dismissed or resulted in the successful completion of deferred adjudication probation. However, determining eligibility for expungement can be a complex process that requires a deep understanding of Texas law. That’s where we at Marc Chavez Law Firm step in. Our experienced attorneys guide individuals through the expungement process, ensuring they meet all eligibility criteria.

The Record Sealing Process

The process of record sealing, or non-disclosure, can be equally as confusing. Eligibility for non-disclosure in Texas hinges on whether the individual received and completed deferred adjudication for their case. However, certain criminal offenses, including particular felonies and misdemeanors, are ineligible for non-disclosure, according to Texas law. Some examples of offenses that are ineligible for non-disclosure include:

• Murder
• Sexual assault
• Aggravated kidnapping
• Stalking
• Injury to a child or elderly person

It is important to consult with an attorney to determine if your specific offense is eligible for non-disclosure.

Marc Chavez Law Firm guides individuals through the process of obtaining a non-disclosure order, ensuring they understand each step thoroughly. Our process includes:

1. Accumulating vital information regarding the case
2. Preparing and submitting the non-disclosure petition
3. Attending the non-disclosure hearing
4. After a successful hearing, the court issues an order to seal the records from public access

This may enable the petitioner to legally deny the existence of the arrest and case under most circumstances.

How Marc Chavez Law Firm Can Help You

The criminal justice system can be daunting. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony, the importance of having an experienced, dedicated, and skilled attorney by your side cannot be overstated. Marc Chavez Law Firm offers just that. With our unique blend of prosecutorial experience, personalized attention, and comprehensive legal services, we can provide robust criminal defense for our clients.

Having a skilled criminal defense attorney is vital if you’re facing criminal charges. At Marc Chavez Law Firm, we can provide the following:

• Aggressive defense
• Prosecutorial experience
• Client-focused approach
• Comprehensive legal services

We want to fight for you every step of the way.

Don’t let criminal charges define your future. With Marc Chavez Law Firm, you’ll have a partner who fights for you, understands you, and goes above and beyond to protect your rights. So, why wait? Call us today and take the first step towards defending your future at 512-337-9774.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a defense attorney?

A defense attorney is a lawyer who represents a defendant or a person being charged with a crime, whether in a civil or criminal case, to protect their interests and provide legal defense. They may work for private law firms or be employed by the government as public defenders.

What should I do immediately after being arrested for a criminal charge in Texas?

If you’re arrested for a criminal charge in Texas, it’s crucial to exercise your right to remain silent and request to speak with an attorney. Avoid making any statements or admissions to law enforcement, as these can be used against you in court. Contact Marc Chavez Law Firm as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected and to begin preparing your defense.

What types of cases does Marc Chavez Law Firm handle?

Marc Chavez Law Firm handles various criminal cases, from misdemeanors to serious felonies, including DWI/DUI, drug offenses, and assault and violent crimes. So if you need legal assistance in any of these areas, they can help you.

What should I do if I’m facing multiple charges?

If you’re facing multiple charges, it’s essential to seek legal counsel immediately. Marc Chavez Law Firm can provide a comprehensive defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. We’ll evaluate each charge in detail, consider the interplay between them, and work tirelessly to mitigate the potential consequences. Our experience with complex cases means we’re well-equipped to handle the intricacies of defending clients with multiple charges.

How does Marc Chavez Law Firm help with the expungement process?

Marc Chavez Law Firm helps clients through the expungement eligibility process and ensures they meet all necessary criteria for expungement. This ensures a smooth and successful expungement process for their clients.