Allen Criminal Defense Attorney

Allen Criminal Defense Services

If you were arrested or charged with a crime in Allen, Texas, you need an experienced Allen criminal defense attorney from The Law Office of J.L. Pierce. We know the Texas criminal defense process can be difficult and confusing, especially for someone unfamiliar with the law. By working with an experienced Allen criminal defense attorney, you can help protect your rights at every step.

Criminal defense attorney, J.L. Pierce is a former police officer and prosecutor with more than 25 years of experience in Allen, Texas. He is joined by attorney, Tom O’Connell, who served as the elected criminal District Attorney in Collin County for 29 years. Hire an attorney that was in charge of prosecuting all criminal cases arising in Allen with decades of experience. Our criminal defense team’s first-hand understanding of how the other side works helps us know the strengths and weaknesses of the State’s case.

Criminal Defense in Allen

The size of Allen, along with the police force, has increased significantly over 30 years. In 1990, Allen’s population was 18,300, whereas now, the population soars close to 110,000. The number of prosecutors in Collin County has also dramatically increased over the last 30 years.

All crimes need to be proven by a prosecutor beyond a reasonable doubt. Although this is a tough standard, it is critical to retain an experienced criminal attorney in Allen to present the strongest possible defense. Hire an attorney with local experience and knowledge who understands how the prosecution works from the inside and who will fight effectively for your rights.

City of Allen Resources

The City of Allen Jail holds prisoners with class C misdemeanors. It is located at the Allen Police Headquarters at 205 W. McDermott Dr. Allen, TX 75013. The phone number for the jail is 214-509-4369.

Persons wishing to visit a prisoner or to pay a prisoner’s fine or bond must inquire at the front desk at Allen Police Headquarters or by calling 214-509-4200. Visitation hours are 9-11 a.m. and 7-9 p.m. daily. A prisoner must be in the Allen jail for a minimum of 24 hours before they are allowed visitors, with the exception of attorneys or clergy.

The Allen Municipal Court is located at 301 Century Parkway Allen, TX 75013 and they may be contacted at the phone number 214-509-4380.

Sex Crimes

Sex crimes consist of online solicitation of a minor, prostitution, indecency with a child, child pornography, sexual assault, and obscenity. Your freedom as well as your reputation are in danger if Texas decides to charge or prosecute you for a sex crime offense. Defense attorney, J.L. Pierce strives to not only win your case, but also keep your name out of the public eye. As a results of defending countless serious sex crime charges, our team has developed some of the best specialized tools for investigating accusations and defending our clients in Allen and surround areas.

Defending Those Accused of Sex Crimes

Sex crimes differ from other types of crimes. The majority of the time, accusations of rape, sexual assault, or other sex offenses are “he said/she said” situations, which means that an arrest may be made based solely on the unsupported assertions of one witness who will be considered the “victim.” Even if it might seem that the evidence against him is thin, these cases cannot be assumed to be strong. People who are considered “victims” receive a lot of emotional support from the state and federal governments. The term “Special Victim’s Units” refers to detectives and prosecutors in many jurisdictions who focus on the prosecution of sex cases.

The wrongfully accused defendant needs aggressive defense counsel like J.L. Pierce who understands both the investigation and defense of sex crimes in Allen.

Possible Defenses for Sex Crime Accusations

Different defenses apply to various sex offences. Every case is unique. The requirement for an early, thorough inquiry to ascertain the facts and gather evidence, however, is a constant element in all instances.

The majority of sex offenses involve just one victim and one encounter. The most frequent defense is consent, and a jury will often decide whether the state has established its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The accuser may have discussed the occurrence with friends or acquaintances in the hours, days, or weeks following the incident, and frequently, what he or she says immediately following the investigation may differ significantly from what the accuser testifies at trial. Drugs and alcohol can affect the accuser’s recollection. When an accuser is uncertain about whether consent was granted, counselors or other “support” workers may persuade them that an encounter was a rape or assault.

There are additional dangers that the falsely accused individual should consider when an incident involves a coworker. Other difficulties are presented by the college setting and its Title IX consequences. In the military, accusations raise other issues. The best course of action for someone who has been falsely charged is to hire a seasoned defense attorney at The Law Office of J.L. Pierce.

Sex Offender Registry Requirement

People who are convicted of a sexual offense in Texas are required to register with their local law enforcement authority for a specific period of time, depending on the severity of the sexual offense conviction.

If a person has been convicted of any sexual felony that does not require lifelong registration, attempted sexual assault, unlawful restraint, forced prostitution, or a second conviction for indecent exposure, they must register with law enforcement for ten years.

A person must register by giving their legal full name, any nicknames they may use, their date of birth, a physical description, their Social Security number, the number on their driver’s license, their home address, a photograph, their fingerprints, the nature of the offense, and their employment status. The majority of this data is subsequently made public.

The alleged offender is responsible for making sure that the information is current. This means that an employee’s move or job change must be reported. In most cases, a criminal who fails to register in Texas could face additional jail time. It is illegal to not register as a sex offender in Texas.

Computer Crime

If you have been accused of an internet-related crime in Texas, law enforcement may seize your personal computer, cell phone records, and other mobile devices in order to conduct a forensic analysis. This can be a huge disruption to your life, especially if you rely on the internet for your career. Do not let identity theft charges ruin your financial future. Get in touch with The Law Office of J.L. Pierce for help now and protect your rights.

Juvenile Crimes

Juvenile defense proceedings are handled in a separate juvenile court. If you are a minor or the parent of a minor, it is important to understand your rights and juvenile defense procedures.

Juveniles can be arrested for the same crimes as adults. In a few cases, prosecutors may even attempt to try them as adults. Juvenile courts often attempt to rehabilitate children if they can demonstrate a desire to become an active member of society. At The Law Office of J.L. Pierce, our Allen juvenile defender believes there is hope in everyone. We believe that the state should never abandon anyone or give up hope for children. Mr. Pierce is a seasoned juvenile advocate for Allen and is passionate about protecting children’s futures and freedoms. As a parent, it is difficult to objectively assess your child’s future after arrest. Call The Office of J.L. Pierce today for a free consultation to help you understand your options.

Holding a Child Criminally Responsible in Texas

In Texas, a child with criminal responsibility is considered a child who allegedly committed a crime between the ages of 10 and 16. Children under the age of 10 are generally not criminally responsible. An Adult is defined as 17 years of age or older. Most children who commit crimes are handled by juvenile courts, however if the offense is serious enough, the juvenile may be tried as an adult. A child accused of a crime needs a criminal defense attorney, even if you believe the child is innocent. Without effective representation, innocent children can be wrongly convicted. An attorney can help ensure that all options are considered, and the truth is revealed. Juvenile detention has serious consequences.

Do not let your child plead guilty to misconduct until you have been advised by our Allen juvenile defense attorney. Our experienced legal team can consider a defense or reduce the sentence. Children should be protected to ensure that their guaranteed rights are protected.

If you are a parent whose child is charged with a crime, your child’s future and freedom are in jeopardy. You need an experienced attorney. J.L. Pierce will answer all of your questions about the juvenile court system and provide the experienced help you need to deal with this crisis.

Differences Between the Juvenile and Adult Criminal Justice Systems

In Texas, when a person under the age of 17 is charged with a crime, they enter the juvenile court system. There are some important differences between adult and youth systems. The most notable difference is that treatment for children is generally rehabilitation oriented.

In juvenile court, usually everything is different. Juveniles argue “true or not true,” instead of “guilty or innocent”. Arrest warrants are not issued for minors. Instead, an “Directive to Apprehend” (DTA) will be issued. There is no bond for juvenile cases. If you’re confused about the juvenile court system’s terminology, Allen’s trusted juvenile attorney, J.L. Pierce, can help you understand them.

Allen Teen Court

Allen Teen Court is an educational opportunity that helps teen juveniles and volunteers understand our justice system. Teen Court is a voluntary program that allows juvenile Class C misdemeanor defendants to handle their citation through community service and involvement in the judicial process. Cases are presented by volunteer Teen Court attorneys to a jury of the juvenile’s peers, including volunteers from local middle/high schools and previous teen defendants.

Jury members assess a sentence of community service following the guidelines set by the Municipal Court. Upon the successful completion of Teen Court, the juvenile will not have to pay any fines. Instead, the charges will be dismissed and removed from the youth’s permanent record.

Why participate in Teen Court? Teen Court is a unique service opportunity which can sharpen skills and prepare teens for future careers.

• Gain community service hours
• Receive letters of recommendation for colleges and scholarships
• Develop strong interpersonal skills
• Make a meaningful difference in your community
• Experience court procedures and the legal system firsthand
• Help other teens by diverting them from a criminal record
• Learn responsibility and accountability

DWI

Today, most people are aware that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only dangerous, but also against the law. Nonetheless, drunk driving remains a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents in Texas, often leading to devastating injuries and deaths. For this reason, DWI laws are strictly enforced throughout Allen. A conviction can have serious consequences, including probation and/or imprisonment. fines and court costs. Driver license suspension and DPS surcharge. These penalties vary depending on the number of criminal convictions.

Drug Crimes

Changes to Texas drug laws over the past decade have added substantial penalties for what had previously been minor drug infractions. Facing drug-related charges in Allen can have potentially serious consequences. Should a conviction be rendered in court, one might incur an extended length of time in prison, as well as a substantial monetary fine and other penalties. It is typically advisable to act under the guidance of an experienced Allen drug crime lawyer after one has been arrested for or charged with a drug offense.

Theft Crimes

Theft is one of the most common crimes in Texas, but the consequences of convictions are dire and all allegations must be taken seriously. To be arrested for theft, you must have taken someone else’s property without intending to return it. Also, if you receive a service but refuse to pay, this could be considered theft. If you are accused of theft, the situation should not be taken lightly and you should call an experienced theft crimes defense attorney at The Law Office of J.L. Pierce.

Violent Crimes

Texas has very severe penalties for those convicted of violent crimes. This is because violent crimes are considered crimes against people, not crimes against property. In Texas, some of the crimes considered to be violent are assault, aggravated assault, robbery, kidnapping, manslaughter, and domestic violence. Texas has a reputation for being one of the toughest states when it comes to punishing violent crimes. While Texas has harsh penalties for violent crimes, there are some mitigating circumstances that can be used to reduce overall sentences. These circumstances vary based upon the situation but a few of them can include:

• Lack of prior criminal history
• Duress
• The defendant acted under the strict control of another
• Mental retardation
• Age of the defendant
• An inability to form intent due to mental capacity

REPRESENTING THOSE ACCUSED OF OFFENSES IN ALLEN

When you have been arrested for a crime in Allen, your first phone call should be to the attorneys at The Law Office of J.L. Pierce. Our experienced attorneys will work closely with you to fight the charges and get the best possible outcome based on all the evidence. Contact us at (972) 423-0331 to schedule your free consultation today.