Harris County Criminal Lawyer Ready to Help
The process of being charged with a crime is always a gut-wrenching experience. However, those who are facing criminal charges are guaranteed certain constitutional rights, including the right to an attorney. While you also have the option to represent yourself, it is important to consider understanding all of your legal rights by contacting an experienced Harris County criminal defense attorney.
A qualified attorney can help you understand your rights and use their knowledge to present a strong criminal defense case in the courtroom. Additionally, aggressive defense attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure that all of their clients have their legal rights protected under the law. Contact former prosecutor Nathaniel Pitoniak today at (832) 315-6283 to learn more about your legal rights after being charged with a crime in Harris County.
We Serve Clients in the Following Cities:
Headed by a former Harris County prosecutor, the Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak is dedicated to helping Texans protect their rights when facing criminal charges. Our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys is proud to serve the following areas:
If you have been charged with a crime in any of the following cities, you can learn more about your case and your legal options by speaking with an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Why Do You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
The right to counsel and other rights for criminal defendants are guaranteed through the Sixth Amendment of the Constitution. Any person charged with a crime is protected by these rights. While self-representation is an option, it is important for all of those charged with a crime to consider visiting with a criminal defense attorney. Defendants can have their legal options explained to them by a criminal defense lawyer, and make a decision based on the possible circumstances and specific facts of their case.
It is important to remember that the various agents of the criminal justice system do not have a defendant’s best interest in mind. Police who make arrests are there to compile evidence for the filing of charges. Prosecutors file the charges and look to secure convictions. Visiting with an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help ensure that your questions are answered and your legal rights remain protected.
When to Hire a Harris County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Regardless of innocence or guilt, those facing criminal charges should consider seeking professional legal advice shortly after being charged. Additionally, it may be wise to hire a lawyer if you believe you will face charges in the near future. Harris County criminal defense lawyer Nathaniel Pitoniak offers representation in these and other criminal matters:
- Assault
- Child endangerment
- Credit card fraud
- Drug crimes
- DWI
- Fraud
- Gun crimes
- Murder
- Organized crime
- Sex crimes
- Theft
- White-collar crime
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer early in the process can help some clients understand their legal rights. In order to fully protect yourself, it is best to avoid speaking with law enforcement without the presence of legal counsel. It is important to note that anything you say can be used against you in your case.
How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help?
There are several possible ways that a criminal defense lawyer can help those facing criminal charges in Harris County:
Knowledge of the System
Criminal defense lawyers understand how the judicial system functions. Attorneys with experience as prosecutors have an additional perspective, as they have worked on both sides of the criminal justice system. A dedicated Harris County criminal defense lawyer will understand how local laws can influence a case.
Negotiations with Prosecutors
Well-established criminal justice lawyers often have connections with prosecutors. Those with such connections can potentially have an easier time negotiating a favorable deal for their clients. Additionally, experienced defense lawyers may negotiate reduced sentences and plea bargains if it is in their client’s best interest.
Dedication to the Case
In some jurisdictions, hiring a private criminal defense lawyer offers unique benefits over a public defender. Public defenders often have heavy caseloads which make it extremely difficult to fully dedicate themselves to every case. Conversely, a private Harris County criminal defense lawyer may have more time and resources to dedicate to each of their cases.
These resources and time can be used in several productive ways, such as:
- Finding weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence
- Identifying constitutional violations that could get the case thrown out, such as failing to read Miranda rights.
- Uncovering evidence that exonerates the defendant
- Negotiating with prosecutors and judges
- Keeping defendants updated on progress
- Finding witnesses to testify on the defendant’s behalf
- Determining if any of the prosecution’s witnesses are unreliable
How To Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer
While a person charged with a crime may want to visit with or hire a criminal defense lawyer quickly, it is also vital to ensure that they are making the right decision. The choice of a criminal defense attorney is a critical decision that could have a serious effect on your future. Here are a few key considerations if you are attempting to choose a criminal defense attorney:
What Experience Do They Have?
We all know that experience is important when hiring any type of skilled professional. But what specifically should we look for when hiring a criminal defense attorney? Here are a few things to consider during a search for an experienced attorney:
- Seek an attorney with experience in the charges you face.
- Find an attorney with experience handling cases in the jurisdiction in which you are charged.
- Ask prospective attorneys to share past results.
- Attorneys with prosecutorial experience may offer additional benefits.
Criminal defense lawyer Nathaniel Pitoniak is a former prosecutor with experience representing those charged with a wide range of crimes. You can learn more about your legal rights by contacting the Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak for a consultation.
What is the Attorney’s Reputation?
These days, the internet makes it easier to find a reliable attorney. When seeking out criminal defense lawyers for consultations, Google reviews can be useful. Some lawyers also may post testimonials on their websites. Finally, it may be wise to speak with any family or friends who have hired a criminal defense lawyer in the past.
Does the Attorney Seem Reliable?
You may speak with several attorneys in consultations before hiring one to represent you. It is important to find someone who is trustworthy, reliable, and dedicated to your case.
Consider a Consultation with a Harris County Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are facing criminal charges in Harris County, it may be wise to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Former prosecutor Nathaniel Pitoniak is ready to explain your rights in a consultation. Contact the Law Firm of Nathaniel Pitoniak today at (832) 315-6283 to learn more about how a criminal defense lawyer could help you.
