A Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer Devoted To Protecting Your Rights
Criminal charges can be scary. The justice system in Texas is intimidating, and the nuances of criminal law and procedure are complicated. You don’t want an attorney who merely dabbles in criminal defense to be standing between you and the weight of the law.
You will find a powerful legal ally at Paul Damico Law, PLLC. Paul focuses his practice 100% on criminal defense. As a former judge and prosecutor, he has spent more than 20 years entrenched in the justice system. He uses that experience – as well as the strong reputation he has built among judges and prosecutors – to fight for his clients. He is the ally you want on your side when the stakes are high.
Your Go To For Any Kind Of Criminal Charge
Paul has handled hundreds of criminal cases as a judge, prosecutor and defense lawyer in Montgomery County. He uses that experience to fight for clients facing charges such as:
- Theft offenses, including shoplifting, burglary, forgery, larceny, theft by check, possession of stolen goods and motor vehicle theft
- DWI charges ranging from first-time offenses to repeat and felony charges
- Family violence charges such as domestic assault and aggravated domestic assault
- Drug crimes, including possession and trafficking/distribution
- Other charges such as evading arrest, weapons offenses and firearms offenses
- Petitions for expunctions for removing (expunging) criminal records
- Petition for nondisclosures, which will seal your criminal records from the public
- Appeals, petitions for post-conviction relief and habeas corpus petitions
Whether you’re facing charges in Montgomery County or the surrounding areas, you can feel confident knowing you have a proven and well-respected Montgomery county criminal defense lawyer on your side.
What To Know About The Criminal Process In Texas
Knowing what to expect can help ease the stress and uncertainty of facing criminal charges. After an arrest, you’ll appear before a judge for an arraignment hearing. You’ll have the opportunity to request bail.
If you’re facing felony charges, the prosecution will have to get an indictment against you by a grand jury.
The next phase of the process involves pretrial motions, which might involve hearings before a judge, and plea negotiations. If the case goes to trial, you will have the opportunity to appeal an unfavorable verdict.
Are Criminal Court Records Public In Texas?
Generally, yes. All criminal records in adult cases are publicly available. For certain types of offenses, you may be able to seek an expunction or nondisclosure order to expunge your records or seal them from public view.
Online Solicitation Of A Minor: What It Is And Its Consequences
In the digital era, prosecutors are cracking down on online crimes such as solicitation of a minor. Texas law makes it a felony offense to engage in certain sexual communications with a minor (under age 17). There are many nuances to this law, and given the severity of a conviction, it’s critical to have a strong lawyer on your side.
Paul handles these cases aggressively and diligently. He will work hard to protect your reputation as well as your freedom.
Common Questions About Montgomery County Criminal Defense Law
If you’re facing criminal charges, you likely have urgent questions about what happens next and how to protect yourself. Here are answers to some of the most important questions people ask when they first reach out.
What should I do if I am arrested or charged with a crime in Montgomery County?
The moments after an arrest are critical. First, exercise your right to remain silent. Anything you say to law enforcement can be used against you, even if you’re just trying to explain your side. Politely decline to answer questions until you have legal representation.
Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Paul can begin working on your case right away, including addressing bail at your arraignment. Avoid discussing your case with anyone other than your attorney, and stay off social media. Prosecutors use posts as evidence.
How can a criminal defense attorney help me with my case in The Woodlands?
Paul’s background as both a prosecutor and judge in Montgomery County gives him unique insight into how the other side operates. He’ll investigate every aspect of your case, review police reports for inconsistencies, examine whether proper procedures were followed and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
His reputation and relationships with local prosecutors give him leverage in negotiations. He can often secure reduced charges, lesser penalties or alternative sentencing options. And if your case goes to trial, you’ll have an attorney who knows exactly how to present your defense effectively.
What are the possible penalties for a conviction in Montgomery County?
Penalties vary widely based on the charge. Misdemeanors range from fines up to $500 for Class C offenses to one year in jail and $4,000 in fines for Class A charges. Felonies carry much more serious consequences, from 180 days in state jail facilities to life imprisonment for first-degree felonies, with fines up to $10,000.
Beyond jail time, a conviction creates a permanent record affecting employment, housing and other opportunities. Some convictions carry additional penalties like license suspension or registration requirements. This is why experienced representation from a skilled lawyer like Paul Damico matters.
Talk To Paul During A Free Consultation
Call his criminal defense law office in The Woodlands at 346-536-4814 or reach out online to get started.