Killeen Criminal Defense Attorney
Serving Bell County, Coryell County and Lampasas County
100 E. Central Texas Expy
Killeen, TX 76541
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Killeen, TX
The Carlson Law Firm’s Killeen criminal defense lawyers have a distinguished reputation among their peers and former clients. If you’ve been charged with a criminal offense, your next steps are vital for your future and your freedom. A criminal charge is one of the most stressful situations a person can go through. It can affect your marriage, employment status and your ability to maintain licenses. To preserve your freedom and the life you’ve built for yourself, you need a criminal defense team who will advocate for you every step of the way. We offer free consultations where we will discuss the details of your case.
We care about the outcome of your case and will help you get the best resolution possible.
Defense Lawyers Serving Bell County, Coryell County and Lampasas County
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Central Texas
A criminal defense lawyer from our firm will represent you with zealous advocacy to get you the best resolution possible for your case. From our Killeen law office, our criminal justice attorneys serve Bell, Coryell and Lampasas counties. In addition, we can represent those facing charges on post in the Fort Hood Federal Magistrate Court.
Our attorneys will relentlessly advocate for your rights while showing you the honesty and compassion you deserve. Our firm has handled a variety of criminal defense cases. We know that our clients are individuals who face a unique set of challenges that can alter the course of their lives. If you are facing criminal charges, it is important that you hire a criminal justice attorney who will do the following:
- Immediately begin getting the details of your case
- Strategize an airtight defense
- Scrutinize the alleged facts of the case
- Work to get charges reduced or dismissed
Call us today at 254-526-5688 or complete a contact form to schedule your free, confidential consultation with a criminal lawyer in Killeen.
About Our Killeen Law Office
Compassionate Criminal Defense Attorneys
Integrity
Our compassionate legal team will handle your case with sound judgment, honesty and dependability.
Community
We have strong ties to our community which drives us to work tirelessly to get our clients the favorable outcomes they deserve.
Results
Our attorneys consistently achieve some of the largest verdicts and settlements in the country.
How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help?
The criminal justice system is a collection of powerful agencies working together to fight crime. Unfortunately, when you’re arrested, this powerful system is against you. Their only goal is to obtain a criminal conviction. Having an experienced criminal justice attorney on your side helps level the playing field. If you’ve been arrested, are under investigation or facing felony charges, our Killeen criminal attorneys can help.
A Defense Lawyer will protect your rights and best interests in the following ways:
1. Investigate the charges against you
When you contact our Killeen criminal defense team, we will immediately begin investigating your alleged crime. For example, we will review official police reports and other documents, examine physical evidence and interview witnesses. Our goal is to ensure you are protected from the system by searching for holes inconsistencies and other discrepancies that may give rise to reasonable doubt.
2. Examine officer conduct
In many cases, we represent clients who have had their rights unjustly violated during an arrest or while officers were gathering evidence. It’s important that you cooperate with the police so that additional charges aren’t added. If you believe officer misconduct occurred, explain this during a free consultation and let our attorneys look into this for you.
3. Shield you from government agencies
When you are arrested, there are laws and procedures that govern how criminal defendants are treated. It creates an incredibly complicated system that is impossible to navigate alone. It’s important that you have an experienced, professional and trusted attorney on your side. Your attorney will assert your rights and fight for a fair resolution.
4. Work with you to present your defense
Several defenses can be mounted in a criminal case. Do you have an alibi? Are the charges based on the testimony of an unreliable witness? Did you act in self-defense? Your attorney will work with you to present the facts of your case in a coherent theory of defense.
5. Represent you at trial
The Carlson Law Firm trial attorneys are ready to represent you in a courtroom. Our experience has given us the skills to select a jury, scrutinize improper evidence and testimony, cross-examine the witnesses and present your defense to the jury.
6. Guide you through your legal options
Accepting a plea deal or going to trial can change the trajectory of your life. A knowledgeable Killeen criminal defense lawyer can offer wise counsel based on decades of experience to help you make strategic decisions in the criminal court process.
7. Communicate with your family
Our criminal defense attorneys are firm but compassionate. We know that a criminal charge will be difficult for everyone in your family. Our team will act as an intermediary between you and your family to ease their anxiety about your case.
Call us today at 254-526-5688 or complete a contact form to schedule your free, confidential consultation with a criminal lawyer in Killeen.
Criminal Cases We Handle at The Carlson Law Firm
The criminal justice system is a collection of powerful agencies working together to fight crime. Unfortunately, when you’re arrested, this powerful system is against you. Their only goal is to obtain a criminal conviction. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side helps level the playing field. If you’ve been arrested, are under investigation, or facing felony charges, our Killeen criminal attorneys can help.
We handle the following criminal matters:
Assault & Battery Defense
Assault and battery are among the most common violent crimes with which defendants are charged. If you have been accused…
Violent Crime Attorney
If you have been accused of a drug, sex, or violent crime, there are not going to be many individuals…
Expunction Lawyer
Getting your record cleared of criminal charges can be the beginning of a new life. The Carlson Law Firm has…
Juvenile Defense Lawyer
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Killeen DWI Lawyer
What is criminal law?
Criminal law is a general term used for cases that involve any criminal charge, including the following:
- Tickets
- Misdemeanor offenses
- Felony offenses
- Any arrest
- Investigation by police or a governmental agency prior to an arrest
- Charges filed against you
- Occupational licenses
- Juvenile offenses
- Requests for early release from probation
- Non-disclosures
- Expunctions
- and more
It is important to seek representation quickly from a skilled criminal attorney after an arrest. The sooner you have someone by your side to speak on your behalf, the better your chance at preventing self-incrimination.
How long does a criminal case last?
The length of time it takes to resolve your criminal case depends on several factors, including the following:
- Evidence presented by the prosecutor
- If there is missing evidence
- Availability of witnesses
- Your availability
- Your attorney’s availability
- The court’s availability
It can take time to mount a proper defense and coordinate the schedules of the parties involved in your case. Criminal cases can take months to resolve.
What does a defense attorney do?
A criminal defense lawyer generally represents defendants facing charges in local, state or federal courts. These attorneys can help advocate for you in bail bond hearings, plea bargains, criminal trials, parole or probation hearings, appeals and assist with post-conviction remedies, such as record expungement and non-disclosures.
The skilled Killeen lawyers at The Carlson Law Firm will review all evidence and ensure the evidence is complete. Additionally, we ensure your rights weren’t violated and advocate on your behalf. Finally, while defending you, our lawyers can also file motions to reduce the bond, suppress evidence and other documents as necessary.
When should I hire a criminal defense lawyer?
The sooner you hire an attorney, the better. While it is possible to hire an attorney any time before your court or trial date, the earlier you have a lawyer representing you, the better chance you have at mounting a defense against the state’s charges. Once your criminal defense lawyer is hired, he or she will be able to request a reduction in your bond, gather all the discovery, preserve any evidence or witness statements that might help in your defense, prepare a defense, and formulate a plan of action for your case.
I have a court-appointed attorney; should I hire a different lawyer?
If you feel your court-appointed attorney is not serving your best interests, looking into hiring an attorney may be a logical next step. It is essential that you feel comfortable with your attorney and getting your questions answered. Having a criminal charge or investigation is stressful. The attorney should help ease your concerns, not enhance them.
FAQs: Criminal Defense
How much does a Criminal Defense Lawyer cost?
The cost of legal defense can vary depending on several factors. Our team is happy to discuss your payment options during a free consultation. To set up a free appointment, call us at 254-526-5688 or use our online form.
Who is a Great Killeen Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving Central Texas?
Kyra Leal has helped hundreds of clients through the Bell, Lampasas and Coryell Counties courts as well as on Fort Hood. Our team offers free criminal defense consultations.
How do I know who the best attorney for my case is?
Hire someone you feel comfortable with. Your defense attorney should be well-versed in the law and be able to help you understand your legal position and the practical outcomes of your case. Additionally, understand the attorney’s fee structure and how you will be charged.
Am I able to represent myself when in court?
It is legally permissible to represent yourself in court. However, we strongly recommend you always hire excellent legal counsel to help you through criminal proceedings. Our criminal defense lawyers at The Carlson Law Firm will ensure that you are provided the best possible defense throughout the entirety of your case.
Do I really need an attorney to help with my criminal defense?
Generally, yes. A criminal justice attorney will look out for your interests, review the evidence, answer your questions, and ensure you get the best result.
The police want to talk to me; should I meet with them?
No. The only reason a police officer would want to meet with you during an investigation in which you are not a victim or witness is to get you to confess. Schedule an appointment with our office today.
How do I find out if there is a warrant for my arrest?
You can call a professional bail bondsman, the police agency investigating the offense, and/or the court in which the case is pending. You can also find some warrant information by going to www.texasfailuretoappear.com.
How do I contact a Killeen Criminal Defense Attorney?
Contact a Killeen criminal defense attorney at 254-526-5688. We offer free consultations.
How Can Our Killeen Criminal Defense Lawyers Help?
Drunk Driving Charges
In Texas, the blood alcohol concentration limit to operate a motor vehicle is .08%. Anything at or above that amount may result in your arrest. Our criminal defense attorneys handle every aspect of a DWI charge. If you’ve been charged with DWI, manslaughter, intoxication assault or felony DWI, we can help.
Drug Charges
The two most common drug charges our criminal defense attorneys see are simple possession and trafficking. The severity of a drug penalty depends on several factors, such as if it’s a state or federal charge and the penalty group they’re categorized. If you’ve been arrested on a drug offense, contact our criminal justice team.
Assault
Under the Texas code, assault is performing any intentional or reckless act that causes or threatens to cause harm to another person. There is no set act that defines assault in Texas. This is a complex charge that requires skilled and experienced legal counsel.
Evasion
Evading arrest in a vehicle or on foot carries significant penalties in Texas. Our attorneys will be happy to discuss possible defenses that can be mounted against evasion charges. We can help get you a fair resolution if you are facing an evading arrest charge.
Homicide
A murder or homicide conviction in Texas can result in the ultimate penalty. When your freedom is at stake, who is by your side matters most. Schedule a free consultation to discuss how our Bell County defense lawyers can defend your rights.
Domestic Assault
Family violence is a type of assault that comes with hefty charges and penalties. A domestic violence conviction can result in losing certain licenses, employment options, and military standing.
Expunctions & Non-disclosures
Criminal record expunctions are one of the most uplifting cases we handle. Helping our clients clear their records of past arrests or charges for a nominal fee is why we do our work. If you’re ready to move past the past, we can help.
Non-disclosures
A non-disclosure differs slightly from an expunction. While an expunction destroys your criminal record, a non-disclosure seals your records but does not destroy them. In other words, the general public cannot access your records, but certain government agencies can.
Sexual Assault
Family violence is a type of assault that comes with hefty charges and penalties. A domestic violence conviction can result in losing certain licenses, employment options, and military standing.
Early Release Probation
A little-known option available for those on probation is early release. If you’ve completed at least one-third of probation or two years (whichever is less), you may be eligible for early release. Schedule a free consultation to determine your early termination of probation eligibility.
Theft
The simple definition of theft is taking or receiving another person’s property without permission—with the intent of permanently depriving them of that property. Theft charges can range from misdemeanors to serious felony offenses.
Prostitution
Texas now has some of the harshest prostitution and solicitation laws in the country. House Bill 1540 went into effect in September 2021, making anyone convicted of buying sex a potential felon. There are significant consequences for a prostitution conviction. Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP.
Contact a Bell County Defense Lawyer
If you are facing criminal charges in Bell, Coryell, or Lampasas County and need a legal team, call a Killeen Criminal Defense Lawyer at The Carlson Law Firm at 254-526-5688. The best legal representation comes from lawyers who care about you and care about your situation. Our attorneys and legal assistants will treat you with the respect you deserve and give your case the attention you deserve.
Your Killeen Criminal Defense Attorney: Kyra Leal
Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, you may be facing either a misdemeanor or felony charge.
Criminal charges can significantly impact your life, potentially requiring you to seek help from a military, family law or injury lawyer. Hiring a Carlson Law Firm Killeen Criminal Defense Lawyer means that you get a team of attorneys experienced in securing your rights—no matter what.
Attorney Kyra Leal is part of a team with all your bases covered.
Bell County Court Resources
Bell County Jail and Courts
- Bell County court: bellcountytx.com
- Phone: 254-939-3521
- Toll-free: 1-800-460-2355
- Bell County Inmate Search
Juvenile Detention Center
Probation and Community Supervision – Bell and Lampasas Counties
- Community Supervision and Corrections Division
- Phone: 254-933-5335
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Coryell County Court Resources
Coreyll County County Jail and Courts
- County Court at Law
- Phone: 254-865-5911
- Coryell County Inmate Search
Juveniles
Coryell County Adult Probation and Supervision
- Adult Probation and Supervision
- Phone: 254-865-5911
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
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