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Criminal Defense Lawyers In Central Texas

Facing a criminal charge can affect your freedom, employment, professional licenses, family and future. The decisions you make early in a criminal case may also affect how the case develops.

The Carlson Law Firm represents people facing criminal charges throughout Central Texas, including Bell and Coryell counties. Our criminal defense attorneys can review the allegations and evidence against you, explain your legal options and help you develop a defense based on the circumstances of your case.

We offer confidential consultations to help you understand what may come next and how an attorney can assist.

Defense Lawyers Serving:

About our Bell County Defense law office

compassionate criminal defense attorneys

Integrity

Our compassionate legal team will handle your case with sound judgment, honesty, and dependability.

Community

Our attorneys have strong ties to Central Texas and understand the communities and court systems where we represent clients.

Experience

Our criminal defense attorneys have experience representing clients facing a range of misdemeanor and felony charges.

Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Central Texas

The Carlson Law Firm represents people facing criminal charges throughout Central Texas. From our Killeen office, our criminal defense team serves clients in Bell, Coryell and Lampasas counties, with additional representation available in McLennan County.

When you hire a criminal defense attorney, your lawyer can review the allegations against you, examine the available evidence, identify potential legal or constitutional issues and develop a defense strategy based on the facts of your case.

Depending on the circumstances, an attorney may also negotiate with prosecutors, challenge evidence, seek dismissal or reduction of charges when supported by the facts and law, or prepare the case for trial. Contact The Carlson Law Firm today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

Criminal cases we handle at the carlson law firm

Assault Defense

If you have been accused of assault in Texas, our criminal defense attorneys can review the allegations, evidence and potential defenses that may apply to your case.

Violent Crime Attorney

Our criminal defense attorneys have experience with different violent crime charges, including sexual assault and aggravated assault.

Expunction Lawyer

Getting your record cleared of criminal charges can be the beginning of a new life. The Carlson Law Firm has a legal team backing one of the most experienced record expunction lawyers in Central Texas.

Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Parents and guardians have a number of concerns when it comes to their children. If your child is facing juvenile criminal charges, our Juvenile Defense Lawyers are here to help.

DWI Lawyer

A driving while intoxicated charge can completely alter the course of your life. Don't let one bad mistake ruin your life. Consultations are free.

Military Criminal Defense Lawyer

The Carlson Law Firm represents veterans and active-duty service members facing criminal charges in Central Texas.

How can a criminal defense lawyer help?

The criminal justice process can involve law enforcement, prosecutors, courts and other government agencies. If you are arrested, charged with an offense or under investigation, a criminal defense attorney can help you understand the process, protect your rights and evaluate the evidence and legal issues involved in your case.

A Defense Lawyer will protect your rights and best interests in the following ways:

When you contact our Bell County 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.

An attorney can review police reports, witness statements, video or other available evidence and identify inconsistencies or other issues that may be relevant to the defense.

An attorney can review how law enforcement conducted the investigation, detention, search or arrest to determine whether constitutional or procedural issues may affect the case. If you believe officer misconduct occurred, explain this during a free consultation and let our attorneys look into this for you.

A criminal defense attorney can communicate with prosecutors and other parties on your behalf, explain your rights and help you navigate court procedures and deadlines.

Potential defenses depend on the charge, available evidence and circumstances of the case. An attorney can evaluate those facts and determine which defenses or legal challenges may be appropriate.

If a case proceeds to trial, a criminal defense attorney can participate in jury selection, challenge improper evidence or testimony, cross-examine witnesses and present the defense in court.

An attorney can explain the potential consequences of available options and help you make informed decisions throughout the criminal court process.

Depending on the case, an attorney may negotiate with prosecutors, address bond issues, file appropriate pretrial motions and discuss potential plea agreements. If a plea offer is made, your attorney can explain its terms and potential consequences so you can decide how to proceed.

Call us today or complete a contact form to schedule your free, confidential consultation with a criminal lawyer in Bell County.

What Types of Criminal Matters Can an Attorney Handle?

Criminal defense attorneys may represent clients at different stages of a case, including during an investigation, after an arrest, while charges are pending and at trial. Depending on the firm’s services, representation may include matters involving:

The legal options available depend on the charge, procedural history and circumstances of the individual case.

I have a court-appointed attorney. should I hire a different lawyer?

A court-appointed attorney is a licensed attorney who can represent you throughout your criminal case. If you are considering hiring private counsel, you may want to speak with an attorney about your concerns and what private representation would involve.

When choosing a criminal defense attorney, consider whether you understand how your case is being handled, can communicate openly with your lawyer and feel comfortable asking questions.

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Killeen criminal lawyer

When should I hire a criminal defense lawyer?

Consider contacting a criminal defense attorney as soon as you learn that you are under investigation, have been arrested or are facing criminal charges. Early involvement can give an attorney more time to review the allegations, preserve important evidence, communicate with prosecutors and prepare a defense strategy.

Depending on the circumstances, an attorney may also address bond issues, review discovery and help you understand upcoming court dates and other requirements.

aggravated assault lawyer

How long does a criminal case last?

There is no standard timeline for a criminal case. Some cases may resolve quicker than others, with some taking months or longer. The timeline can depend on factors including:

  • The seriousness of the charges
  • The amount of evidence involved
  • Whether additional investigation is needed
  • The court’s schedule
  • Pretrial motions
  • Negotiations with prosecutors
  • Whether the case goes to trial
 
Your attorney can explain what to expect based on the charge, court and circumstances of your case, but an exact timeline may not be known at the start.

FAQs: Criminal Defense

If law enforcement wants to question you about an investigation in which you may be a suspect, consider speaking with a criminal defense attorney before answering questions or providing a statement. An attorney can help you understand your rights and the potential consequences of speaking with investigators.

You can call a professional bail bondsman, the police agency investigating the offense, and/or the court in which the case is pending. 

The cost of legal defense can vary depending on several factors. Our team can 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.

How our Central Texas Criminal Defense Team Can Help

Drunk Driving Charges

Texas law defines intoxication as either not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties because of alcohol, drugs or another substance, or having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more. A DWI charge can therefore involve more than a BAC result. Our criminal defense attorneys represent clients facing DWI and related intoxication charges.

Drug Charges

The severity of a drug penalty depends on several factors, including whether it is a state or federal charge and the penalty group they are categorized. If you have been arrested on a drug offense, contact our criminal justice attorney.

Assault

Texas assault charges can involve allegations of causing bodily injury, threatening another person with imminent bodily injury or engaging in certain offensive or provocative physical contact. The classification and potential consequences depend on the conduct alleged and other circumstances.

Evading Arrest or Detention

Evading arrest in a vehicle or on foot carries significant penalties in Texas. An attorney can review the circumstances of the alleged evasion, the evidence and any defenses or legal issues that may apply.

Homicide

Homicide charges are among the most serious criminal allegations a person can face in Texas and may carry severe penalties upon conviction. Early investigation and careful review of the evidence can be critical when preparing a defense.

Family Violence / Domestic Assault

Family violence is a type of assault that have serious legal consequences. A domestic violence conviction can result in losing certain licenses, employment options, and affect military standing.

Expunctions & Non-disclosures

Depending on the circumstances, some people may qualify for an expunction of eligible criminal records or an order of nondisclosure. Eligibility depends on factors such as the charge, disposition and criminal history. An attorney can review your record and help determine which options may be available.

Orders of Nondisclosure

An order of nondisclosure generally restricts public access to eligible criminal history record information but does not erase the record. Certain government agencies and other authorized entities may still be able to access the information. Eligibility depends on the offense, disposition and other circumstances.

Sexual Assault

A sexual assault charge can carry serious criminal and collateral consequences. A criminal defense attorney can review the allegations and evidence, protect your legal rights and develop a defense strategy based on the circumstances of the case.

Early Termination of Probation

Texas law allows some people to request early termination of probation after completing one-third of the original supervision period or two years, whichever is less. Eligibility depends on the offense and circumstances of the case.

Theft

Texas theft charges can involve allegations of unlawfully appropriating another person's property with intent to deprive the owner of it. Depending on the value and type of property involved and other circumstances, theft may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.

Prostitution and Solicitation

Under Texas law, the potential charge and penalties depend on the alleged conduct and other circumstances. If you are facing a prostitution or solicitation charge, a criminal defense attorney can review the allegations and explain the potential consequences and defenses.

Contact a Bell County Defense Lawyer

If you are facing criminal charges in Bell or Coryell County or the surrounding area, call a criminal defense lawyer at The Carlson Law Firm. Our attorneys and legal assistants will treat you with the respect you deserve and give your case the attention you deserve.

Kyra Leal Criminal Defense Attorney

Your Bell County Defense Attorney: Kyra Leal

Depending on the circumstances, a DWI may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. Kyra Leal represents clients facing criminal charges in Central Texas and can review the evidence, explain the legal process and help develop a defense strategy based on the circumstances of the case.

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There's a CARLSON LAW FIRM Near You

With 18 locations throughout Texas, there’s a Carlson Law Firm near you. We have law offices located in Killeen, Temple, Waco, Round Rock, Austin, San Antonio, Kerrville, Laredo, Bryan, Lubbock, Midland, and Corpus Christi.

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