Whether you are charged with misdemeanor theft or felony theft, a conviction of any theft crime will negatively impact your future. The consequences of being convicted of theft in Texas depend on the classification of the particular theft crime with which you are charged as well as other factors such as whether or not you have been convicted of a crime in the past.
The consequences of a felony theft conviction are likely to include incarceration in a state prison. In fact, if you are convicted of theft as a first degree felony you could end up in prison for many years. If you are charged with theft even if the charge is a misdemeanor, it is important that you speak with an experienced Houston theft lawyer who will review the facts of your case and who will aggressively defend you throughout your case.
At your initial conference with a Houston theft crimes lawyer, there are 5 important questions that you should ask.
Experience
1. How long have you been representing clients in criminal cases? While there are cases that a new lawyer could handle expertly, theft and robbery charges in Houston require the type of expertise that can only be acquired over time. Determine not only if the attorney has been practicing law for a while, but if he or she has been practicing criminal law for a while.
2. What types of criminal cases do you generally handle? Representing those accused of theft is not a part of every criminal lawyer's practice. It is a good idea to find out if theft is a significant part of the lawyer's practice, and if the lawyer has handled cases where the allegations are similar to the allegations in your case.
Approach and Outcome
3. Who will handle my case? Many law firms employ multiple lawyers. The experienced lawyer with whom you initially discuss your case may not be the lawyer who actually handles the day-to-day work on your case. It is important to understand who is going to actually handle your case and to make sure that that lawyer is experienced.
4. Will I be convicted? A Houston theft lawyer will not be able to guarantee the outcome of your case. However, based on the information the lawyer has access to at the first meeting with you, he or she will be able to tell you your legal options and the possible outcomes of your case.
Paying your Fee
5. How much is your fee and when do I pay it? Do not leave the initial meeting with your lawyer without an understanding of how much the lawyer will charge you. The lawyer may charge you a flat fee for representation, or he or she may charge you by the hour. In addition, the lawyer may require a partial payment or retainer before beginning work on your case.
Being accused of theft and facing the prospect of going to jail is frightening. However, just because you have been charged with theft does not mean that you will be convicted. Contact Lisa Shapiro Strauss, a theft lawyer in Houston Texas, to discuss the facts of your case.
The consequences of a felony theft conviction are likely to include incarceration in a state prison. In fact, if you are convicted of theft as a first degree felony you could end up in prison for many years. If you are charged with theft even if the charge is a misdemeanor, it is important that you speak with an experienced Houston theft lawyer who will review the facts of your case and who will aggressively defend you throughout your case.
At your initial conference with a Houston theft crimes lawyer, there are 5 important questions that you should ask.
Experience
1. How long have you been representing clients in criminal cases? While there are cases that a new lawyer could handle expertly, theft and robbery charges in Houston require the type of expertise that can only be acquired over time. Determine not only if the attorney has been practicing law for a while, but if he or she has been practicing criminal law for a while.
2. What types of criminal cases do you generally handle? Representing those accused of theft is not a part of every criminal lawyer's practice. It is a good idea to find out if theft is a significant part of the lawyer's practice, and if the lawyer has handled cases where the allegations are similar to the allegations in your case.
Approach and Outcome
3. Who will handle my case? Many law firms employ multiple lawyers. The experienced lawyer with whom you initially discuss your case may not be the lawyer who actually handles the day-to-day work on your case. It is important to understand who is going to actually handle your case and to make sure that that lawyer is experienced.
4. Will I be convicted? A Houston theft lawyer will not be able to guarantee the outcome of your case. However, based on the information the lawyer has access to at the first meeting with you, he or she will be able to tell you your legal options and the possible outcomes of your case.
Paying your Fee
5. How much is your fee and when do I pay it? Do not leave the initial meeting with your lawyer without an understanding of how much the lawyer will charge you. The lawyer may charge you a flat fee for representation, or he or she may charge you by the hour. In addition, the lawyer may require a partial payment or retainer before beginning work on your case.
Being accused of theft and facing the prospect of going to jail is frightening. However, just because you have been charged with theft does not mean that you will be convicted. Contact Lisa Shapiro Strauss, a theft lawyer in Houston Texas, to discuss the facts of your case.