Criminal Law

If you are involved in a criminal investigation or facing a criminal charge, you probably have urgent questions about what you should do to protect your rights. Getting a Rockwall criminal lawyer on your side is an important step to take in pursuing a fair resolution of a matter in which your freedom, your professional future, and your personal relationships may be at stake. At the Goodman Law Firm, our lead attorney is a former felony prosecutor, which means that he has a thorough understanding of the justice system and the way that the prosecution may approach your case, whether the charge is based on a drug crime, DWI, assault, domestic violence, or another offense.

We understand how important it is for you to receive personalized and attentive legal counsel during this stressful time. As a small-scale law firm, we are able to interact with each client in a direct and committed manner. We will not treat a client or their family like just another file on the shelf. If you are involved in a criminal matter, contact us today to set up a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you fight for justice.

The charges and penalties that you may face for a drug crime depend on several different factors, including the type of drug, the amount of the drug, and the intended use of the drug. Texas uses the federal Drug Enforcement Administration’s schedule to classify drugs, with some drugs carrying stricter penalties than others. It also prosecutes a variety of drug-related crimes, including possession of controlled substances, possession of paraphernalia, distribution of controlled substances, delivery or transport of drugs, selling drugs, and manufacturing drugs. There are defenses that may apply to each of these crimes, such as lack of intent to sell a controlled substance or improper procedures used by law enforcement to obtain evidence of a drug-related crime. An experienced criminal attorney can help Rockwall defendants determine which strategy may apply to their case.

Similar to drug crimes, driving while intoxicated is taken seriously in Texas and carries possible penalties like license suspension, monetary fines, and jail time. A first DWI offense, which constitutes operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher, can result in up to 180 days in jail, a one-year license suspension, and a $2,000 fine. These penalties increase dramatically with each subsequent offense. There are many different factors that the court will consider when determining the sentence. It is important for your Rockwall criminal attorney to explore a wide range of defenses to a DWI charge, such as improper field sobriety test procedures, improperly calibrated equipment, or a lack of a sufficient basis to pull you over.

In general, an assault constitutes a situation in which the defendant knowingly and intentionally causes an individual to suffer a serious bodily injury, or threatens to cause harm or to have non-consensual physical contact with another individual. Assault charges usually arise in the context of heated situations in which tensions are high and things happen quickly. A simple assault may be charged as a misdemeanor, while an aggravated assault could result in a felony conviction and up to 20 years in prison. There are many factual distinctions that can separate a simple assault from an aggravated assault. Having an experienced attorney who can ensure that your situation is viewed fairly before a judge or jury can make a huge difference to the outcome of your case.

Domestic violence covers situations involving assault against a member of your household or an individual with whom you have or had a romantic or familial relationship. This includes in-laws as well as blood relatives and dating partners or spouses. Parents who share a child, step-parents, and foster parents are also covered by Texas’ domestic violence laws. There are many different types of conduct that are deemed unlawful acts of domestic violence, such as threats of violence, stalking, and kidnapping. These situations are often one party’s word against the other, so retaining legal representation is important to telling your side of the story persuasively.

If you have been charged with a crime or are concerned that you may be charged, the legal professionals at the Goodman Law Firm can help you ensure that you are being treated fairly. We can investigate each aspect of your case and determine whether the prosecution is playing by the rules or whether law enforcement obtained any improper evidence, among other issues. We have substantial experience in the courtroom, which means that we are not afraid to take your case to trial. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 972-772-4140 or contact us online. We represent people throughout Rockwall, Hunts, Kaufman, Collin, and Dallas Counties.