Austin Criminal Defense Representation

If you or a family member has been accused of a crime, the lawyer you hire will have a significant impact on the outcome of the case. You need a criminal defense attorney with extensive experience. At Hildreth & Rueda, criminal defense is all we do, and we do it very well.

Our Austin criminal defense team has extensive familiarity with the court systems in Texas, including Travis County, Williamson County and Hays County. We routinely try cases in front of the judges in these areas, and we understand what strategy prosecuting lawyers will take concerning your case.

Providing A Wide Variety Of Criminal Defense Representation

We know what is at stake for people dealing with DWI, assault, drug possession and other criminal charges. A guilty verdict can have a devastating effect on your life.

We want you to feel the overwhelming sense of relief that comes with a not guilty verdict.

If you have been accused of a crime, particularly your first crime, chances are you don’t know where to turn. Call 512-415-7648 to find out how we can help you during this difficult time in your life.

We have over 20 years combined experience and have handled thousands of cases in the areas below:

• Drunk driving offenses
• Representation of college students
• Assault and battery
• Drug offenses
• Theft and burglary crimes
• Arson and vandalism
• Criminal expunction and clearing of criminal arrest records
• Occupational license issues
• Traffic tickets and citations

If expert testimony is needed to build your defense, we will turn to our extensive network of professionals, including investigators, blood experts and any other resources that may help with your specific case.

We Answer Your Common Criminal Defense Questions

At Hildreth & Rueda, our attorneys exclusively practice criminal law. They have extensive experience in Travis County, Williamson County and Hays County, representing those accused of crimes. No matter the severity of the criminal charges, we regularly prepare defense strategies and try cases for those accused of crimes. We offer a free consultation appointment to answer any specific questions that you might have.

When should I hire a criminal defense lawyer?

Anyone – including students at the University of Texas at Austin or any other college – who is under suspicion of a crime or who has been arrested or charged with a crime has the right to have their attorney present during any sort of questioning by law enforcement officers. Even if you have not been charged with a crime, the sooner you hire a criminal defense attorney, the sooner you have someone on your side protecting your rights.

An attorney:

• Provides a customized criminal defense strategy for the charges you are facing, helping to potentially minimize the consequences of a conviction
• Negotiates on your behalf with prosecutors, helping you determine if a plea is in your best interests
• Protects your rights at all stages of the process, including the investigatory stages, if consulted before charges are brought or arrests are made
• Answers your direct questions when you have them about the options available to you

If you have been contacted by police, or if you have been arrested, do not speak to law enforcement until you have representation. From the very moment you are interviewed or arrested, police are focused on building a case against you. You’re not going to be able to talk your way out of trouble. You need to focus on preserving the defense strategies available to you at this time.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

Crimes that are classified as felonies are more serious than misdemeanor crimes. In the state of Texas, anyone convicted of a misdemeanor generally does not face jail time of more than a year. Most of the drunk driving crimes in Texas are classified as misdemeanors. Felony charges can come with significant jail time penalties, depending on the charge. Drug crimes can be misdemeanors or felonies depending on the amount of the legal substance, where it was found and the type of substance.

Some of the key things to remember:

• Felonies carry much stronger penalties if convicted
• There may be opportunities to negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the seriousness of the offenses you are facing
• You do have options available – never plead guilty without knowing what is possible in your case

No matter how bleak things may seem, there are always steps that your representation can take to help you fight back against the charges. Your attorney will be honest with you about what true options you have, not just tell you what you want to hear. It’s your future at stake – do not make any choices until you get advice specific to your situation.

I’ve been arrested. What should I do?

If you’ve been placed under arrest, the police will read you your rights and tell you that you have the right to remain silent. The most important things that you can do in this situation:

• Do not say anything to police
• Do not think you can get out of this by answering their questions
• Contact an attorney immediately

You should tell the police that you do not want to talk to them and that you would like to speak to an attorney. The police are not allowed to listen to you on the phone when you call a lawyer. Calling a lawyer is not telling the police that you are guilty of the crime. It’s taking advantage of the rights provided to you under the Constitution. If you say anything to police, you are only going to hurt your case.

Am I eligible for a public defender?

You will only be appointed a public defender if you do not have the means to pay for one yourself. A public defender is employed by the county and handles a lot of cases at once. Anyone who is arrested in Texas for a Class A or B misdemeanor or for a felony crime has the right to have an attorney appointed by the court to represent them in their defense if they cannot afford to hire one for themselves.

Public defenders are an essential resource for clients who cannot afford an attorney. However, if you are in the position where you are wondering what is better for your situation, here are the advantages to having a private attorney handle your case:

• You have someone who is committed to your needs and your case – public defenders have high caseloads and may not be able to respond to your questions as quickly as a private attorney can
• You have a partner that is going to know the ins and outs of your case and is working toward a strategy that matches your goals

The important thing here is that you do not try to represent yourself. That is, you don’t just plead guilty or try to talk away the problem. If you have been arrested, you need to take things seriously. You need an attorney as soon as possible.

Your Free Initial Consultation

During your free initial consultation, we will learn about the details of the incident that led to your charge and help you understand how the law applies to your situation based on the county you were arrested in.

Our job is to fight for every client. While you are probably nervous and scared about what the future holds, we will put your mind at ease. For most of our clients who have been arrested and released from jail, the worst is already over.

Call 512-415-7648 or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation with an experienced Austin criminal defense lawyer.

We accept credit cards and offer payment plans. Se habla español.