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Weatherford, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense Lawyer | Weatherford, Parker County, Texas

Aggressively Protecting Your Constitutional Rights in All Criminal Matters

You’re under investigation for criminal activity, or you’ve been charged with committing a crime. The criminal justice system can be frightening, with a language all its own and a powerful sense that the odds are stacked against you. That’s when you need aggressive and knowledgeable criminal defense counsel. You want The Loftin Firm.

About The Loftin Firm

Attorney Trey Loftin brings more than 25 years of proven criminal law experience to people in Weatherford, Parker County, and across Texas who are under investigation for, or who have been charged with, any type of misdemeanor or felony. He has also represented criminal defendants in a wide range of prosecutions in the greater Fort Worth area and around the state of Texas.

A former prosecutor and district court judge, attorney Loftin has a comprehensive understanding of state and federal criminal law and procedure. As a prosecutor, he handled a wide range of criminal cases, from sex offenses and drug crimes to homicide, without ever losing a felony prosecution. As a criminal defense lawyer, he’s obtained positive results for clients charged with almost any type of crime, from DWI to assault, drug charges, theft offenses, gun crimes, sexual offenses, murder, and other violent offenses. Because he’s been both a prosecutor and a district court judge, he understands the strategies and tactics that state attorneys typically use, as well as how the judges are likely to respond to certain types of arguments.

At The Loftin Firm, every potential criminal defense client receives a free initial consultation. To schedule an appointment, call 817-441-8933 or contact The Loftin Firm by email.

Understanding the Criminal Defense Process in Weatherford, Parker County

In Parker County, as in all of Texas, the criminal defense process is fairly structured:

  • Initial Investigation and Arrest—Law enforcement officers and prosecutors may question potential defendants or witnesses to gather evidence, but they must have probable cause to conduct a search or seize and take things or make an arrest.
  • Pretrial Procedures—If you’re taken into custody, you must be told what your charges are in a timely manner. At the arraignment, the judge will advise you of the charges against you and ask how you plead. You may plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
  • Trial Process—Provided you don’t plead guilty or negotiate a plea bargain, your case will go to trial. You have the right to trial by jury. At trial, the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
  • Appeals—If the court or district attorneys made mistakes in the interpretation or application of the law, you have the right to appeal a verdict to a higher court

Why You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Weatherford, Parker County

The criminal justice system can be confusing and intimidating. Without experienced legal counsel to defend you, your chances of getting a positive outcome will be significantly compromised.

  • Understanding the Legal System in Weatherford, Parker County—An experienced lawyer will know how the legal system works, what needs to be filed and when, whether the prosecutor or court will entertain a plea bargain, and what arguments will be most compelling in your defense.
  • Benefits of Hiring a Local Criminal Lawyer—A local criminal attorney can typically work with prosecutors and the courts to streamline the process and potentially minimize the consequences of a prosecution. A local lawyer knows when prosecutors will take a hard line and when they may be willing to compromise. They’ll also know the types of arguments that will be most persuasive with judges and juries.

The Cost of Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Weatherford, Parker County

The Loftin Firm understands your concern about the cost of effective criminal defense counsel

  • Factors Affecting Legal Fees—The total cost of representation in any criminal matter depends on the type of offense, as well as the complexity of evidence and other issues involved. You’ll typically pay substantially more for the defense of felony charges than for a misdemeanor prosecution. Some types of crimes, such as financial, internet or sex crimes, can involve complicated fact situations, requiring more time in the preparation of your case. Additionally, if there are extensive documents or a large number of witnesses involved, the cost can go up significantly.
  • Types of Payment Structures—With most criminal defense matters, your attorney will bill you on an hourly basis. In limited situations, such as DWI or minor misdemeanors, an attorney may charge a flat fee to resolve the case. Additionally, an attorney may use a hybrid approach, charging a flat fee to complete certain tasks but billing hourly if additional work is required for bond violations or additional charges.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

There’s no secret to getting the results you want in a criminal prosecution. It takes knowledge, experience, skill, and hard work. That’s the Loftin advantage.

To schedule an appointment, call The Loftin Firm at 817-441-8933 or contact attorney Loftin online. Your first consultation is free.

Effective Advocacy for Clients Across Parker County, Texas, Including Weatherford,

Willow Park, Aledo, and Annetta, and Throughout Fort Worth

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Weatherford, Parker County

What should I do if I am arrested in Weatherford, Parker County?

The first and most important thing to do is retain qualified legal counsel. The U.S. Constitution guarantees you the right to legal counsel and to have an attorney appointed for you if you cannot afford one. The sooner you retain legal counsel, the sooner you’ll have a knowledgeable person to advise you and be at your side during all meetings, hearings, and proceedings, including interrogations. Until your attorney arrives, it’s essential that you exercise your right to remain silent.

How can a lawyer help in my criminal case in Weatherford, Parker County?

You have certain rights granted to you under the U.S. Constitution. An attorney will ensure that your rights are protected and that you don’t say or do anything that might jeopardize your defense. Your lawyer will confirm that law enforcement officers followed constitutional requirements and that the charges against you are not unfounded. Your attorney will also know when it’s in your best interests to seek a plea bargain and when you should assert your rights before a judge and jury.

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Weatherford, Parker County?

The total cost of legal representation in a criminal prosecution varies, depending on the seriousness and complexity of the case, and the amount of time your attorney must spend preparing and presenting your case. Misdemeanor proceedings are typically less expensive than felony prosecutions. Additionally, more complex crimes, such as white-collar crime or conspiracy, often involve more preparation and expense, as do homicide charges and sex crimes.

What happens during a criminal trial in Weatherford, Parker County?

A criminal trial begins with choosing a jury. Once the jury has been selected, the prosecutor and defense attorney each make opening statements, telling jurors what the case is about. The prosecution presents its case first, typically calling witnesses for direct examination. Defense attorneys then have the opportunity to cross-examine prosecution witnesses. Once the prosecution has finished presenting its case, defense attorneys present their evidence, though they do not have to do so. Prosecutors also have the opportunity to cross-examine defense witnesses. When both sides rest and close their cases, the attorneys make closing arguments and the matter is turned over to the jury to deliberate and reach a unanimous verdict beyond a reasonable doubt.

How long does it take to resolve a criminal matter in Weatherford, Parker County?

The length of time necessary to finalize a criminal prosecution in Texas depends to a significant degree on the type of crime charged, the complexity of the case, and the county in which the matter is being prosecuted. Multiple witnesses or complex evidence can slow down a criminal prosecution. The courts in Parker County are courts of general jurisdiction (handling all types of cases, not just criminal matters),which results in the process taking more time. In the best-case scenario, a criminal matter may be resolved within a few months. Other criminal prosecutions can take years to resolve.