Frequently Asked Questions

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Ft. Bend

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
Regardless of the criminal charges one may be facing, they will be classified into one of these two categories.  Misdemeanors are usually less serious offenses that subsequently carry less severe penalties if convicted, such as first time DWI, petty theft, possession of a small amount of marijuana, or misdemeanor probation violations.  Misdemeanor charges are only punishmable by a fine and confinement in the county jail.

A felony is a much more serious charge that can result in a punishment range of anywhere from 6 months in a State Jail facility up to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000.00 fine. Charges such as intoxication manslaughter, drug crimes, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and murder are just a few of the many felony charges that exist in Texas.  A skilled Fort Bend criminal defense attorney can assist a client in defending against both misdemeanor and felony charges.

What is a plea?
When a person faces a judge after arrest, he or she will generally be asked to enter a statement on the record in response to the criminal accusation - such as "guilty" or "not guilty."  Generally speaking, a defendant will enter a plea of not guilty at the advice of his counsel until he is given an opportunity to defend himself at trial.  Sometimes a "plea negotiation" with the prosecution might be an option at some point during these proceedings to accept lesser charges in exchange for a plea change to guilty.

Why hire an attorney?
The criminal justice system can be very adversarial, complex and confusing.  It is never in one's best judgment to forego legal counsel.  A lawyer can help protect someone's legal rights and provide crucial legal assistance with their case, such as exploration of evidence and witnesses and negotiations with prosecutors.  Attorney Jeff Greco can use his knowledge and experience to seek a mitigation or dismissal of charges and can ensure that a client's defense is not drowned in a sea of misunderstood legalities and procedure, as it very well might be if he or she chooses to go it alone.

What exactly is an expungement?  Am I eligible to receive one?
In Texas, an expungement is essentially the court-ordered destruction or prohibition of the use of a person's police or court records.  This would allow someone to legally say that he or she had not been arrested or prosecuted for a criminal act on such things as employment applications.  Generally speaking, expungements are only available to defendants who were not convicted of a crime or who completed requirements of deferred adjudication after a class C misdemeanor conviction.

For further answers or valuable assistance with a criminal defense matter, contact a Ft. Bend Criminal Defense Lawyer today.