The court system in the Austin area is intimidating, and even the county you’re in when you’re arrested makes a big difference. Each Texas county has its own set of priorities and quirks. Where your case is heard can make a big difference. Penalties can be stiff.
When facing misdemeanor or felony charges, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney in Austin advocating for your legal rights because there is more at stake than you may realize.
A criminal conviction could mean life-altering consequences, including:
- Jail time
- Expensive fines
- Probation
- Loss of gun rights
- Inability to rent an apartment or loans
- Revocation of professional licenses
- Difficulties securing a job
We don’t just handle cases in the Austin area. Our attorneys have decades of experience in Travis, Williamson, Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Blanco, and Burnet counties.
Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Conviction
Pleading guilty or no contest might seem like a simple way to avoid jail. However, any criminal conviction will damage you in ways you might not initially consider. A conviction could:
- Cause you to lose child custody or visitation rights
- Cost you your job or professional license
- Damage your reputation within the community (for example, if you’re required to register as a sex offender)
- Prevent you from renting an apartment or getting a loan to buy a house
When developing a customized strategy for your case, we will review every possible consequence of a conviction. Our Austin team is our largest, including at least three former prosecutors, an FBI agent, and one who is fluent in Spanish. We also have a former judge and attorneys with a wide range of criminal defense experience across Texas. This array of experience gives us insider knowledge of how the prosecutors will approach your case. We leverage this expertise to get you the best possible case outcome.
What To Expect When You Hire Us
The moment you reach out, we go to work. Our Austin team treats every case like it’s our most important one — because for you, it is.
- Fast. convenient intake: Your first call connects you with an intake specialist who gathers the key details of your case and pulls available records right away. We're available 24/7 to work around your schedule.
- Direct access to a senior trial attorney: Soon after the intake call, one of our senior trial attorneys will contact you personally. We’ll dig into the facts, your background, and the circumstances of your arrest to identify every possible defense option.
- We spring into action: Once you retain us, we hit the ground running. We work to help you post bail, secure a bail bond, or arrange for jail release — even after hours and on weekends — and start negotiating with prosecutors to position your case for the best outcome.
- Proven results: We’ve achieved a 95% success rate on Austin-area cases. With decades of combined experience and a deep understanding of local courts, our attorneys know how to navigate Travis County’s system and fight for your future.
- We ensure your story is told: Every case carries high stakes. We make sure that your side is heard, your rights are protected, and every possible avenue for dismissal, reduction of charges, or acquittal is thoroughly explored.
You Are Innocent Unless Proven Guilty
In the immediate aftermath of an arrest, it’s critical to remember that you have rights. One is that you’re innocent until proven guilty. Another is that you have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions from the police. You also have the right to an attorney.
Our criminal justice system isn’t perfect. DWI field testing is subjective, and the police may not have followed the proper procedures during your arrest. We have seen many instances in which clients’ rights were violated or facts were inaccurate.
We will carefully review all the evidence, searching for any mistakes, even ones that might seem tiny or insignificant.
Additionally, we believe in straight talk. Our ultimate goal is to dismiss your case, but that isn’t always possible. We will review all viable alternatives with you. This could include diversionary programs that, when completed, may result in removing the charges, leaving you with a clean criminal record.
What Criminal Defense Cases Do We Handle?
Michael & Associates handles virtually every type of criminal charge. This includes:
DWI and DUI Charges: Driving While Intoxicated involves operating a motor vehicle or watercraft in a public place while impaired, typically due to alcohol. It is one of our most common cases, and we have a very high rate of DWI dismissals. We have several Certified DWI Scientists on our team who know more about breath and blood testing than any prosecutor. We handle all types, including first DWI offenses, second offenses, third (or more) DWI offenses, intoxication manslaughter, and DUI.
Drug Crimes: Drug crimes in Texas can vary in severity from possession of small amounts to drug trafficking. Laws are sometimes contradictory and inconsistently enforced. No matter how serious the charge may be, we will fight it.
Felonies: In Austin, there are more than a thousand ways to commit a felony. Many of these can potentially result in massive fines or lengthy prison sentences. If you’re facing any felony charge, we will do everything possible to get it dismissed or reduced.
Misdemeanors: Misdemeanors may be less severe than felonies, but penalties can still be harsh. We handle Class A, Class B, and many Class C misdemeanors.
Assault charges: Assault charges range in severity from simple assault to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Almost all of these charges can have long-term consequences if you’re convicted.
Domestic violence: Texas law calls this “family violence,” but the meaning is the same, and this is where your side of the story must be presented. The potential for social stigma is high. We will carefully examine your case. If we believe the charges against you stem from a misunderstanding, we will work to secure an affidavit of non-prosecution.
Probation violations: If you’re already on probation, the threat of having that revoked can be terrifying. You may have to serve your entire original sentence if your probation is revoked. We have a strong track record of beating these in Fort Worth.
Homicides: Charges can range from criminally negligent homicide to capital murder, which means your life could literally hang in the balance. If you’re facing any homicide charge in the Austin area, don’t leave your fate in the hands of an overworked public defender. Make sure you have someone who will give your case the time and care you deserve.
Theft: Theft covers a range of offenses, including shoplifting, embezzlement, writing bad checks (which may also constitute fraud), theft of services, larceny, or knowingly purchasing stolen property. We will thoroughly investigate, review the security footage and the circumstances of your arrest, and examine any potential weak evidence.
Other Charges: We handle almost all types of criminal charges, including trespassing, burglary, terroristic threats, harassment, evading arrest, weapons charges, and traffic tickets.
Don't Put Your Future in the Hands of an Overworked Public Defender
If you decide that you can’t afford an attorney, a public defender will be appointed to represent you. However, these attorneys may have less experience than a private criminal defense attorney. They may miss key nuances in your case and be less effective in the courtroom.
Additionally, most public defenders are overworked, and their high caseloads prevent them from becoming personally invested in your case.
Often, a public defender can be less experienced than a private criminal defense lawyer in defending against criminal charges. Due to their inexperience, they may be less effective in court and may not fully understand the nuances of your specific case. They may not want to devote the time necessary to take your case to trial.
On the other hand, a Michael & Associates attorney has access to more resources and will provide the personalized attention you deserve. Though many cases in Austin can be resolved without a trial, we’re always willing to go to trial when necessary to get you the best possible outcome. Don’t settle for anything less than a zealous advocate when your future is on the line.
