Criminal Defense Attorney in Amarillo

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney to Protect Your Rights

Facing a criminal charge can be scary. Although the criminal process can be confusing and complex, it is important to understand the process and know your rights.

The best way to protect your rights is to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney. Contact the Law Office of Randall L. Sherrod to get help with your Amarillo criminal defense.

Criminal Defense in Amarillo

To take some of the mystery out of Texas criminal proceedings, here is what you can expect after criminal charges have been filed against you.

Once the charges have been filed, the court will hold an arraignment, at which you will be asked to enter a plea to the charges. There are four plea options in Texas:

• By pleading guilty, you are admitting to the facts of the case and that you were the one who committed the crime.
• By pleading not guilty, you are asserting that you did not commit the crime.
• By pleading no contest, you are indicating that, while you are not admitting guilt, you do not dispute the charge.
• When entering a mute plea, you may “stand mute” instead of making a plea, and the court will enter a not guilty plea.

The arraignment court also will decide whether to set bail. In Texas, you can pay bail in these manners:

• Cash
• A pledge of property, if allowed in that court
• A bail bond

Under the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you have the right to a speedy trial. With some limited exceptions, a defendant in Texas should be brought to trial within these time frames:

• 180 days if you are accused of a felony
• 90 days if you are accused of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of more than 180 days
• 60 days if you are accused of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of 180 days or less or by a fine only

Under Texas law, you have a right to a jury trial in all criminal proceedings, regardless of the punishment. That right may be waived by pleading guilty or by choosing a trial before a judge only.

Call 1 806 376-4447 for Amarillo criminal defense.