Were you recently arrested in Tarrant County, Texas? The costs and consequences of a criminal conviction can be overwhelming—affecting your freedom, reputation, and future opportunities. Now is the time to take action and begin building a strong defense.
At Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers, we have 60 years of combined experience protecting the rights of individuals facing criminal charges. Whether you’re dealing with a misdemeanor or a felony, we’re ready to put our knowledge and resources to work for you.
Contact our law office in Tarrant County, Texas, or call (682) 777 3336, today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case with a skilled Tarrant County criminal defense lawyer.
How Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help If You’re Arrested for a Crime
At Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers, we know that facing criminal charges is one of life’s most stressful experiences. Our Tarrant County, Texas, attorneys are highly recognized for their excellence in criminal defense and are committed to protecting your rights. When you choose us, you’ll get:
- Board Certified Attorneys – Pam Boggess and Cody Cofer are Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS)
- 60+ years of combined legal experience
- Thousands of cases handled across Texas courts
- A proven track record of dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges
- Aggressive defense strategies tailored to your unique case
- A responsive and compassionate legal team dedicated to protecting your rights
You can trust that our Tarrant County criminal defense attorneys will:
- Investigate the charges against you and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
- Challenge illegal searches, interrogations, and procedural errors
- Negotiate with prosecutors to seek case dismissals or reduced charges
- Develop a strong courtroom strategy if your case goes to trial
- Help you understand your legal options and make informed decisions about your defense
Don’t wait—protect your future today. Contact us now to schedule your free consultation.
Overview of Crimes in Texas
Texas has strict criminal laws that cover a wide range of offenses, from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. Criminal charges can be brought at the state or federal level, and penalties can vary depending on the nature and severity of the offense.
Common Criminal Charges in Tarrant County
- Drug crimes: Possession, distribution, trafficking, or manufacturing of controlled substances
- DWI/DUI: Driving while intoxicated, including felony DWI cases
- Theft & property crimes: Shoplifting, burglary, robbery, and fraud
- Assault & violent crimes: Domestic violence, aggravated assault, and homicide
- Sex crimes: Sexual assault, indecency with a child, and prostitution-related offenses
- White collar crimes: Fraud, embezzlement, and identity theft
- Probation violations: Failure to comply with probation terms, leading to potential jail time
If you’ve been charged with any of these crimes, seek legal representation immediately. The right defense can mean the difference between a conviction and your freedom.
What Are the Penalties for Crimes in Texas?
Texas has some of the toughest criminal penalties in the country. Even misdemeanor convictions can result in significant fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record. Felony offenses carry even more severe consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and loss of certain civil rights.
For misdemeanors, you might face the following:
- Class C misdemeanor: Up to $500 fine, no jail time
- Class B misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail, up to $2,000 fine
- Class A misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail, up to $4,000 fine
Felony penalties, on the other hand, are as follows:
- State jail felony: 180 days to 2 years in state jail, up to $10,000 fine
- Third-degree felony: 2 to 10 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine
- Second-degree felony: 2 to 20 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine
- First-degree felony: 5 to 99 years in prison or life, up to $10,000 fine
- Capital felony: Life in prison or the death penalty
Beyond these penalties, a criminal conviction can lead to other consequences, such as loss of employment opportunities, housing restrictions, loss of professional licenses, and difficulty obtaining loans or financial aid. This is why fighting your charges is crucial.
Possible Defenses for Crimes in Texas
Every criminal case is unique, and the best defense strategy depends on the facts of your case. Our experienced attorneys analyze the evidence and develop aggressive defense tactics, which may include:
- Lack of evidence: Challenging the prosecution’s inability to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt
- Unlawful search and seizure: Exposing constitutional violations that may lead to evidence being thrown out
- Self-defense: Asserting your right to defend yourself in cases of assault or violent crimes
- Mistaken identity: Demonstrating that you were wrongly accused due to an unreliable witness or false allegations
- Alibi defense: Presenting evidence that you were not at the scene of the alleged crime
- Coerced confession: Proving that police used illegal tactics to obtain a confession
The sooner you involve a Tarrant County criminal defense lawyer, the better your chances of mounting a strong defense.
The Importance of Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney Early
When facing criminal charges in Texas, timing is everything. The earlier you seek legal representation, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. Many people make the mistake of waiting until their first court date or after speaking with law enforcement, which can severely impact their case.
Acting quickly matters for the following reasons:
- Protection against self-incrimination: Anything you say to law enforcement can and will be used against you. A defense attorney ensures you do not unknowingly make statements that could harm your case.
- Preserving crucial evidence: The prosecution will begin building a case against you immediately. Hiring an attorney early allows for the collection of key evidence, surveillance footage, or witness statements that could be lost over time.
- Negotiating reduced charges: Prosecutors may be more willing to negotiate a plea bargain or consider pretrial diversion programs if your attorney intervenes early.
- Building a strong defense: Legal strategies often require significant preparation, and the sooner an attorney starts working on your case, the better your defense will be.
If you have been arrested or suspect you are under investigation, don’t wait to contact a Tarrant County criminal defense lawyer. Early intervention can significantly impact your case’s outcome.
Alternative Sentencing and Diversion Programs
Texas also has pretrial diversion programs and alternative sentencing options that may allow first-time offenders to avoid jail time by completing probation, rehabilitation, or community service programs. These alternatives can be beneficial in avoiding the long-term impact of a conviction. Our attorneys will explore every available option to minimize the consequences of your charges.
Understanding the Criminal Court Process in Texas
Facing criminal charges can feel overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with how the legal process works. Understanding what to expect can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for the road ahead. Here’s a general overview of the Texas criminal court process:
- Arrest and booking: If you are arrested in Tarrant County, you will be taken into police custody and booked. This process includes fingerprinting, photographs, and recording personal information. Depending on the nature of the charge, you may be released on bail or required to remain in custody until your arraignment.
- Arraignment: At the arraignment, you will appear before a judge, where the charges against you will be formally read. You will have the opportunity to enter a plea: guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Having an attorney present at this stage is crucial, as they can begin negotiations with the prosecutor and advise you on the best course of action.
- Pretrial motions and hearings: Your attorney may file pretrial motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or challenge the prosecution’s case. These motions can significantly impact the strength of the charges against you and may even result in a dismissal before trial.
- Plea bargaining: Many criminal cases in Texas are resolved through plea negotiations. If you are eligible, your attorney may be able to negotiate a lesser charge, reduced penalties, or participation in a pretrial diversion program to avoid jail time and a permanent criminal record.
- Trial and sentencing: If your case proceeds to trial, the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A skilled criminal defense lawyer will cross-examine witnesses, present evidence, and build a strong defense on your behalf. If convicted, the sentencing phase will determine the penalties you face, which may include fines, probation, or incarceration.
The legal process is complex, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Contact our team today to discuss your case and begin building your defense.
Contact our Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyers For a Consultation
If you or a loved one has been arrested in Tarrant County, Texas, don’t face the criminal justice system alone. Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers is here to provide an aggressive defense and guide you through every step of the legal process. Call today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Tarrant County criminal defense lawyer. Your future is too important to leave to chance—let us fight for you.
