Tyler Criminal Law

Criminal laws in Tyler

The criminal process can be complex and confusing and is best navigated with the help of an experienced Tyler criminal law attorney. A criminal law attorney in Tyler at Tonda Curry & Associates can protect your legal rights and keep you informed every step of the way. To avoid saying or doing anything that might harm your case, contact a criminal law attorney in Tyler at Tonda Curry & Associates as soon as possible after your arrest.

Our criminal lawyers in Tyler understand the law as it relates to the crime you have been charged with. We help you in making informed decisions as your case moves through the process. Do not attempt to go it alone. A conviction on Tyler criminal law charges can wreak havoc with your future and result in fines and incarceration.

Trial

In Texas, you have the right to a jury trial in all criminal proceedings, regardless of punishment. This right may be waived by:

• Pleading guilty
• Choosing a bench trial (a trial in front of a judge only)
• If you request a bench trial, the judge performs the fact-finding function that is usually performed by the jury

Expungement

In Texas, under some circumstances, you may be able to have a criminal record expunged, which means that the records are returned to you or destroyed. You may be eligible for expungement if:

• A criminal charge against you has been dismissed, you have been found not guilty, or you have been pardoned or
• Someone used your name or identification when arrested (identity theft) or
• You are a juvenile who has completed a deferred sentence
• You are an underage drinking first offender

If you are eligible to have your records expunged, you may file a petition in court. A person who has reached age 17 must make a sworn written request to have juvenile records expunged.

In addition, if you have received a discharge and dismissal from deferred adjudication community supervision (an alternative sentencing program in Texas), you may petition the court for a nondisclosure order following dismissal for some misdemeanors, five years after dismissal for other misdemeanors, or ten years after dismissal for felonies. A nondisclosure order prohibits criminal justice agencies from disclosing criminal history information to the public.

Contact our lawyers

If you are charged with a violation of Tyler drug crime laws, or have questions about criminal law in Tyler, contact an attorney at Tonda Curry & Associates. Our attorneys are skilled in all aspects of Tyler criminal laws. Let us protect your rights and fight for you.