Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer

If the State of Texas has charged you with a crime, an Austin criminal defense attorney can help. A defense lawyer explains each step of the criminal defense process, helps you decide how to handle your case, and defends against the government’s claims. 

At Austin Hagee Law Firm, PLLC, we represent individuals charged with crimes in Texas, including DWI/DUI, domestic violence, drug offenses, and expunctions (also called expungements). Reach out to speak with an Austin criminal defense lawyer from our firm.

What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?

Criminal defense lawyers represent individuals whom the government has charged with one or more criminal offenses. We help by: 

• Evaluating your case and building a plan. We review the facts, look for problems in the government’s evidence, explain your options, and advise you on how you can respond to the charges. For example, we may determine that an officer lacked a legally valid reason to stop you or that key evidence does not hold up under scrutiny.
• Helping you make decisions. We explain risks, timelines, and possible outcomes so you understand what will happen and what could happen.
• Protecting your rights. We identify violations such as illegal searches, failure to read your rights, or unfair procedures, and we raise those issues in court.
• Communicating with prosecutors. Prosecutors act as the government lawyers who attempt to prove the case against you. We negotiate with them to reduce charges, pursue alternatives like probation, or seek dismissal when possible.
• Representing you in court. We speak on your behalf at hearings and present your defense before a judge or jury.

In short, your defense attorney protects your rights and challenges the case against you at every stage.

Types of Criminal Cases We Handle

At Austin Hagee Law Firm, we handle cases including but not limited to:

• DWI and DUI defense. Driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges involve operating a vehicle while alcohol or drugs impair one’s ability to drive. These cases can lead to license suspension, fines, and jail time.
• Drug charges and vape pens. Drug charges in Texas may involve possession, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances, including marijuana and THC vape pens.
• Assault and domestic violence. Assault charges involve allegations that you caused bodily harm or threatened another person. Domestic violence cases often involve people who know each other and may include protective orders.
• Expunctions and record clearing. An expunction, often called expungement, allows you to erase certain criminal records so they no longer appear in public background checks. 

We also handle Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearings, where the State determines whether it will suspend your driver’s license after a DWI arrest.

Steps in the Criminal Defense Process

After you are arrested and charged, your criminal defense lawyer in Austin, TX, can guide you through each stage of the criminal defense process.

Arrest and Booking

After an arrest, police take you to jail, record your information, and document the alleged offense. During this time, you have the right to remain silent and request an attorney.

Bond and Release

Following an arrest, a judge may set bail, meaning you can pay a bond, leaving money with the court and allowing you to remain outside of jail while the criminal case against you is pending. In deciding the amount of the bond, judges consider factors such as the seriousness of the charge, your prior record, and whether you are likely to appear for later court hearings.

Arraignment and Pleadings

At arraignment, the court informs you of the charges and asks you how you want to respond. You enter a plea, such as not guilty, guilty, or no contest, which serves as your formal response to the charges.

Investigation and Evidence Review

A strong defense requires a detailed review of the evidence. We conduct our own investigation rather than relying solely on the prosecution’s version of events. Our investigation may include:

• Reviewing police reports and video footage,
• Examining forensic evidence, 
• Interviewing witnesses, and
• Working with forensic or toxicology experts.

A thorough investigation allows us to identify weaknesses and build a stronger defense.

Pretrial Motions and Negotiations

Before trial, we may file pretrial motions, which ask the court to take specific actions. For example, we may ask the court to exclude evidence that officers obtained through an illegal search.

We also negotiate with prosecutors to seek:

• Reduced charges,
• Alternatives to jail, and
• Dismissal when the evidence does not support the case.

Many cases resolve during the pretrial phase of the process.

Trial Representation

If your case goes to trial, we present your defense before a judge or jury. The government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. To defend you, we focus on:

• Presenting evidence and witnesses that support your case,
• Questioning the government’s witnesses to expose weaknesses, and
• Arguing that the evidence does not meet the required legal standard.

Our experience in Travis County courtrooms helps us prepare you for what to expect if your case goes to trial.

How Do You Choose an Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Working with a criminal defense lawyer who understands local courts can influence how your case progresses. Choosing the best criminal defense attorney in Austin, TX, involves considering whether someone offers:

• Clear communication,
• Responsiveness,
• A thoughtful strategy, and
• Trial readiness.

When evaluating your options, consider whether the attorney regularly handles cases in Austin. Criminal cases involving an alleged crime that occurred in Austin typically move through the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center. An attorney familiar with this courthouse, its procedures, and the local judges and prosecutors in Austin can better anticipate how your case will move forward.

Speak with an Austin Criminal Defense Attorney Today

We understand that facing criminal charges can leave many at a loss about what to do next. If you are searching for an Austin criminal defense attorney, you need answers quickly. The Austin Hagee Law Firm, PLLC, provides criminal defense for individuals facing DWI, drug charges, assault allegations, and related offenses in Texas. We have a history of successfully defending clients and experience that helps us advise you more effectively on which strategies to pursue.

Contact us by calling us at 726-223-6041 to schedule a consultation and get a clear, fact-based assessment of your situation.

Legal References Used to Inform This Page 

To ensure the accuracy and clarity of this page, we referenced official legal resources during the content development process:

• Travis County, Criminal Courts.
• Driving while intoxicated, Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 49.04.
• Assault, Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 22.01.