League City Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense for All Offenses

Attorney John Reed handles a wide range of criminal matters, including but not limited to:

• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
• Drug Possession and Drug-Related Crimes
• Violent Crimes (Assault, Robbery, Domestic Violence, Homicide)
• Theft Offenses (Burglary, Shoplifting)
• Sex Crimes (Rape, Sexual Assault)
• Weapons Charges (Guns and Firearms)
• Traffic Violations (Reckless Driving)
• White-Collar Crimes (Computer Crime/Cybercrime)

In addition to these areas, John Reed also assists with probation violations, expunctions, Occupational Driver’s Licenses, Administrative Law Revocation (ALR) Hearings, and non-disclosure orders, helping you stay out of jail, clear your record, and move forward with your life.

Personalized Legal Representation

One of the key benefits of working with John Reed is the personalized attention you receive. Here, when you hire John Reed, you get John Reed. Your case won’t be handed off to a junior attorney, and you won’t be shuffled between different associates. Instead, you can expect one-on-one communication with your experienced lawyer, John Reed, who will be there for you every step of the way. Attorney Reed provides his cell phone number to clients, so you can reach him directly whenever you have questions or concerns about your case.

Experience You Can Trust

John Reed is a graduate of the University of Texas and the University of Texas School of Law, one of the best law schools in the nation. With more than three decades of experience in Texas criminal law, including four years as an Assistant District Attorney, Attorney Reed knows the system inside and out. This experience gives him a deep understanding of how to build a strong defense and achieve the best possible outcome for his clients.

Your Rights as a Criminally Accused Defendant in Texas

If you have been charged with a crime, you may feel intimidated and overwhelmed by the legal system. However, as a person accused of a crime, you are granted specific rights under the U.S. Constitution and the Texas Constitution. With over 33 years of experience handling criminal defense in Texas, attorney John Reed is fully aware of the rights afforded to you under the law. With League City criminal defense lawyer John Reed on your side, you can be assured that you will receive fair treatment by prosecutors and judges and get a robust defense tailored to your personal situation. Let us advise you of your rights and help you take advantage of all the protections you are entitled to under the law.

Right to Remain Silent

One of the most fundamental rights is the right to remain silent. Under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you cannot be compelled to testify against yourself. This means you do not have to answer questions from law enforcement or prosecutors, and your silence cannot be used against you in court. Exercising this right can help prevent self-incrimination and protect your defense strategy.

If you are arrested, you should calmly and clearly state that you wish to exercise your right to remain silent and request legal representation before answering any questions.

Right to Legal Representation

Every criminal defendant has the right to be represented by an attorney. The Sixth Amendment guarantees this right, whether you can afford a private attorney or not. If you cannot afford one, the court will appoint a public defender to represent you. Having a skilled criminal defense lawyer like John Reed by your side ensures that your rights are protected, and your defense is presented effectively in court.

You are entitled to legal counsel at every critical stage of the proceeding, from arraignment and bail hearing to preliminary hearings, trial, and any communications with law enforcement officers or the district attorney. Your attorney will help you navigate the complex legal system, advise you on possible plea deals, and advocate on your behalf at every step.

Right to a Fair Trial

As a criminal defendant, you are entitled to a fair and impartial trial. This right is embedded in the Sixth Amendment and ensures that your case will be heard by an unbiased jury. You also have the right to confront and cross-examine any witnesses who testify against you.

In addition, your right to a public trial ensures that the legal process is transparent, reducing the risk of secret or unfair proceedings.

Right to be Informed of Charges

You have the right to know what charges have been brought against you. This is essential for preparing an adequate defense. The prosecution must clearly state the accusations, allowing your attorney to challenge the validity of the charges or the sufficiency of the evidence.

The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure requires the prosecution to provide specific details about the charges so that you can understand the nature of the alleged offense and prepare accordingly.

Right to a Speedy Trial

Under both the U.S. and Texas Constitutions, criminal defendants are entitled to a speedy trial. This ensures that you do not languish in jail for an extended period while awaiting trial. A delay in proceedings can also negatively impact your defense, as evidence may become stale, and witnesses may become unavailable.

If your right to a speedy trial is violated, your attorney can file a motion to dismiss the charges or seek other remedies.

Right Against Double Jeopardy

The Fifth Amendment also provides protection against double jeopardy. This means that once you have been acquitted or convicted of a crime, you cannot be tried again for the same offense. This safeguard prevents the state from repeatedly prosecuting you for the same alleged crime.

There are exceptions to this rule, such as when a conviction is overturned on appeal, but in general, this right shields you from facing continuous prosecution.

Right to Reasonable Bail

The Eighth Amendment protects your right to be free from excessive bail. In Texas, bail is set based on the severity of the crime, your criminal history, and the likelihood that you will appear for trial. Bail allows you to be released from custody while awaiting trial, ensuring you can continue your personal and professional life during the legal process.

If the bail set is too high, your attorney can file a motion to reduce it. This is an important aspect of your defense, especially if remaining in custody could jeopardize your ability to prepare for your defense effectively. Having an attorney represent you at your bail hearing can help you get bail set at the lowest amount by the court. Many bail bond companies also charge a lesser fee for people who have legal representation, since they are more likely to appear in court as required.

Protection Against Unlawful Searches and Seizures

The Fourth Amendment guarantees your right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. Law enforcement cannot search your home, car, or person without probable cause or a warrant. If evidence is obtained unlawfully, it may be inadmissible in court. Your attorney will review whether any search and seizure conducted in your case complied with legal standards, and challenge any improper actions taken by law enforcement.

Right to Due Process

Due process is a broad right that ensures fair treatment throughout the legal process. The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments protect this right, which includes the right to a hearing, the right to appeal a conviction, and protection from arbitrary actions by the government.

At every stage of the legal proceedings, you are entitled to procedural safeguards that ensure the justice system treats you fairly and lawfully.

The Process of a Criminal Case in Texas

Being herded through the criminal justice system in Texas can be scary and confusing, especially for individuals facing criminal charges for the first time. Understanding the steps in the criminal case process is crucial to making informed decisions and protecting your legal rights. With the right legal representation at your side, you can make the choices that are best for you and designed to obtain the best outcome at every stage. Learn about the process of a criminal case in Texas below, and contact John Reed, Attorney at Law, for personal assistance from a League City criminal defense attorney with over 33 years of experience in Texas criminal law.

1. Arrest and Booking

The criminal case process typically begins with an arrest. An arrest occurs when law enforcement has probable cause to believe that a person has committed a crime. In some cases, an arrest warrant may be issued by a judge after reviewing evidence presented by law enforcement.

After the arrest, the accused is taken into custody for booking, which involves recording personal information, taking fingerprints, and photographing the individual. Depending on the severity of the alleged crime, the accused may be released on bail or held in custody until their initial court appearance.

2. The Initial Appearance

The first court proceeding in a criminal case is the initial appearance or arraignment. This should happen within 48 hours of the arrest. During this appearance, the judge informs the accused of their rights, the charges against them, and the potential penalties they face. If bail has not been previously set, the judge will also determine whether bail will be granted and, if so, in what amount.

It is essential to have legal representation at this stage, as an experienced defense attorney can advocate for lower bail or a release on personal recognizance.

3. Filing of Charges

After the initial appearance, the prosecutor will decide whether to formally file charges against the accused. In Texas, depending on the type of offense, this can occur through an information (for misdemeanors) or an indictment (for felonies). An indictment is issued after a grand jury reviews the evidence and determines there is enough probable cause to charge the defendant.

If the grand jury returns a “no-bill” (deciding not to indict), the case is dismissed. However, if an indictment is returned, the case proceeds to trial.

4. Arraignment

Once charges have been filed, the accused is again brought before a judge for an initial appearance or arraignment. Here, the accused will be given a copy of the charges and have the opportunity to enter a plea and request a continuance. Your attorney at this stage can begin viewing the state’s evidence and enter into plea negotiations if appropriate.

5. Pretrial Proceedings

The pretrial phase is a critical part of a criminal case. During this time, the defense attorney and the prosecutor exchange evidence in a process known as discovery. This includes police reports, witness statements, and any physical evidence relevant to the case.

Pretrial motions may be filed during this phase, such as a motion to suppress evidence or dismiss the charges. In many cases, the defense and prosecution will negotiate a plea bargain, in which the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence.

6. Trial

If the case does not end with a plea agreement, it will proceed to trial. In Texas, defendants have the right to a jury trial, although they may choose a bench trial, where the judge serves as the fact-finder instead of a jury.

The trial itself consists of several stages:

• Jury selection: Both sides select a fair and impartial jury.
• Opening statements: Each side outlines their case to the jury.
• Presentation of evidence: The prosecution presents evidence first, followed by the defense.
• Cross-examination: Each side has the opportunity to challenge the other’s evidence and witnesses.
• Closing arguments: The attorneys summarize their cases and argue why the jury should rule in their favor.

The jury will then deliberate and reach a verdict. If the defendant is found not guilty, they are acquitted and released. If found guilty, the case moves to sentencing.

7. Sentencing

If the defendant is convicted, either through a plea deal or trial, the judge will impose a sentence. The sentencing phase can vary depending on the severity of the crime and other factors, such as the defendant’s prior criminal history.

Texas follows a punitive system, meaning penalties can range from probation to imprisonment or fines, depending on whether the offense is classified as a misdemeanor or felony. In some cases, the judge may have discretion in sentencing, but certain crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences.

8. Appeals

After a conviction, the defendant has the right to appeal the verdict or the sentence. An appeal involves asking a higher court to review the case for legal errors that may have affected the outcome. While not every case is eligible for appeal, an experienced attorney can help determine whether there are grounds to challenge the conviction.

Appeals in Texas typically focus on issues such as improper jury instructions, errors in the admission of evidence, or ineffective assistance of counsel. If successful, the appeals court may reverse the conviction, order a new trial, or modify the sentence.

Free Consultations and Flexible Appointments

Attorney John Reed understands that facing criminal charges can be intimidating and impossible to deal with effectively without legal help, and he is here to provide guidance and support. The law office of John Reed offers free consultations to discuss your case and legal options. He also accommodates weekend and evening appointments by request, ensuring that your legal needs are met and that he is here when you need him.

Serving Both English and Spanish-speaking Clients

John Reed, Attorney at Law, believes that everyone deserves a strong defense, regardless of language barriers. He proudly welcomes both English and Spanish-speaking clients, offering clear communication and dedicated representation.

Contact John Reed, Attorney at Law, Today

If you’ve been charged with a crime in League City, Galveston County, or the surrounding areas, don’t wait to seek legal representation. Contact John Reed, Attorney at Law, today at 281-928-8228 for your free consultation. Call our office and you’ll speak directly to Attorney Reed, not an associate or assistant. With over 33 years of experience and a personal commitment to every client, John Reed is ready to defend your rights and protect your future.