Mercedes Criminal Defense Lawyers

A Former State Prosecutor on Your Side

Being arrested, questioned by the police, or charged with a crime can leave you uncertain about what to do next. During this stressful time, two of the most important things to remember are that you have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney.

The criminal defense attorneys at Tijerina Law Firm, P.C. represent individuals in Mercedes, Texas, and throughout Hidalgo County who are facing police investigations, misdemeanor charges, felony charges, and other criminal accusations. Our legal team can advise you before you answer questions, examine the evidence against you, and determine whether law enforcement officers followed the proper procedures during the investigation and arrest.

A criminal charge is not the same as a criminal conviction. You are presumed innocent unless and until the prosecution proves its case beyond a reasonable doubt. You also have the right to defend yourself, challenge the government’s evidence, and have your case heard in court.

With experience as former state prosecutors, the attorneys at Tijerina Law Firm, P.C. understand how the government investigates, prepares, and prosecutes criminal cases. We use that experience to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, protect our clients’ constitutional rights, and pursue the most favorable resolution available under Texas law.

Depending on the circumstances, this may include seeking a dismissal, negotiating for reduced charges, pursuing a favorable plea agreement, exploring alternatives to incarceration, or preparing the case for trial.

Criminal Defense Representation for Mercedes, Texas

What Should You Do If You Are Arrested or Questioned by Police?

Any interaction with law enforcement can be intimidating. Police officers and investigators may use different questioning techniques to obtain statements or information. They may suggest that cooperating will make the situation easier, claim that they only want to hear your side of the story, or attempt to continue the conversation when you are nervous, confused, or under pressure.

Even innocent people can make statements that are misunderstood, taken out of context, or later used against them. Trying to explain your innocence without first speaking to an attorney may unintentionally make your situation more difficult.

If you are arrested or questioned by police, remain calm and remember the following rights.

Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent

You generally have the right not to answer questions about suspected criminal activity. Clearly and respectfully tell officers that you are exercising your right to remain silent.

Depending on the circumstances, Texas law may require you to provide identifying information such as your name, address, or date of birth after a lawful arrest. However, you should avoid discussing the alleged offense, offering explanations, guessing about what happened, or making statements about another person’s conduct before consulting an attorney.

Ask for a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Clearly tell law enforcement that you want to speak with an attorney. Do not assume that officers will know you want legal representation merely because you stopped answering questions. State your request directly.

You can say:

“I am exercising my right to remain silent, and I want to speak with an attorney.”

After requesting a lawyer, continue to remain silent. Do not allow investigators to persuade you to keep talking without legal counsel present.

Do Not Consent to a Search

Police officers may ask for permission to search your vehicle, home, phone, bags, or other property. You have the right to refuse consent to a search.

Law enforcement officers do not always need a warrant because several legal exceptions may apply. However, voluntarily consenting to a search can make it more difficult for your attorney to challenge the search later.

Do not physically resist officers. Instead, clearly state that you do not consent to the search and allow your lawyer to determine whether the search was lawful.

Ask Whether You Are Free to Leave

If you have not been arrested, ask the officer:

“Am I free to leave?”

If the officer says yes, calmly leave. If the officer says no, do not argue or resist. Remain silent and request an attorney.

Do Not Discuss Your Case With Other People

After an arrest, avoid discussing the allegations with friends, coworkers, alleged victims, witnesses, or other people in custody. Phone calls from a jail may be recorded, and text messages, emails, and social media posts can potentially become evidence.

Speak about the facts of your case only with your criminal defense lawyer.

Why You Should Speak With a Lawyer Before Pleading Guilty

A prosecutor may offer a plea agreement that appears to provide a quick solution. However, pleading guilty or no contest may have consequences that extend far beyond fines, probation, or jail.

Before accepting any plea offer, speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can explain:

• The exact charges filed against you
• The range of possible penalties
• The strength and weaknesses of the prosecution’s evidence
• Whether evidence can be challenged or suppressed
• Whether witnesses are reliable
• Whether reduced charges may be available
• Whether probation, treatment, diversion, or another alternative may be possible
• How a conviction could affect your employment, education, housing, professional licenses, immigration status, or firearm rights
• Whether the proposed agreement is reasonable under the circumstances

Once a plea is entered, reversing the decision may be extremely difficult. The attorneys at Tijerina Law Firm, P.C. can review the allegations and evidence before you make a decision that could affect your future.

How a Mercedes Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

A criminal defense attorney does more than appear in court. Effective representation begins with a careful investigation of the allegations and an independent review of the government’s evidence.

Tijerina Law Firm, P.C. can assist by:

• Explaining the charges and potential penalties
• Representing you during police questioning
• Reviewing arrest reports, witness statements, photographs, and video evidence
• Examining body-camera, dashboard-camera, and surveillance footage
• Reviewing laboratory and forensic evidence
• Investigating whether a traffic stop, detention, search, or arrest was lawful
• Identifying inconsistencies in witness testimony
• Challenging illegally obtained statements or evidence
• Negotiating with prosecutors
• Seeking reduced charges or dismissal when supported by the facts and law
• Exploring probation, diversion, treatment, or other alternatives
• Preparing your case for trial when necessary
• Advising you about record-clearing options after the case is resolved

The prosecution has investigators, police officers, and other government resources working on its side. You deserve an advocate who will protect your rights and carefully examine every part of the case against you.

Criminal Charges We Handle for Clients in Mercedes, Texas

Tijerina Law Firm, P.C. represents clients facing a wide range of misdemeanor and felony allegations, including:

DWI and DUI Charges

A driving while intoxicated charge may result in jail, fines, probation, driver’s license consequences, increased insurance costs, and other penalties. A defense attorney can examine the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, breath or blood evidence, and whether officers followed proper procedures.

Drug Possession Charges

Drug cases may involve questions about ownership, knowledge, intent, laboratory testing, search warrants, vehicle searches, and the legality of the police investigation. The firm can examine whether the drugs belonged to you and whether the evidence was lawfully obtained.

Assault and Family Violence Charges

Assault allegations can have serious consequences, especially when the case involves a family or household member. These cases may involve conflicting accounts, self-defense claims, witness credibility issues, protective orders, and firearm restrictions.

Theft and Burglary Charges

Theft-related cases often depend on evidence concerning ownership, intent, identification, possession, and the value of the property involved. The classification and potential punishment may depend on the alleged value of the property and the circumstances of the accusation.

Sex Crime Allegations

Sex crime allegations can result in severe criminal penalties and long-term reputational consequences. These cases require careful attention to forensic evidence, electronic communications, witness statements, consent issues, and the credibility of the people involved.

Trespassing and Property Offenses

Criminal trespass and other property-related charges may involve disputes about notice, permission, ownership, and whether the accused knowingly remained on property without consent.

White-Collar Crimes

Fraud, embezzlement, forgery, identity-related offenses, and other financial allegations may involve extensive business records, bank statements, contracts, electronic communications, and questions about intent.

Juvenile Charges

When a young person is accused of an offense, the consequences can affect education, employment opportunities, and the child’s future. Juvenile cases require an understanding of the special procedures and rehabilitative options available within the Texas juvenile justice system.

The firm can also assist with other misdemeanor and felony charges. Regardless of the accusation, you have the right to obtain legal advice and require the government to prove its case.

Challenging the Evidence Against You

Police officers and prosecutors must follow constitutional and legal requirements when obtaining evidence. A defense lawyer can investigate whether officers:

• Had a lawful reason to stop or detain you
• Had probable cause to make an arrest
• Properly obtained and executed a search warrant
• Exceeded the scope of a lawful search
• Pressured or coerced you into making a statement
• Properly advised you of your rights when required
• Preserved physical and digital evidence
• Followed required procedures for breath or blood testing
• Maintained the chain of custody for evidence
• Accurately reported what occurred

When evidence was obtained illegally or handled improperly, your lawyer may be able to ask the court to suppress or exclude it. If important evidence is excluded, the prosecution may have difficulty continuing the case. The result may be reduced charges, a more favorable agreement, or dismissal, depending on the circumstances.

Understanding the Consequences of a Criminal Record

A criminal conviction may affect much more than the sentence imposed by the court. Depending on the offense, a criminal record could interfere with:

• Employment opportunities
• Professional licenses
• Housing applications
• College admissions or financial aid
• Immigration status
• Security clearances
• Firearm possession
• Child custody proceedings
• Government benefits
• Personal and professional relationships

Even a misdemeanor can create lasting difficulties. That is why it is important to obtain legal advice before speaking with investigators, accepting a plea agreement, or making decisions about your case.

Expunctions and Orders of Nondisclosure

An arrest does not always have to remain publicly accessible forever. If your charge was dismissed, you were acquitted, you completed certain types of deferred adjudication, or your case meets other requirements under Texas law, you may qualify for an expunction or an order of nondisclosure.

Expunction

An expunction may allow eligible individuals to have qualifying arrest records destroyed or removed from many government records. Eligibility depends on the charge, how the case ended, applicable waiting periods, and other legal requirements.

Order of Nondisclosure

An order of nondisclosure may restrict public access to certain criminal records. The record is not destroyed, and some government agencies may continue to access it, but the order can provide important privacy protections.

The attorneys at Tijerina Law Firm, P.C. can review your criminal history and determine whether you may qualify for either form of relief.

A Former State Prosecutor Fighting for You

Experience on both sides of the criminal justice system can provide valuable insight. As former state prosecutors, the attorneys at Tijerina Law Firm, P.C. understand how prosecutors assess evidence, question witnesses, negotiate cases, and prepare for trial.

That experience allows the firm to anticipate the prosecution’s strategy and develop a defense based on the specific facts of your case. Every criminal matter is different, and no particular result can be guaranteed. However, every person accused of a crime deserves a careful investigation, clear legal advice, and a strong defense.

We Are Here for You

You should not have to face the criminal justice system alone. Whether you are under investigation, have been asked to speak with police, were recently arrested, or have already been formally charged, getting legal advice early can help protect your rights and prevent avoidable mistakes.

Tijerina Law Firm, P.C. represents clients in Mercedes, McAllen, and communities throughout Hidalgo County. The firm can review the evidence, explain your legal options, and help you determine the best path forward.

Contact Tijerina Law Firm, P.C. today to speak with a criminal defense attorney about your case.