At the Law Office of J.L. Pierce, our legal team understands the seriousness of criminal charges and how intimidating facing prosecution can be in McKinney. We provide compassionate and aggressive legal representation to achieve the most favorable outcome possible in your case.
J.L. Pierce is a skilled McKinney criminal defense attorney who is committed to providing legal representation to those undergoing criminal charges. Mr. Pierce is a former police officer and Collin County prosecutor and works with attorney Tom O’Connell, the elected Collin County Criminal District Attorney for 29 years. J.L. Pierce understands how the other side works and fights hard to protect his clients’ constitutional rights.
Criminal Defense in McKinneyFrom class C misdemeanors to first-degree felonies, if you are charged with a crime in McKinney, you can face imprisonment or jail time and hefty fines. Courts may also give probation, community service, and other penalties related to the crime at issue. All crimes must be proven beyond doubt by the prosecutor. While this is a strict standard, it is important that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney from McKinney as soon as possible to review the prosecution's evidence against you and bring a strong case on your behalf. Call The Law Office of J.L. Pierce today to help understand your rights and learn how to proceed.
McKinney Criminal ResourcesThe McKinney Police Department is located at 2200 Taylor Burke Dr. McKinney, TX 75071 and non-emergency phone calls may be directed to 972-547-2700.
The Collin County Jail is housed in the Collin County Sheriff’s Office which is located at 4300 Community Ave. McKinney, TX 75071. The contact phone number for the jail is 972-547-5200.
The Collin County Juvenile Detention Center is located at 4700 Community Ave. McKinney, TX 75071 and may be reached by the phone number 972-547-5400.
Collin County Juvenile Probation Services is located at 4690 Community Ave. McKinney, TX 75071 and the contact phone number is 972-548-6470.
Sex CrimesA sex crime conviction usually comes with serious stigma that can ruin one's reputation. Convictions for sex crimes carry harsh penalties, including registration as a sex offender. If convicted of certain sex offenses, the defendant must be registered as a sex offender for 10 years or for the rest of her life. Failure to register as a sex offender when asked to do so is a felony offense. Additionally, if you does not register, you could be charged with a violation by moving to a new city within seven days without notifying law enforcement.
McKinney area prosecutors and law enforcement agencies have units dedicated to the detection, investigation, and prosecution of sex crime offenses and these types of crimes are treated very seriously.
Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderIf you travel to a new location for at least one week, move, or take a job in another country, you may need to register at your new or second location as well. Failure to register immediately at your new location (or within 7 days after moving) may result in additional criminal liability.
Also, if you don't check the information when and where, even if it's a little late, you'll be in big trouble if you don't register. Small mistakes like registering late can face serious consequences. Although it is possible to deregister a sex offender, it can be a complicated and time-consuming process, so if you wish to pursue this action, contact an experienced sex offender attorney in McKinney as soon as possible.
Computer CrimeA computer crime is criminal activity that is primarily carried out using the Internet. Cybercrime is a growing area of Texas law and is being prosecuted aggressively by state and federal governments. Computer crimes involve complex issues and it is crucial to understand the unique areas and technologies involved for the best defense. Attorney J.L. Pierce has extensive experience in both areas.
Common McKinney Computer crimes include: internet fraud, child pornography, solicitation of a minor, illegal downloading, and identity theft.
Juvenile CrimesAlleged crimes involving juveniles in Texas are governed by the Texas Family Code, not the Texas Penal Code, which governs adult crimes. Under the Texas Family Code, a "child" is from the age of 10 to 17. Or if between the ages of 17 and 18, they are considered juveniles if suspected of engaging in a criminal act that demonstrates the need for supervision based on the conduct committed before turning 17 years old. Juvenile crimes vary in severity from Class C misdemeanors to capital murder. Not all attorneys know that juvenile delinquency in Texas is not treated like adult delinquency. The purpose of juvenile law is rehabilitation, not punishment. McKinney Criminal Attorney J.L. Pierce is experienced in Juvenile law and understands how the system works.
McKinney Juvenile ResourcesThe Collin County Juvenile Detention Center is located at 4700 Community Ave. McKinney, TX 75071 and may be reached by the phone number 972-547-5400.
Collin County Juvenile Probation Services is located at 4690 Community Ave. McKinney, TX 75071 and the contact phone number is 972-548-6470.
The Juvenile Justice System in McKinneyWhen the child is arrested, the juvenile probation department will conduct an “intake” to determine if the offender meets the definition of “child” described above and if there is probable cause to believe that an offense was committed. During intake, it will also be decided whether the child will be detained prior to trial. There is a presumption that the child will be released pending trial.
If your child is incarcerated, two juvenile court hearings will be held immediately at the John Roach Juvenile Center. First, a probable cause hearing will be held within 48 hours. A detention hearing will then take place within 1-2 business days. Thereafter, detention hearings are held every 10 to 15 days to determine whether the child should remain in detention pending trial.
A child faces a two- part trial. The first part is called the adjudication (decision) phase. At this stage, the jury will decide whether the child has committed a crime. A jury decides whether a petition (charges) against a child is "true" or "not true." To find "true," the decision must be unanimous. If children choose not to go through the adjudication phase of the trial, they may make a "stipulation" that amounts to a guilty plea. The trial will then directly progress to disposition.
The second part of the process is the disposition (sentencing) phase. Children usually have no jury rights at this stage. A judge decides what sentence a child will receive. Children are punished, but the purpose of this punishment is to educate them and change their behavior patterns. The adult justice system is more focused on punishing offenders, with less emphasis on rehabilitation and education.
DWIAnyone who drives under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or is clearly intoxicated can be charged with DWI. In Texas, the legal blood alcohol level is 0.08%. Usually, law enforcement officers will conduct a breathalyzer test or blood alcohol test to determine if the operator should be charged with DWI. J.L. Pierce understands how tough Texas is on people accused of driving under the influence and can help you understand your defenses.
Drug CrimesThe government is cracking down on the drug war. To defeat drug charges, lawyers must understand the complex laws surrounding search and seizure and the defendant's link to the drugs. You can be charged with drug offenses for activities related to a variety of illegal drugs, including marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Drug crimes in Texas range from misdemeanors to felonies. The higher the amount of drugs involved, the higher the crime. Therefore, it is important to consult with a McKinney criminal attorney once you are charged.
Theft CrimesUnder the Texas Penal Code, theft is the illegal taking of something with the intent to take it from the owner. The most common theft crimes in Texas are shoplifting, writing fraudulent checks, receiving/purchasing stolen goods, and general theft. It is important to recognize that stealing can affect your ability to get a job, and it can affect whether jurors will refute your testimony in future lawsuits. With theft crimes, you may face criminal and civil penalties. Theft penalties depend primarily on the specific facts and circumstances of the case. Several factors are important in these types of cases, as they can mean the difference between no imprisonment or years in state or federal prison. Therefore, you need a McKinney criminal defense attorney who knows how to defend you and understands how Texas law is read and enforced in Collin County courts.
Violent CrimesViolent crimes usually involve the use of violence or the threat of violence against the victim. In some cases, the object of crime is violence. Violence may also be used as a means to an end. Some, but not all, violent crimes include crimes involving deadly weapons such as guns and knives. Violent crimes include assault, aggravated assault, robbery, kidnapping, manslaughter and domestic violence. Penalties for violent crimes vary depending on a number of factors, but the most severe penalties apply when a weapon is used or the victim is seriously injured. In many cases, McKinney criminal attorneys are able to defend against violent crime charges by showing that the defendant acted in self-defense or in defense of another person. That is why it is important that you call a McKinney attorney from The Law Office of J.L. Pierce as soon as you are charged.
REPRESENTING THOSE ACCUSED OF OFFENSES IN McKINNEYIf you have been accused of any of these offenses, you can fight the charges and avoid the severe penalties. J.L. Pierce an experienced criminal defense attorney is proud to represent those in McKinney who face such charges. Call (972) 423-0331.