Former Collin County District Attorney Former Police Officer Know Your Opponent
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Industry Recognition Verifiable Trial and Appellate Experience Over 25 years in Plano Convenient Location (N. Dallas Tollway at W. Park) Criminal Law Focus Serving Collin, Frisco, Plano & McKinney Jail Release 24/7

University Park Criminal Defense Attorney

The Law Office of J.L. Pierce is here to assist you if you are in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney and live in University Park, Texas. Because we are aware of how intimidating the Texas criminal justice system can be for those who have been arrested or charged with a crime, a defense attorney from our office will personally handle your case throughout the criminal defense process and keep you informed. In University Park, Texas, criminal lawyer J. L. Pierce will fight for you with vigor and compassion and dedicate himself to your case.

We at The Law Office of J.L. Pierce know how stressful facing a criminal charge can be. Because we are aware that even a conviction for a minor misdemeanor can have a significant impact on a person's life, no criminal case is too small for our attorneys. We are also ready to take on any case, no matter how big it is.The attorneys at The Law Office of J.L. Pierce have the invaluable experience you will require, both inside and outside of the courtroom. J.L. Pierce has worked in the Dallas and north suburban areas for more than 25 years. As a former prosecutor and police officer, J.L. Pierce knows how the other side thinks. Mr. Pierce collaborates with Tom O'Connell, the elected criminal District Attorney of Collin County, Texas, who held the position for 29 years.

When you hire an experienced attorney from The Law Office of J.L. Pierce, you can be sure that our team will be dedicated to our work and loyal to our clients.

Criminal Defense in University Park

If you have been arrested or accused of a crime, you’re probably worried and uncertain about your future. You could face significant jail time and a substantial fine, depending on the severity of the charges. Even if your legal issues have been resolved, criminal charges can still cause you problems years later. Hiring a seasoned criminal defense attorney to represent you is one of the first things you should do. If you try to navigate the criminal justice system on your own, it can be extremely confusing and difficult.

The attorneys at The Law Office of J. L. Pierce are dedicated to fighting for you to have your criminal charges reduced or dismissed, regardless of whether you have been accused of a misdemeanor or felony.

The State’s prosecutors must prove crimes beyond a reasonable doubt, so it is essential to hire a skilled and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. The dependable attorneys at The Law Office of J. L. Pierce have extensive experience as prosecutors, which enables them to construct the most effective defense against the State's case against you. We are here to assist and direct you through this trying time. We invite you to meet with one of our University Park criminal defense attorneys to discuss your case and address any concerns you may have today.

University Park Criminal Resources
  • University Park City Police and Municipal Court

Located in University Park City Hall

3800 University Blvd
Dallas, TX 75205

The police may be contacted by phone at their non-emergency number (214) 363- 3000.

The Municipal Court may be contacted at (214) 987- 5331.

Sex Crimes

Texas is renowned for being particularly tough on crime. If you're found guilty of a sex offense, you might spend the rest of your life behind bars, depending on the government's allegations and your prior behavior. Additionally, due to Texas's sex offender registration law, these crimes also carry a very strong stigma. You are innocent until proven guilty, and it is the government’s responsibility to prove guilt- if it can.

On college campuses and in the neighborhoods nearby, there can be a lot of allegations of sexual assault. One of the most crucial experiences in a young person's life is attending college. Your newly discovered freedom away from home is being used to become more outgoing and social in addition to helping you prepare for the career you want. Unfortunately, situations involving drinking and parties frequently result in claims of sexual misconduct and investigations into sexual assault. Call The Law Office of J. L. Pierce if you are a student at SMU or live nearby and have been charged with a sexual offense on campus. Call us today to get a free consultation to understand your rights and the criminal justice process.

  • The Most Common Sex Crimes on College Campuses

Rape and Sexual Assault: In accordance with the Texas Penal Code, rape is defined as engaging in sexual activity without the other person's consent. An intentional act that is knowingly performed without the victim's consent is required by these statutes for a crime to be committed. These statues may include other factors so it is crucial to contact a University Park defense attorney that understands Texas sexual assault laws.

Date Rape: Date rape is also covered by the Texas Penal Code. This type of sexual assault involves the use of a chemical substance that is meant to render the victim defenseless and unable to protect themselves or physically fend off the attacker. Due to the use of the drug, this is regarded as an aggravating sexual assault.

Statutory Rape: Texas law defines this as sexual assault between an adult and a minor who are not married. When there is sexual penetration between the adult and the minor, a crime is committed, according to Section 21.011 of the Texas Penal Code. The victim's consent in this case is not a defense because minors are not legally regarded capable of giving sexual consent. There does not have to be any force or violence applied either.

Computer Crime

Cybercrimes are on the rise as the internet age progresses. The criminal world has found yet another venue on the internet. According to the laws of Texas, certain online activities can result in criminal charges.

Because of the anonymity afforded by the internet, most crimes occur online. However, the fact that a crime exists online does not imply that it will not be prosecuted. A criminal record, hefty fines, and the possibility of time in jail or prison are all possible consequences. It is in your best interest to hire a University Park criminal defense attorney if you or someone you know has been accused of an Internet crime.

Juvenile Crimes

Some parents have the erroneous belief that children's criminal convictions simply disappear when they become adults, without having any serious or long-lasting effects. In Texas, children between the ages of 10 and 16 are considered juveniles. The Texas criminal justice system may charge them with an adult offense when they are 17 years old.

According to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD), juvenile offenders receive "treatment and rehabilitation," with a focus on preventative rather than punitive measures. However, depending on the nature of the offense and any prior criminal history, a minor convicted of a crime could serve up to 40 years in prison. In some cases, juveniles can also be charged as adults. Depending on the child's age, the nature of the crime, and previous criminal behavior, the court and probation department in Texas has the authority to impose a wide range of punishments.

Call a University Park juvenile defense attorney right away if your child was arrested or involved in criminal activity. Your child may quickly become lost in the criminal justice system despite the fact that Texas treats underage offenders differently from adults.

  • Juvenile Procedures in University Park

The Municipal Court has jurisdiction over juveniles (10-16 years old) charged with Class C misdemeanor offenses.

All juvenile defendants under the age of 17 who received a citation are required to attend all court proceedings in open court before the judge. A juvenile charged in Municipal Court must also be present in court with his or her parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Prior to your initial court date, no payments will be accepted.

The Department of Public Safety will report juveniles who fail to appear or pay their fines, and the department will either deny or suspend their driver's license.

If a parent or juvenile is required to appear in court, they are required to notify the court in writing of the child's current address and residence on or before the seventh day following the date the child changes residence. This obligation does not end when the child turns 17; rather, it continues until the case is fully resolved and all court costs and fines are paid or discharged.

DWI

A first-time DWI conviction can result in fines of up to $2,000, up to six months in county jail, the suspension of one's driver's license, and other penalties. Repeat offenders face significantly more severe penalties. As a result of mandatory blood tests for suspicions of intoxicated driving, we are seeing an increase in the number of DWI arrests and No Refusal Weekends. You may be able to avoid or reduce your penalties with the assistance of skilled University Park attorneys.

The combined legal experience of our University Park attorneys at The Law Office of J.L. Pierce enables us to comprehend both sides of a DWI case, allowing us to discuss with you the most effective strategy for handling your specific case. Call a University Park criminal defense attorney right away for a free consultation because a drunk driving arrest could have serious repercussions for your future.

Drug Crimes

The opioid crisis has reenergized drug law enforcement, despite the fact that recreational drug use remains widespread throughout society. Texas is notorious for using excessive penalties against drug crime offenders, even those accused of nonviolent misdemeanors. In Texas, people who are arrested for relatively minor offenses run the risk of spending time in jail, whereas people who are convicted of more serious drug crimes can face lengthy prison terms. If you are charged with a drug offense like delivery or manufacturing of a controlled substance, Marijuana possession or delivery, or other drug related crimes, a skilled criminal defense attorney is necessary to safeguard your freedom and rights.

If you are facing a drug charge in University Park, you need to talk to a lawyer who knows how to handle cases like these. Our criminal defense lawyers at The Law Office of J.L. Pierce are prepared to provide you with the tenacious and carefully prepared legal defense you deserve and require.

Theft Crimes

In the state of Texas, theft is taken very seriously. Many people who were accused of theft crimes have been able to avoid jail time thanks to the legal team at The Law Office of J. L. Pierce. There will be severe consequences if you are found guilty of theft. To put it mildly, you could end up in jail, pay hefty fines, and have a record of your crime for life.

Getting a job can be extremely difficult if you have a conviction on your record. Candidates who have a criminal history involving theft are frequently turned down by employers. The reason for this is that they don't want to take the chance of having an employee who they think could be a problem for their company. The University Park criminal defense attorneys at The Law Office of J. L. Pierce have a lot of combined experience and expertise, so they can help you greatly increase your chances of avoiding charges.

Violent Crimes

Most of the time, a violent crime involves using or threatening to use force on the victim. In some instances, the violent act is the target of the crime. In other instances, violence is used to achieve a goal. A firearm or weapon is used to commit some violent crimes, but not all of them. A violent crime can end in the victim's death, serious bodily injury, or no injury at all.

There are numerous factors that influence the penalties for violent crimes. When a weapon was used or the victim was seriously injured, the penalties are the harshest. Other factors may be included as well, so it is important to contact a skilled violent crimes defense attorney for you to fully understand the charges against you and your best defense.

Representing Those Accused of Offenses in University Park

Call our team at The Law Office of J.L. Pierce for a free consultation if you or someone you care about has been arrested or accused of a crime in University Park. In order to fight the charges, you will collaborate closely with our skilled defense attorneys, whose collective expertise will assist you in securing the best possible outcome. We are honored to represent University Park residents. Give us a call at (972) 423-0331 right now.