Any person without a criminal record can immediately feel a sense of panic when he or she is arrested for the first time. In addition to concerns about the possible jail or prison sentences, if they are found guilty, alleged first-time offenders also wonder what impact the arrest might have on their jobs, housing, or professional licenses.
Arrests are not the same as convictions, however. In many cases, the lack of a prior criminal record makes alleged first-time offenders eligible for certain programs or other options that allow them to resolve cases without any terms of incarceration or even convictions on their records.
First Time Arrests Defense Lawyer in Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, Flower Mound, TX
If you were arrested anywhere in Denton County and it is the first time in your life that you are facing criminal charges, it is in your best interest to immediately retain legal counsel. The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy aggressively defend clients in Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, Flower Mound, and surrounding areas of Denton County, Texas.
Denton criminal defense lawyers Richard McConathy and Brian Bolton will work tirelessly to help you achieve the most favorable outcome for your case, including possibly having the criminal charges reduced or dismissed. Call (940) 222-8004 today to have our attorneys provide a complete evaluation of your case during a free initial consultation.
Common Types of First Time Arrests in Texas
Any person could technically be arrested for a violation of one of the thousands of local, state, or federal laws in Texas. Certain types of alleged crimes are more commonly charged than others.
A few of the types of criminal charges that alleged first-time offenders are most frequently arrested for in Denton County include, but are not limited to:
- Criminal Mischief
- Criminal Trespass
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
- Family Violence
- Minor in Possession of Alcohol
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Marijuana
- Public Intoxication
- Reckless Driving
- Shoplifting / Retail Theft
- Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon
Options for First Time Arrests in Denton County
In many criminal cases, alleged offenders without prior convictions on their criminal records can be eligible for various alternative options to traditional trials. Even if an alleged offender enters a guilty plea, that person may still be sentenced to community supervision (formerly known as probation) instead of being imprisoned for any period of time.
Some of the other options that may be available to alleged offenders who are facing criminal charges for the first time can include:
- Pre-Trial Diversion — By participating in a pre-trial diversion program, an alleged offender agrees to complete all of the terms of the program in a manner similar to community supervision. Satisfactory completion of the program can allow alleged offenders to expunge offenses from their criminal records.
- Specialty Courts — Certain jurisdictions have different courts for specific kinds of criminal offenses or alleged offenders, such as drug courts or veterans courts. Many of these courts emphasize punishments that focus more on the rehabilitation of the alleged offender.
- Deferred Adjudication — When a court defers adjudication, the alleged offender must complete the terms of a sentence of community supervision. Successful completion avoids conviction and jail or prison time, but any failure to abide by the terms of the community supervision may result in the state filing a motion to adjudicate and the alleged offender receiving the original sentence.
Texas Resources for First Time Arrests
Denton County Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD) — The Denton County CSCD supervises adults who have been placed on pretrial diversion as well as adults who have been sentenced to community supervision. On this website, you can view a staff directory, download various forms, and find answers to frequently asked questions. The CSCD has five different locations:
Denton Office
650 South Mayhill Road
Denton, TX 76208
(940) 349-3300
Lewisville Office
400 North Valley Parkway
Suite 1064
Lewisville, TX 75067
(972) 434-4800
Roanoke Office
816 North Highway 377
Roanoke, TX 76262
(972) 434-3940
The Colony Office
6301 Main Street
The Colony, TX 75056
(972) 434-7290
Cross Roads Office
1400 FM 424
Suite 148
Cross Roads, TX 76227
(940) 349-4460
Police | City of Denton — On this website, you can learn more about the Denton Police Department. Find information about the different divisions of the department, view a crime map, and read answers to frequently asked questions. You can also report certain non-emergency crimes through this website.
Denton Police Department
601 E. Hickory St.
Denton, TX 76205
(940) 349-8181
City of Lewisville, TX | Police Department — Visit this website to learn more about the Lewisville Police Department. View crime and accident reports as well as crime prevention and safety tips. You can also sign up to receive alerts.
Lewisville Police Department
1187 W. Main St.
Lewisville, TX 75067
(940) 219-3600
Find A Denton County Defense Attorney for First Time Arrest Charges | Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
Was your recent arrest in Denton County the first time that you have been taken into custody? The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy will fight to protect your rights and work to get the criminal charges minimized or eliminated.
Richard McConathy is an experienced criminal defense attorney who represents individuals in Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, Flower Mound, and surrounding areas of Denton County, Texas. You can take advantage of a free, confidential consultation that will let our lawyers review your case and discuss your legal options when you call (940) 222-8004 or submit an online contact form today.