Best Irving Criminal Lawyers and Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys

Finding yourself facing criminal prosecution in Irving, Texas can be terrifying. The prospect of jail time, staggering fines, probation, criminal records, and other penalties if convicted are daunting. Trying to navigate local, state and federal criminal cases without an experienced lawyer by your side puts you at an extreme disadvantage against tough prosecutors.

This guide covers Irving’s top criminal defense attorneys. We’ll provide an overview of when you need to hire a lawyer, potential legal defenses, key Texas criminal laws and penalties, and most importantly – what makes certain litigators stand out. Our goal is to give you the information you need to make the best decision possible if you or a loved one are facing charges in Irving. A skilled criminal lawyer’s expertise, resources, and record of positive case outcomes can make all the difference.

When Should You Retain an Irving Criminal Defense Attorney?

Any time you are questioned, arrested for or charged with a crime in Irving, contacting a criminal defense lawyer is critical to protect your rights. Situations calling for legal counsel include:

• You are contacted by police or prosecutors regarding a pending investigation
• You are arrested and jailed, even if no formal charges yet
• Police attempt to interrogate you about alleged crimes
• Your property or personal devices are searched
• You are accused of probation/parole violations
• There is a warrant issued for your arrest
• You are facing DUI, domestic violence, or assault charges
• You are charged with any federal crime

Never try to deal with criminal cases alone without an experienced attorney in your corner.

What Legal Defenses Could Potentially Apply?

Skilled criminal defense lawyers thoroughly examine cases to identify procedural flaws, contest weak evidence and pursue effective legal defenses. Depending on the specifics, potential defenses include:

False Accusations and Mistaken Identity

If you are wrongly accused or misidentified, an alibi can prove you were elsewhere and establish mistaken identity. Alibis require solid documentation and witness corroboration.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If police lacked valid warrants and probable cause, evidence obtained illegally may be suppressed.

Self-Defense

Using reasonable and proportional force to protect yourself/family from harm may be justified self-defense.

Diminished Mental Capacity

Mental defects, intoxication, lack of criminal intent or inability to form intent could provide defenses.

Entrapment

If law enforcement improperly induced you into criminality you wouldn’t otherwise commit, your rights were violated.

Insufficient Evidence

Purely circumstantial, weak or hearsay evidence may fail to sufficiently prove guilt beyond doubt.

A skilled attorney will pursue every avenue to build the strongest possible defense.

Overview of Texas Criminal Laws and Penalties

Potential sentences if convicted of a crime in Texas include:

Theft Crimes (Penal Code Chapter 31)

• Petty theft under $100 – Class C misdemeanor, fine up to $500
• Theft $100-$750 – Class B misdemeanor, up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine
• Theft $750-$2,500 – Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine
• Theft $2,500-$30,000 – State jail felony, 180 days-2 years prison, up to $10,000 fine

Harsher charges for stealing vehicles, livestock, or through extortion/deception.

Burglary (Penal Code § 30.02)

• Burglary of vehicles or buildings – Class A misdemeanor or state jail felony
• Burglary of habitation – 2nd degree felony, 2-20 years prison
• Burglary with weapon or causing injury – 1st degree felony, 5-99 years prison

Illegal entry with intent to commit theft or felony escalates charges.

Assault (Penal Code Chapter 22)

• Simple assault – Class C misdemeanor, $500 fine
• Assault causing bodily injury – Class A misdemeanor, 1 year jail, $4,000 fine
• Aggravated assault with weapon – 2nd degree felony, 2-20 years prison
• Assault against public servant/family member – 3rd degree felony, 2-10 years prison

Injury caused and use of weapons enhance charges.

Drug Possession (Health & Safety Code Chapter 481)

• Marijuana less than 2 oz – Class B misdemeanor
• Cocaine less than 1 gram – State jail felony
• Heroin less than 1 gram – State jail felony
• LSD less than 20 abuse units – State jail felony
• Intent to distribute – Can be 2nd/1st degree felonies

Penalties based on drug type and amounts. Trafficking charges are felonies.

DWI Charges (Penal Code § 49.04)

• 1st DWI – Class B misdemeanor, 72 hours-180 days jail, up to $2,000 fine
• 2nd DWI – Class A misdemeanor, 30 days-1 year jail, up to $4,000 fine
• 3rd DWI – 3rd degree felony, 2-10 years prison, up to $10,000 fine
• DWI with child passenger – State jail felony, 180 days-2 years prison

Penalties escalate based on circumstances like injury caused.

Sex Crimes (Penal Code Chapter 21)

• Indecent exposure – Class B misdemeanor, up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine
• Sexual assault – 2nd degree felony, 2-20 years prison
• Aggravated sexual assault – 1st degree felony, 5-99 years prison
• Indecency with a child – 3rd degree felony, 2-10 years prison

Lifetime sex offender registration required upon conviction.

These penalties demonstrate the critical need for an experienced attorney’s defense. Now let’s examine Irving’s top criminal lawyers.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Irving, Texas

Scott Palmer

With over 20 years of experience, Scott Palmer is known as a passionate advocate for clients facing prosecution in Irving and the DFW Metroplex. He represents citizens facing state charges ranging from DUI, marijuana possession and sex crimes to domestic violence, theft, probation violations and violent assault.

Attorney Palmer is respected for his strong litigation skills and knowledge fighting state charges. He conducts detailed investigations into the validity of accusations and works to get charges reduced or dismissed through procedural motions. Former clients praise his compassion and responsiveness.

Benjamin Levy

Benjamin Levy leverages his prior career as a federal prosecutor to defend individuals and corporations now facing federal prosecution in Irving. His experience includes cases involving white collar crimes, money laundering, bribery, wire fraud, tax evasion, identity theft, drug trafficking and child pornography possession.

Over his 20+ year legal career, attorney Levy has represented clients in over 75 federal jury trials. He knows how to identify suppression issues, attack sloppy investigative work by agents, and undermine cooperating witness credibility. Levy’s trial skills and negotiation tact have resolved many complex federal Irving cases efficiently.

Lucas Kempe

At his firm The Kempe Law Office, attorney Lucas Kempe provides aggressive criminal defense representation to Irving locals facing misdemeanor and felony prosecutions. He is experienced handling cases involving charges of DUI, drug possession, assault, theft, weapons offenses and violent felonies.

Known as a passionate courtroom litigator, Kempe identifies every opportunity to get charges reduced or dismissed through legal and procedural motions. He thoroughly investigates cases and leverages his relationships and knowledge of local judges and prosecutors. Former clients compliment his responsiveness.

Amanda De Diego

Amanda De Diego is a staunch advocate for disadvantaged and vulnerable groups facing the criminal justice system in Irving. Her practice focuses on representing indigent clients and juveniles charged with misdemeanors and state jail felonies.

Attorney De Diego is active with the Dallas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. She regularly participates in continuing legal education seminars. De Diego is praised for her compassion and commitment to achieving the best possible result for each client.

Gregory Watts

Gregory Watts leverages over 35 years of experience to represent clients facing federal prosecution in Irving and Northern Texas district courts. His practice focuses on complex white collar cases involving healthcare fraud, tax crimes, money laundering, racketeering, bribery, public corruption and other federal charges.

Attorney Watts is known as a tough litigator who aggressively contests federal allegations and holds prosecutors to strict evidentiary standards. He has successfully defended numerous high-profile federal Irving cases other attorneys declined. His strong track record gives him credibility negotiating with prosecutors.

How to Choose the Best Irving Criminal Defense Lawyer

When researching criminal defense attorneys, keep these tips in mind:

• Seek lawyers with extensive expertise focused specifically on criminal defense. Avoid dabbling lawyers.
• Verify excellent case results like dismissals, acquittals, and charge reductions as proof of skills.
• Make sure lawyers have great reputations and respect among local judges, prosecutors and fellow attorneys.
• For federal charges, prioritize lawyers with experience in the specific types of federal crimes alleged.
• Meet with lawyers before retaining to get a sense of their communication style and discuss defense options realistically.
• Compare reviews from past clients on Google, Avvo, Facebook and other sites.
• Ask about access to investigator, forensic and legal support resources.

Take time to thoroughly vet each option – your future is at stake. The right criminal lawyer makes all the difference.

Conclusion

If you are facing criminal charges and prosecution in Irving, the prospect of harsh penalties if convicted can be frightening. Only an accomplished criminal defense attorney can even the playing field against tough prosecutors.

The elite Irving criminal lawyers we covered have the skills, knowledge, resources and record of positive case results that set them apart. For the best chance at dismissing charges or avoiding convictions, hire one of these experts to defend you.

Don’t take chances with your future by trying to save money. There’s too much at stake. Let one of Irving’s top criminal defense attorneys stand between you and devastating penalties. Protecting client futures – that is what the best lawyers prioritize.