Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney
Being accused of a crime can be a daunting position in which to find yourself. Adding the levels of legal complexity that come with defending yourself can make you feel completely overwhelmed. Having a Dallas criminal defense lawyer on your side can alleviate some of the stress and bring clarity to an otherwise confusing situation.
A good defense attorney can make or break your case, which is why it is important to find one who not only has your back, but has the experience and know-how to support you efficiently and effectively.
With years of experience handling all types of criminal cases, we understand what it takes to thoroughly investigate a case, lay out all the facts and pursue a fair and just outcome. In many cases, our clients hope to avoid the media spotlight to protect their professional reputation.
At Michael Uhl, P.C., we safeguard our Dallas clients’ privacy. While some cases are resolved through litigation, some of our greatest success stories never make the headlines because we helped our client avoid the exposure of going to trial.
What a Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyer Does
A criminal defense lawyer provides legal guidance and representation for individuals accused of violating criminal laws. Their primary role is to protect the client’s constitutional rights and pursue the best possible outcome in the case.
A defense attorney may assist with:
- Reviewing police reports, evidence, and witness statements
- Investigating the circumstances surrounding an arrest
- Identifying potential violations of constitutional rights
- Filing legal motions, including motions to suppress evidence
- Negotiating plea agreements with prosecutors
- Representing clients during hearings, negotiations, and criminal trials
Criminal cases in Dallas are generally handled in Dallas County courts and are governed by the Texas Penal Code and the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which establish the rules for criminal investigations, charges, and court proceedings.
We Carry Out Our Own Thorough Investigations
Getting all the facts is one of the most important aspects of structuring a strong criminal defense. If you are being investigated or have been charged with a crime in Texas, we will review your case, gather evidence with the assistance of our vast network of resources and advise you toward the best course of action.
At Michael Uhl, P.C., we handle all state and federal criminal cases including, but not limited to:
- Drug possession, trafficking and distribution
- Weapons offenses
- White collar crimes, tax fraud, healthcare fraud, securities fraud, bribery, embezzlement, internet crimes (child pornography)
- Sex crimes
- Domestic violence
- Murder defenses
- Theft and property crimes
You deserve proper representation from a law office that understands how to navigate the complexities of criminal law. A skilled defense attorney in Dallas, Texas like Michael J. Uhl, will make the most of your time and money by thoroughly evaluating every aspect of your case. They will interview and gather witnesses, prepare a compelling case on your behalf, and most importantly, guide you every step of the way, ensuring that you understand what is and will happen throughout the course of your court proceedings. You have a right to understand every aspect of your case, and the team at Michael Uhl, P.C., will help you do just that.
We Ask the Right Questions
The goal of a defense attorney is to create reasonable doubt. To do so, we strive to examine new angles that prosecution may avoid. There are several different categories of questions that your defense attorney will ask the various witnesses that are involved in your case:
- Direct examination. This is the part of the trial where both lawyers are allowed to ask witnesses questions that help paint a picture of what happened surrounding the crime. Questions that may be asked include the following:
- “What was the defendant’s demeanor on the day this occurred?”
- “Was the defendant exhibiting any signs of intoxication or drug influence?”
- “What was the defendant wearing at that time?”
- “What is your relationship with the defendant?”
- “Is there any reason that you may be biased toward or against the defendant?”
- Cross-examination. Cross-examination is when both lawyers attempt to reveal anything that may discredit the witness currently being questioned. This could involve questions regarding whether or not the witness was under the influence of anything at the time of the incident, reevaluating the witness’ timeline of events, and showing that the witness may not have had as clear a picture of what happened as they may have originally thought.
- Leading questions. Leading questions are trickier to ask but can prove to be very effective. They focus on providing a potential answer to the question itself and can be helpful when attempting to trip a witness up or reveal hidden biases. One example of a leading question is: “Weren’t you angry with the victim at the time of the crime?”. This targets the emotional state of the witness at the time of the incident and guides them toward a more favorable answer. Questions that are considered to be leading are generally not permitted during the direct examination stage of the trial but can be used wisely during the cross-examination portion.
- Hypothetical questions. These questions can be used to reframe the situation. “What if the victim had tried to hit you first? Would you have hit back?” is an example of a hypothetical scenario created by a lawyer to show the greater character and instincts of the witness and/or the defendant if they are currently testifying.