If you have been arrested for a crime, your future may be at stake. You could be sent to jail or prison. You may be forced to pay steep fines. Additionally, a conviction would leave you with a criminal record for the rest of your life, which could drastically reduce your options for employment and potentially even where you may live. Your family life, your social reputation and your career could suffer. Your search for a defense lawyer is an important step in the right direction.

I am interested in helping you avoid the many possible repercussions of a criminal arrest if possible. If it is your teenage child who has been charged, I have years of experience with the juvenile justice system that can help him or her get past this difficult situation and move forward in a more positive direction.

I am an experienced, empathetic defense attorney in private practice in the North Dallas area of McKinney, Texas.

You or your minor son or daughter may face of criminal charges, such as:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DWI/DUI)
• Drug charges: possession, distribution or trafficking of marijuana, cocaine or other controlled substances; possession of paraphernalia
• Theft: shoplifting, robbery, burglary, white collar theft (fraud, embezzlement)
• A violent crime: assault, sexual assault, rape, prostitution, homicide, manslaughter or murder

Do not let the prosecutor intimidate you into accepting their offer in a plea bargain. Their job is to get you convicted on the strength of any evidence they have, whether or not it is actually sufficient to prove your guilt. No matter how bad the situation may appear, you do have options and you may be able to get a better plea deal, or you may be able to avoid conviction altogether. By retaining a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible, you can dramatically improve your chances of a successful outcome. I am criminal defense lawyer Gary Knapp, and I am ready to fight for your rights. My strong foundation of experience can be an advantage for you.

Any time you are under investigation and are being prosecuted for a criminal offense such as DWI, drug crimes, theft crimes and violent crimes, it is crucial that you avoid speaking about the charges with anyone but an attorney. You could inadvertently make what you believe to be innocent statements — but those statements can later be used as evidence against you. Before speaking to police or investigators, insist on your right to have an attorney present.

My criminal law experience began when I joined the Collin County District Attorney’s Office immediately following law school. As a prosecutor, I gained valuable insight into the criminal law process.

After several years in the district attorney’s (DA’s) office, I crossed the aisle and began working on the defense side. Working on both sides of the aisle has given me the ability to successfully anticipate the direction and limitations of the prosecution’s case and, thereby, discover the best and quickest resolution for each client, whether in an adult court or through the juvenile justice system.