Have you ever traveled overseas? Picture yourself in a foreign land, looking at signs written in a language you can’t read, sitting next to people whose words are anything but understandable. Imagine how frustrating that would be; to know you’re an intelligent person yet you can’t tell a shoe store from a restaurant, can’t understand “Hello” from “Goodbye.”
That’s what it can be like in our legal system, a world that has its own language, its own way of doing things, its own order and rules. Legal steps and court proceedings are often scary because they are so foreign that you might as well be in another country. And unlike being a tourist overseas trying to find the right phrase for, “The weather is nice,” in court you’ll need to express yourself on topics that are complex and that can have a lifelong impact. You need an interpreter, an expert at maneuvering in a process that leaves you feeling confused and helpless. But you do have a powerful tool to navigate the law right in your own backyard: Underwood & Associates in McKinney, Texas.
Why Choose Underwood & Associates as Your McKinney Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Attorney Will Underwood, a Naval Submarine veteran and high-achieving law scholar, is an experienced criminal and family lawyer who can help you navigate those rules that you are unaware of, making it crystal clear for you and your family. Attorney Underwood has spent over 20 years in the legal system standing up for people in all matters of criminal and family law. That’s more than two decades of being a legal representative and guide on his clients’ – and your – behalf.
For instance, consider DWI charges in Texas. They can carry jail time and very stiff fines, as well as restrict you from driving and thus making a living due to limited mobility. DWIs can even cost you your job. Attorney Underwood fights for his clients by combing through all of the state’s evidence, including evaluating the laboratory results in blood and breath test cases. He keeps his clients mobile by making sure that they can apply for an Occupational driver’s license when needed and making timely requests for Administrative License review hearings to contest driver’s license suspensions. He will take you under his wing and guide you through the legal obstacle course in the most beneficial way for you and your situation.
What Does a McKinney Criminal Defense Lawyer Do for You?
A criminal defense attorney is an experienced lawyer who specializes in defending individuals and companies charged with criminal offenses. They represent their clients in court proceedings, generally advocating on their behalf in order to secure a favorable outcome.
Criminal defense attorneys perform research into the specifics of each case, by conducting a thorough investigation of the arrest and exploring different legal options available to their clients. They also build defenses against the prosecution's arguments, utilizing available evidence and witnesses.
By understanding all of the elements involved in a particular case, they are able to create compelling arguments that can be used to reduce or dismiss charges. Furthermore, criminal defense attorneys possess a thorough knowledge of courtroom procedures and rules, which allow them to navigate complex legal systems effectively.
Ultimately, these professionals strive for justice by using their expertise to advocate for those accused of a wide range of criminal offenses. If you are facing criminal charges, do not hesitate to let Underwood & Associates protect your rights and freedom inside and outside the courtroom.
Our Criminal Defense Services in McKinney, Texas
Underwood & Associates represent clients in the following areas of criminal law:
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Crimes
- Drug Trafficking
- DWI
- Expunctions and Non-Disclosures
- Juvenile Law
- Sex Crimes
- Probation Revocations
Understanding Criminal Charges in McKinney
DWI Laws
Texas law prohibits all motorists from operating a motor vehicle if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more or are “intoxicated” (meaning you’ve lost the normal use of your mental or physical faculties) due to drugs or alcohol. Additionally, under the state’s “zero tolerance” law, it is illegal for those under 21 years old with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system to operate a motor vehicle.
Consequences of DWI Charges
Those convicted of DWI could face a range of penalties from steep fines to lengthy driver’s license suspensions, largely depending on how many prior convictions the offender has. Be aware that Texas also has “implied consent” laws that require all drivers lawfully arrested for a DWI to submit to a blood or breath test. Those who refuse the test could face a license suspension of 180 days for a first offense and 2 years for a second or third offense.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence in Texas is an assault against a person who is a family member, household member, or a current or past dating partner. Domestic violence occurs when an individual:
- intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to that other person;
- intentionally or knowingly threatens the person with imminent bodily injury; or
- intentionally or knowingly causes physical contact that they know or reasonably should know the alleged victim will find provocative or offensive.
Potential Penalties for Domestic Violence Charges
Penalties for domestic violence range from a Class C misdemeanor to a first degree felony. The primary factors influencing which type of penalty the judge will impose include the alleged victim's relationship to the defendant, any past domestic violence convictions for the defendant, whether a deadly weapon was used or exhibited during the incident, and whether suffocation or strangulation was involved.
Drug Crimes
Texas categorizes drugs as one of 4 types:
- Narcotics: Opium, morphine, codeine, hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (Percocet), fentanyl, carfentanil, among others.
- Depressants: Opiates (heroin), opioids (painkillers), barbiturates, marijuana (cannabis), benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium), chloral hydrate (Somnote), a range of inhalants.
- Stimulants: Cocaine, amphetamines, some inhalants, among others.
- Hallucinogens: LSD (acid), PCP, mushrooms (psilocybin), ketamine, peyote or mescaline, among others.
Drug Crime Penalty Groups
Drug categories fall into different penalty groups in Texas that vary by whether you’re making the drug, selling it, or possessing it. The penalty groups are as follows:
- Penalty Group 1: Opioids (including painkillers like codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone), opium derivatives and/or opiates (heroin and others), cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, LSD, mescaline, and similar hallucinogens.
- Penalty Group 2: Ecstasy (MDMA), PCP, psychedelic mushrooms, and amphetamines.
- Penalty Group 3: Opioids and opiates not in Penalty Group 1, benzodiazepines and sedatives like Valium and others, anabolic steroids, methylphenidate (Ritalin), and other stimulant or depressant prescription drugs.
- Penalty Group 4: Opioids and opiates not listed in Penalty Group 1, and a range of prescription medications and various chemical compounds that have a potential for abuse.
- Marijuana Group: Marijuana (cannabis) and synthetic marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids (K2 and Spice, among others).
The penalty range for Groups 1 and 2 is from a minimum of 180 days to a maximum of 2 years in state jail and a fine up to $10,000. The punishment range for Groups 3 and 4 is from 0 to 6 months in jail (for quantities less than 28 grams) and a fine up to $10,000. The maximum sentence for possession of 400 grams or more of a controlled substance is 99 years or life imprisonment with fines ranging up to from $50,000 (Groups 2, 3, and 4) to $300,000 (Group 1).
Possession of marijuana may carry a probation sentence and mandatory drug treatment. You could also face anywhere from 180 days to 10 years in jail and fines from $2,000-$50,000 for pot possession, depending on the amount. In Texas, the severity of a drug charge is highly dependent upon the circumstances of each case. If you’re facing drug charges in Texas, seek legal representation with Underwood & Associates.
What Should I Do If I Am Arrested in McKinney?
If you are arrested in McKinney, remain calm and remember your rights:
- Do not resist arrest—cooperate with officers, but do not answer questions beyond identifying yourself.
- Ask to speak to your criminal defense lawyer in McKinney immediately. You have the right to an attorney before answering any questions.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone except your criminal defense attorney.
- Avoid signing documents or making statements until your lawyer is present.
Contacting a criminal defense attorney in McKinney right away ensures someone begins protecting your rights from the start, investigates your arrest, preserves evidence, and builds a strong defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances.
What Are the Potential Consequences of a Criminal Conviction in McKinney?
A criminal conviction can have far-reaching consequences, including:
- Fines, court costs, and restitution
- Jail or prison time
- Probation and community service
- Loss of driving privileges (such as in DWI cases)
- Permanent criminal record, which can make it difficult to find employment, housing, or professional licensing
- Restraining orders and loss of certain civil rights
Hiring a McKinney criminal defense law firm is your best strategy to minimize, or in some cases avoid, these penalties.
Let Underwood & Associates Fight for Your Defense!
If you have a legal matter that requires an experienced criminal defense attorney, one who is a strong advocate for his clients and one who cares for the people he represents, then call Underwood & Associates in Collin County.
Call (214) 544-8040 or fill out the online contact form to schedule your case consultation with Attorney Will Underwood today.
