< C M Jones Law >

If you are accused of committing a misdemeanor or felony, you must take this very seriously. Few things are more important than your freedom, and if convicted of an offense, you could potentially face a jail sentence, and/or a fine.

This is why you need the expertise of a criminal defense attorney, to assist you in making the decisions that will be in your best interest. As your defense attorney, my primary job is to get the best possible result for you. The state of Texas has prosecuting attorneys whose primary job is to convict accused criminals. Prosecutors are not concerned about what is best for you. Without an attorney on your side, you are at a serious disadvantage.

I will consult with you to evaluate the facts of your case, investigate the evidence against you, apply the law, and advise you on the likely result at trial. Then, if it seems the State has enough evidence to convict you, I will negotiate the best possible plea deal on your behalf, often a probated sentence. However, if the evidence against you does not seem to be enough for the State to meet its burden of proving you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, or if you have a valid legal defense to the offense, then I will fight to get the charge dismissed, or win an acquittal at trial.

I generally only defend Denton county cases, but may take cases in other counties. If the case is in another county, there will be an additional fee for travel, determined on a case-by-case basis.

There are two ways I can take care of your criminal case. The basic difference between them is that one does not require a judge or jury trial; the other does.

New Cases
This is when a new criminal case is filed in the appropriate court, charging the defendant with a misdemeanor or felony. This usually occurs between 1-4 months after your arrest.

Basic Representation
This service includes securing either a dismissal, lowering of the charge, or acceptance of the best possible plea deal on the client’s behalf. I will either send the court a letter of representation, or appear at a pre-trial hearing on behalf of the client, so that I become the client’s attorney of record. I will meet with the client to get the information about the arrest, and any extenuating circumstances. I will visit with the prosecutor, and view the court’s file, to get an idea of the evidence against the client. I will research any applicable statutory and case law to try to find a defense for the client’s case. I will appear with the client at all court hearings, and fill out all the paperwork for the plea deal. I will answer any and all questions the client has regarding his/her case.
Judge or Jury Trial Representation
This service is to have a trial to contest the allegations of the offense. This includes preparation and research, attending all court hearings, filing any and all applicable motions, subpoenaing witnesses, and any other services required for zealous representation of the client.

Motions to Revoke Probation, or Motions to Adjudicate Guilt
This is when a client has previously been placed on probation, and the State files a motion to revoke that probation, based on alleged violations of the conditions of probation. Generally, the State will ask the court to revoke the probation, and sentence the defendant to jail time. Examples of alleged violations are non-payment of fees, missing meetings, getting a positive drug test, or committing a new offense while on probation.

Basic Representation
This service includes securing either a dismissal of the Motion, or acceptance of the best possible plea deal on the client’s behalf (either a reinstatement of probation, adding additional conditions to the probation, or acceptance of some jail time). I will meet with the client, review the Motion, visit with the prosecutors to explain the extenuating circumstances, and attempt to get the probation reinstated, or secure a reduced jail sentence for the client.
Contested Revocation Hearing
This service includes having a hearing before the Judge where the State has the burden to prove (by 51%) that the client violated his/her probation. If the State meets that burden, then the Judge has the discretion to reinstate the defendant’s probation, or sentence the defendant to some jail time within the full punishment range of the offense. This includes preparation and research, attending all court hearings, filing any and all applicable motions, subpoenaing witnesses, and any other services required for zealous representation of the client.