A pretrial diversion is an alternative to prosecution that’s meant to circumvent the standard criminal justice process by entering a program that involves supervision and other services administered by the U. S. Probation Service. In most cases, it’s done before any formal charges have been made or before the trial begins. It’s also done voluntarily and often requires a signed agreement. Anyone who completes the program won’t be charged. And if they are, they’ll be dismissed. However, anyone who doesn’t complete the program will be subject to prosecution.

A pretrial diversion followed by an expunction results in a clean criminal background.

The Purpose of a Pretrial Diversion

The primary reasons for a pretrial diversion include:

• To prevent future criminal activity from certain people by keeping them away from traditional criminal processing.
• To save prosecutive and judicial resources for concentration on major crimes.
• To provide a vehicle for restitution to communities and the victims of certain crimes.

The supervision period can’t be more than 18 months, but it can be reduced. However, you may not be eligible in any of the following circumstances:

• You have been accused of an offense that should, under current guidelines, be diverted to the State for prosecution.
• You have had two or more prior felony convictions.
• A current or formal public official accused you of an offense related to the violation of public trust.
• You have been accused of an offense related to national security or foreign affairs.

Be sure to speak to a qualified attorney for more information.

How a Pretrial Diversion Works in the State of Texas

Sometimes called a pretrial intervention, a pretrial diversion in Texas can be a way to avoid conviction. But to qualify, you must meet certain conditions. The Texas criminal justice system offers this program to certain offenders as a way to avoid prosecution, but you must meet certain eligibility requirements. The program is voluntary, but there are certain pros and cons you have to consider.

If you complete the program, you can avoid any charges because they’re dropped as soon as you finish it. You can avoid going to prison, and you can go back to your work or any other regular activities. However, you must enter a guilty plea to make the arrangement. And if you violate any of the terms, the prosecution can continue to pursue a case against you.

There are some exceptions and flexibility related to your eligibility for a pretrial diversion, but there are some basic rules to qualify for the program. Some of them include but may not be limited to:

• You must be a first-time offender.
• You can’t have a history that involves a pretrial diversion.
• The crime of which you’re being accused is a misdemeanor.
• The crime of which you’re being accused isn’t related to family violence.
• You haven’t been arrested for a crime of a sexual nature, unless it involves prostitution.
• You’re not a documented member of a gang.

If you meet any of these and any other requirements designated by the Law, you can apply for a pretrial diversion. And the process will have the following components:

• A written application with certain supporting documents (such as your resume, references, school transcripts, a list of achievements, or any other information that works in your favor).
• An essay that describes the circumstances of your arrest and the acceptance that what you did was wrong. However, you must not attempt to shift blame or make accusations that won’t be viewed favorably.
• A second essay that includes an explanation of why you want to avoid jail (such as family responsibilities, career goals, or educational aspirations).
• An interview with a probation officer, who will ask you questions about your written materials and other relevant topics.

If your application is accepted, you need to meet certain conditions. And once you finish the program, your charges will be dismissed. Some of the requirements for completing a pretrial diversion in Texas include but may not be limited to:

• The completion of a certain number or community service hours.
• Regular counseling and/or any educational sessions related to the offense (such as drug or alcohol treatment).
• The avoidance of any other criminal activity.
• Regular pretrial diversion drug testing.
• Regular reports to a probation officer.

There may be many other requirements, which will depend on the circumstances of your case. Be sure to speak to someone at Gale Law Group for more information about a pretrial diversion in Texas. We’re a criminal defense attorney in Corpus Christi who will fight for you. So if you want someone who will work hard to protect your rights and your freedom, get in touch with us today!

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The State Commission on Judicial Conduct has cleared the way for former 148th District Court Judge Guy Williams to run for office.

Read The Full Article Here

The State Commission on Judicial Conduct has cleared the way for former state district judge Guy Williams to return to the bench — if he can win an election.

Read the full article here

Former 148th District Judge Guy Williams of Corpus Christi plans to appeal his conviction for Class A misdemeanor public intoxication, which a jury handed down Thursday after a two-day trial.

Read The Full Article Here

If you’re facing a DWI or any other alcohol-related charge, you might be wondering what sort of penalties you could face. And you be wondering what you can do to defend yourself. Texas officially uses the term “driving while intoxicated” (DWI) to refer to the act of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but it’s often used interchangeably with “driving under the influence” (DUI). The State of Texas prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle if you have a blood-alcohol level of .08% or more. It also prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle if you’re under the influence of drugs.

You’re considered to be intoxicated if you “lack the normal use of mental or physical faculties” because you have consumed alcohol, narcotics, or any other substance. And the same applies to the operation of a boat. The State of Texas also has a “zero tolerance” policy when it comes to underage drivers (those who are under the age of 21) who get behind the wheel while they’re intoxicated or have a blood-alcohol level that’s above the legal limit. The penalties for a DWI will vary based on the circumstances of the case, but it will largely depend on how many convictions you have had.

Even if you’re guilty, we can get the system to work with you instead of against you. Call us today.

Other Alcohol-Related Charges in the State of Texas

Aside from getting a DWI, there are other alcohol-related charges in the State of Texas. These include:

• Public Intoxication (PI) — Classified as a misdemeanor charge, you’re guilt of public intoxication if you’re in a public place and are intoxicated to the point where you could put you and other people in danger. If you’re found guilty of public intoxication, you could face a fine of up to $500, and it could go on your permanent criminal record.
• Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP) — If you’re under 21, you can be charged with Minor in Possession (MIP), even if you weren’t consuming any alcohol. You could be found guilty by simply holding an empty beer can or a cup that had an alcoholic drink. An MIP charge could result in serious penalties and could affect your ability to find employment. It could even affect your ability to graduate from school, be accepted into a university, or get approved for any type of government assistance.
• Open Container — If you’re found with an open container that’s within reach while you were driving in the State of Texas, you could be charged with a Class C misdemeanor (which could result in a fine of up to $500). You could also be charged with a DWI if you have a blood-alcohol level of .08% or more. There are, however, some exceptions to this rule. If you’re a passenger in a limo or RV, you won’t get charged with “open container.”
• Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor — If you’re an adult and help a minor commit an act of delinquency, you could be charged with “Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor” (CDM). A minor is considered to be anyone who is under the age of eighteen. And because the consumption of alcohol is considered to be an act of delinquency, giving it to a minor would be classified as a CDM. The penalties for this charge will vary, and it will largely depend on the area in which the offense had been committed.

Be sure to speak to a qualified attorney for more information about these types of charges and which penalties you may face if you’re found guilty.

How You Can Defend Yourself Against an Alcohol-Related Charge

If you’re facing a DWI or any or alcohol-related charge, you’ll need the help of a criminal defense attorney. Not only will this person be able to defend you in court, but he or she can also help you to come up with a defense strategy that will minimize your risk of a conviction — especially if you have been accused of a crime that you didn’t commit. If you want to find the best criminal defense attorney in Corpus Christi, Gale Law Groups is here to help you. We have a qualified staff that can help you throughout the entire process, and we’ll make sure that your rights are protected.

If you want to work with a qualified criminal defense lawyer in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out to us. We would be happy to speak with you about how we can help you with your case!

Check out our criminal defense page for more.

According to an FBI report, Corpus Christi has been listed as one of the most dangerous metropolitan areas in the United States. This study took a group of cities with populations of 300,000 or more with the highest crime rates per 100,000 people, and the Corpus Christi area (which includes Nueces, San Patricio, and Aransas counties) has been ranked number 12 in a list of 28 areas in the United States. According to the FBI, the Coastal Bend has a violent crime rate of 632 for every 100,000 people. This include 30 murders, 289 reported rapes, and 1,590 aggravated assaults. Other cities on that list also included Houston and Beaumont, which are both located on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Number of Reported Crimes in Corpus Christi

There have been over 14,000 reported incidents in Corpus Christi during the year 2017, which included the following crimes:

• Murder
• Rape
• Robbery
• Assault
• Burglary
• Theft
• Vehicle Theft
• Property crimes

This puts Corpus Christi at 42% above the average crime rate in the State of Texas and 55% higher than the entire nation. For violent offenses, the Coastal Bend has a rate that’s 60% higher than the Texas average and 83% higher than the national average. For crimes involving personal property, the city is 39% higher than the Texas average and 51% higher than the national average.

In 2016, the number of criminal cases in Corpus Christi included:

• 1,621 cases of aggravated assault.
• 53 cases of arson.
• 2,296 cases of burglary.
• 9,246 cases of larceny and theft.
• 656 cases of motor vehicle theft.
• 24 cases of murder and manslaughter.
• 259 cases of rape.
• 424 cases of robbery.
• 12,198 crimes involving personal property.
• 2,328 violent crimes.

In that same year, they projected the following numbers for 2019:

• 1,392 cases of aggravated assault.
• 44 cases of arson.
• 1,674 cases of burglary.
• 7,481 cases of larceny and theft.
• 441 cases of motor vehicle theft.
• 24 cases of murder and manslaughter.
• 264 cases of rape
• 338 cases of robbery.
• 9,565 crimes involving personal property.
• 2,018 violent crimes.

In 2016, the Coastal Bend has a violent crime rate that was higher than the national average by over 70%, and the property crime rate was at over 50% above the national average. It also had the highest murder rate out of the three Texas cities that made the top ten list, which was at 5.4 per 100,000 people. These statistics proved that Corpus Christi was considered to be one of the most dangerous cities to live in for the entire state of Texas and for the nation, which hasn’t changed much in subsequent years. Corpus Christi was also ranked number seven in the most dangerous cities in the United States, with San Antonio and Houston also being in the top ten.

Why You May Need a Criminal Defense Attorney

Because the Coastal Bend is experiencing a higher level of crime than both the national and state averages, the need for criminal defense lawyers is much higher. While everyone should be punished for breaking the law, everyone deserves a fair chance to prove their innocence if they have done nothing wrong. The amount of reported crimes in South Texas has most likely put the local police departments on high alert, and there’s a chance that you could be in the wrong place at the wrong time. You could be accused of a crime that you didn’t commit. If you don’t have a criminal defense attorney who will fight for your rights, you might be faced with a conviction. Not only will it result in jail or prison time, but it could also affect your life long after you have served your time.

You don’t want to be found guilty of a crime you didn’t commit. But without the help of a criminal defense lawyer, you increase your chances of being convicted. Not only will this person come up with a strategy that will help in your defense, but he or she could also use certain aspects of the law that may work to your advantage. The Gale Law Group has a team of qualified criminal defense attorneys who can help you with your case, which is why we’re one of the best choices in the Coastal Bend.

If you want to work with a qualified criminal defense lawyer in Corpus Christi, feel free get in touch with us. We would be happy to talk about the details of your case!

Check out our criminal defense page for more.

A Corpus Christi municipal court judge decided Wednesday the public intoxication case against a former state district judge should move forward.

Click Here To Read The Full Story

On Thursday, attorneys for Williams and a city prosecutor filed an agreed motion to dismiss the case. It would leave open the possibility the case could be refiled.

Read The Full Story Here

How to Find a Criminal Defense Lawyer That Can Help You Win Your Case

If you’re facing criminal charges, getting them dismissed or cleared in a trial is your main priority. The best way to improve your chances of a favorable outcome is to have a criminal defense attorney on your side. There are a lot of things that can help or even hurt your case — from your initial interaction with the police to the day that the jury issues a verdict. But not all criminal defense lawyers are the same. So, you need to find one who is qualified to handle your case. Taking the time to find the best criminal defense lawyer will make sure that you’re being represented in the best possible manner when your case goes to trial. While it may seem like a daunting task (especially if you’re facing the possibility of a criminal charge), it’s one of the most important steps in the entire process.

What You Should Look for in a Criminal Defense Attorney

Finding the right criminal defense lawyer can be a big decision, but you need to find the right one if you want the best chance of getting your charges cleared. Here are some things that you should look for in a criminal defense lawyer:

• Is able to meet your needs — Finding a lawyer isn’t just about finding the most qualified. It’s also about finding one who will meet your needs. You want to work with a lawyer that you can understand — someone who speaks your language and takes the time to explain all the available options. Find a lawyer who will act as an advisor and with whom you feel comfortable.
• Has the right experience — Not all lawyers are created equal. Some specialize in personal injury, while others focus on criminal law. If your case involves a violent crime, you shouldn’t hire a lawyer who specializes in DWI cases. Look at their website, and find out which areas they specialize in.
• Has the right team — Preparing for a case is never a one-person job. Even the best criminal defense attorneys need to have a team behind them. You need to find out who is part of their organization (such as their administrative team, paralegals, and other criminal defense lawyers), and you should check their qualifications. If you have a good lawyer and this person gets sick, will someone else be ready step in when you go to trial?
• Has good references — Any good criminal defense lawyer will have the reputation to back it up. Ask your friends and associates for any recommendations, and ask anyone that you’re considering for any references. Talk to any previous clients, so you can see what their experience was like. Any good lawyer will also have a reputation with other people in that industry, so ask other reputable lawyers for any recommendations. They don’t have to be a criminal defense lawyer to know who has a good reputation in their industry.
• Is confident without making guarantees — You should find a criminal defense attorney who is confident in his or her ability to build the strongest possible case, which is a healthy trait for any lawyer. But, you should be wary of anyone who can guarantee you a specific result. The law is full of uncertainty, and even the best attorneys can’t know exactly what will happen. Even if you lose your case, you can always hire an appeals attorney. You should never fall for someone who promises you any kind of favorable outcome.

Being faced with criminal charges isn’t something that you should take lightly. You need to find the best person to help you, because it will increase your chances of getting a favorable outcome. You need to take the time to find a lawyer who is qualified and is able to work with you, so you need to research your options. That way, you can find a lawyer that’s right for you.

A Qualified Criminal Defense Attorney in Corpus Christi!

If you’ve been having a hard time finding the right criminal defense lawyer in Corpus Christi, you should consider working with Gale Law Group. Our staff has years of combined experience, and we’ll make sure that we build the best possible strategy for your case. We can work in many areas of criminal law — from DWI charges to violent crimes. So regardless of your circumstances, we have the qualifications to handle your case.

Check out our criminal defense page for more.

If you want to work with one of the best criminal defense attorneys in the Coastal Bend, get in touch with us today!

Local attorney Chris Gale has represented a number of clients who have had complaints against law enforcement agencies.

Click here to view the video