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The Costly Consequences of Ineffective Representation

Blogs from March, 2022

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According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, in 2020, there were 782,974 total reported criminal offenses in the state. This total includes all the murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft offenses reported by both police departments and sheriffs’ offices.

Regardless of the type of criminal charges you may face, you need an effective, hardworking criminal defense attorney to represent you. Choosing the wrong defense attorney could result in fines and jail time or even time in prison. Take steps to ensure that you’re confident in your representation.

Whether a major mistake or error in judgment has landed you in trouble with the authorities or a misunderstanding has left you wrongly accused, I am here to offer compassionate help. I have been licensed to practice law for 30 years, and I’ve represented thousands of individuals in legal matters related to criminal defense. My firm, Rick Davis & Associates Attorneys at Law, represents clients in Bryan, Texas, and the surrounding areas, including College Station, Brenham, Anderson, Madisonville, and Caldwell.

For a total of 8 years, I have also served as a Judge; first as Judge, Brazos County Court at Law No. 2 and then as District Judge, 272nd District Court.  I have presided over 162 jury trials and thousands of other hearings.  Having prior judicial experience gives me an advantage and insight into cases that most criminal defense lawyers do not have.

Ineffective Representation

When an individual faces criminal charges, their choice of attorney can directly impact the outcome of their case. Choosing effective representation is critical to minimizing the negative impact on your life. 

An experienced and driven attorney will ensure that your rights are protected through every phase of the legal process while providing you with a strong defense. An ineffective or inexperienced attorney may not be able to do the same.

Passionate and aggressive representation can help you take control of your future. However, there are plenty of attorneys out there who promise to advocate strongly for you but are ineffective in reality. If your attorney lacks professionalism, that could reflect poorly on you. An ineffective attorney could cost you more than money and time: they could cost you your freedom.

Private Attorney vs. Public Defender

You may be considering forgoing a private attorney and choosing a public defender instead. While public defense attorneys are an option, the lack of funding for the system has led to some problems. 

Because the public defense system is often underfunded, public defense attorneys are typically overburdened with heavy caseloads. There is also often a lack of funding for the defense investigative process, which makes it more difficult for all evidence to be fairly considered. This lack of resources can have a negative impact on a case.  Also, although many Court Appointed attorneys are excellent lawyers and even board certified, there are also many Court Appointed attorneys who do not get hired very often by private paying clients because they do not work hard for their clients and want to make an easy buck.  If you ask for and appointed a Court Appointed Attorney, it is a matter of luck whether or not you will get one who works hard for you.

Qualities of an Effective Defense Attorney

When you’re looking for an effective defense attorney, pay attention to these key characteristics. Look for an attorney who is experienced in local law. By partnering with someone who knows the local prosecutors and police officers, you will strengthen your case. 

Also, look for an attorney who you are personally comfortable with. You should choose someone who you feel you can be honest with and who you believe will represent you well. Your attorney should inspire confidence in you, and you should be able to feel like you (and the court) can trust him or her with your case.

Finally, you should choose an attorney who is experienced in the area of your case. To have a chance at securing the best outcome, you will want to work with an attorney who has spent their time investigating and defending others who have faced similar charges, whether that is drunk driving, assault, or another charge. Experience is extremely valuable when it comes to legal defense.

Don’t Risk Your Future. Call Now.

The outcome of your case depends heavily on your legal representation. Whether you’ve made a mistake or you’ve been wrongly accused, I’ll do everything I can to give you the best chance at a positive outcome. My firm, Rick Davis & Associates Attorneys at Law, is proud to represent clients in Bryan, Texas, and the surrounding areas, including College Station, Brenham, Anderson, Madisonville, and Caldwell. Contact my office today to schedule a free consultation.

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