GET AN INSTANT REFERRAL ONLINE or CALL (866) 303-8303

  • Attorney Login
  • Registration
Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas

Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas

Helping Texans find a lawyer, legal resources, and community services since 1966

  • Home
  • Instant Referral
  • About Us
    • Associations & Awards
    • Testimonials
    • Contact Us
  • Resources
    • Working with a Lawyer
    • Additional Support Programs
    • Community Resources
    • FAQs
    • Community Events
    • Blog
  • For Attorneys
    • Attorney Login
    • Registration
    • Modest Means Programs
  • En Español

Seeking Legal Help in a Criminal Case

Mar 28, 2017

A criminal record can impact many aspects of a your life. It is not just the stress and cost  of going through the legal system, the consequences of being charged with a crime or being convicted of a crime has long term effects. Even something you might think as simple as pleading guilty to a traffic violation, such as driving without a license, may affect job prospects and the ability to rent an apartment. There are also monetary penalties such as fines that may impact your finances.

When to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney

You have the right to remain silent when you are being investigated for a crime. This applies whether you are being questioned by police or a detective during an ongoing investigation or if you have been pulled over while driving. Many people forget this right to remain silent, especially when they are driving and have been pulled over. If you have been pulled over, identify yourself, show insurance, then calmly let them know you’d like to speak to a lawyer. If law enforcement comes to your door without a warrant, you have the right to tell them you want to talk to a lawyer first. Do not talk to investigators without speaking to a lawyer.

Cost of Hiring a Lawyer

Attorneys fees will vary depending on the nature of the crime (felony or misdemeanor) and the experience level of the attorney. Defense lawyers usually charge flat fees for each stage of representation. For example, you may be charged one flat rate for a single appearance in court then another additional fee for each court appearance or trial. Criminal law attorneys will ask for their fees in advance. If you cannot afford legal fees, you may qualify for a court appointed lawyer. These lawyers are usually private practicing lawyers who also make themselves available for court appointments to ensure all people have access to the justice system.

How to Find a Lawyer

Call the Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) to find a criminal defense lawyer. The lawyers who participate with LRS have completed an application process, are required to carry malpractice insurance, and are in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. The referral is free and the consultation is free but you must be able to afford legal fees to hire the lawyer.  

If you are looking for criminal lawyers in Austin (or any other type of lawyer) or wish to learn more about the role of a criminal lawyer in criminal cases, simply call (512) 472-8303. You can also submit an online request by filling out our contact form.

Criminal

Contact Us

If you have any questions about the Lawyer Referral Service or would like a referral, call us at (512) 472-8303 or submit an a request below explaining the nature of your legal issue. You can also get an Instant Referral here.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Contact Us

Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas
P.O. Box 6852
Austin, TX 78762 

referrals@austinlrs.org
(512) 472-8303

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Community Events
  • Blog
  • En Español
  • FAQS

Latest Blog Posts

  • Legal Advice for Entrepreneurs
  • Larceny Laws in Texas
  • What Kind of Divorce State is Texas?
  • What is a No-Fault Divorce?
  • Most Common Car Accident Injuries & How to Avoid Them

©2023 Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas. All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter