Todd Ver Weire

Cedar Park Criminal Defense Lawyers

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Being charged with a criminal offense in the state of Texas can be terrifying. It is normal to get a little nervous when you are stopped by law enforcement officials, even if you have not done anything wrong. However, being questioned, taken into police custody, and ultimately charged with a crime is an entirely separate matter. Depending on the criminal charges you are facing, your entire future could be in jeopardy. Fines, jail time, and other criminal penalties may continue to follow you even after you have completed your sentence. 

Fortunately, our Cedar Park criminal defense lawyer with The Law Office of W. Todd Ver Weire has trial experience that is unmatched. If the prosecutor is unwilling to negotiate a plea agreement and your case needs to go before a judge and jury, our team will be prepared with the strongest defense strategy possible. Discuss potential explanations and ways to introduce reasonable doubt in the minds of the judge and jury when you contact our top-rated criminal lawyers to request a confidential consultation.

The Todd Ver Weire Difference 

Choosing the right criminal lawyer to take on your case will be one of the most important decisions you can make. In fact, it could make all the difference in what your future holds. Our works aggressively to protect your rights, and guide you through the often complex criminal justice system.

When you hire our legal team to take on your defense, you can rely on us to explore every potential option available based on the circumstances of your case. If that means negotiating a plea agreement with the state, we will be ready to open up the conversation with the state. If your situation would benefit from participating in one of the specialty courts in Williamson County, we can explore that option, as Todd serves as the program defense counsle for the Williamson County Veterans Treatment Court, and the Williamson County Misdemenaor DWI/Drug Court Program.  Should those options not be available, and  your case needs to go to trial to secure an acquittal, we will craft a powerful defense strategy so you can clear your name of the allegations against you.

You need a criminal defense team that will help you without judgment, be direct and honest about the potential consequences you are facing, and manage expectations so you are not caught by surprise during the course of your case.  Further, in those instances where you want to pursue a trial, we will advise you of the pros and cons so that if you are ultimately found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt it will not be a surprise. Our compassion and dedication to our clients sets us apart from other criminal defense lawyers in Cedar Park and surrounding communities.

The Law Office of W. Todd Ver Weire Handles Most Types of Criminal Charges  

You need a criminal attorney who has handled cases like yours. Fortunately, when you choose The Law Office of W. Todd Ver Weire to take on your defense strategy, you can feel confident in your chosen legal advocate. Here are some of the most common types of criminal cases we take on:

Theft and Robbery 

While theft and robbery may seem like minor charges, they can have a significant impact on your future. Some examples of common theft crimes you could be charged with include:

Driving While Intoxicated 

Our criminal defense team regularly assists individuals who have been charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) under Tex. Pen. Code § 49.04. Texas takes drunk driving charges seriously, having charged 82,843 individuals with DWIs in 2022 alone, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. DWIs are often tried at the felony level, though first-time offenders usually face a a Class B misdemeanor with a minimum of 72 hours of jail time being required  If your blood alcohol level is .15 or higher, you then face a Class A misdemeanor which means up to 365 days in jail as the maximum.

Marijuana and Drug Crimes

Across the state, marijuana and other controlled substances, as described by the Controlled Substances Act, are still considered illegal. While the  Cedar Park Police Department uses a cite and release policy for those with less than 2 ounces of marijuana, it is still a crime. This does not mean that it is legal for recreational use, but rather, you will not have to post bond to get out of jail, but must show up later, if the case ends up getting filed.   

However, if you are found in possession of other types of controlled substances, such as heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamines, peyote, Xanax, or OxyContin, without a prescription, you may face criminal drug charges. Examples of potential drug crimes you could be facing include:

If you are charged with a drug crime, your criminal defense lawyer may be able to work with the prosecutor to get you enrolled in a drug diversion program as described by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. After fulfilling the terms of your program requirements, the district attorney will drop the charges against you or reduce them to a less serious offense.

Violent Crimes and Assault  

You may require the legal guidance of our criminal defense attorneys if you are charged with:

Violent crime allegations are enough to turn your world upside down. Even if you are ultimately acquitted, your reputation could be destroyed. For this reason, it is of utmost importance that you turn to our respected Cedar Park criminal lawyers for help dodging a guilty verdict.

Potential Penalties of a Criminal Conviction

Your Cedar Park criminal lawyer will be responsible for informing you of the potential penalties associated with a conviction. If you do not secure an acquittal, you could be subject to:

  • Time in a county jail or state prison
  • Court fines or restitution to alleged victims
  • Community service requirements
  • Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license
  • Probation or parole requirements
  • Registration on the Texas Sex Offender Registry under Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure
  • Loss of privilege to posses, let alone own, a firearm
  • Loss of child custody or unsupervised visitation

What Are Collateral Consequences?

Collateral consequences refer to the various ways your life will continue to be affected if you are found guilty of a criminal offense. Even after having done your time in jail and paid your court fines, you may still find your life being affected by your conviction. Your criminal record will be reflected on your background report, which may make it impossible for you to find a job. 

You could also be disqualified from federal student aid, find your personal and professional reputations destroyed, face deportation as a foreign national, or even be stripped of your child custody or visitation rights. You need a criminal defense attorney on your side who will think outside the box to build the most compelling defense possible so you can avoid these devastating collateral consequences.

Cedar Park Criminal Defense FAQ

You have every right to defend yourself when you are facing criminal charges. In fact, according to the Texas State Law Library, you are technically under no legal obligation to hire a Cedar Park criminal attorney to take on your case. However, according to the Federal Courts Law Review, defendants who do not hire a criminal defense lawyer or opt to work with a public defender are more likely to be convicted. With this in mind, it is our goal at The Law Office of W. Todd Ver Weire to help our clients clear their names of the charges against them. 

While you are searching for the best Cedar Park criminal defense lawyer to take on your case, you may be inundated with legal representatives, all claiming to be the right choice for you. We set ourselves apart from our competitors by offering prospective clients the information and answers they need before we start working on their defense. With that in mind, consider reviewing our quick criminal defense FAQ below. Then, contact our legal team to schedule a free consultation so we can find out more about the circumstances of your case and start planning your strategic defense.

Should I accept a plea?

If a plea agreement is offered, it is almost always in your best interests to talk it through with our Cedar Park criminal defense team. The criminal consequences that come with a conviction could be life-changing. Not every crime is eligible for expungement or non-disclosure. If the prosecutor is willing to plead down to a lesser offense or allow you to enter a pretrial diversion program, this may be your best option. 

However, this is not true for every case. In some instances, the state may offer a plea agreement in an attempt to convict you on some level despite the fact that their criminal case against you is weak. If this is the case, we may suggest moving forward with a motion to dismiss your case before having to go to trial. If you are unsure whether a plea bargain is the right move for your case, be sure to discuss the evidence against you, your potential penalties, and other important considerations with your dedicated Cedar Park criminal defense lawyer.

How much does it cost to hire a criminal defense lawyer?

The amount you can expect to spend hiring a criminal defense lawyer will vary widely. Someone charged with petty theft, for example, will not need to spend as much on their defense as someone who is charged with first-degree murder. 

Your criminal history, the strength of the state’s case against you, and several other factors will all determine how much you might need to spend on a powerful criminal defender. Our Cedar Park criminal defense team utilizes flat fees, so you know what the legal fees will be, or work out a payment arrangement when you need a legal team you can rely on. 

Will I get out on bail?

Not necessarily. After your arrest, you will brought in front of a magistrate judge to arraign you and to determine whether bail should be set and, if so, what the bail amount will be. For certain crimes, you could be released on your own personal recognizance (PR). Bail will not be set, as the court system does not have concerns that you will not show up for your court appearance. 

However, if you are charged with a more serious offense, the state may allow you to be released on bail pending your trial. You will need to pay the court a predetermined amount of money to secure your release. Most often, folks utilize a bond company so that they only pay a portion of the bond amount to the bonding company, who in turn submits a surety bond to the court that is a promise of the bond company to either track you down or pay a fee. This does NOT mean you don’t have to appear.  If the bond company is called upon to pay the bond amount, the bond company will come get you, and bill you for the amount that they had to pay.  So, posting a bond does NOT mean the case is over; rather, it is the starting gun in the biggest race of your life.  There is also a chance that you could be denied bail. 

If you are charged with a serious or violent crime, the court system believes you are a threat to the community, or you have a history of aggression, violence, or have a lengthy criminal history, the judge has the authority to deny you bail. If you have a warrant out for your arrest, the best thing you can do is turn yourself in with your criminal defense team by your side. We may be able to work with the court system to prearrange bail and get you released sooner.

Can I get my criminal record expunged?

You may be eligible for expungement depending on your criminal history, how long it has been since your conviction, and whether your offense is eligible for expunction. You may be eligible for expungement under PENAL § 55 if:

  • You were convicted of a minor alcohol offense
  • You were arrested for a crime but never charged
  • You were convicted for failure to attend school
  • You were found guilty of certain types of misdemeanor juvenile crimes
  • You were charged with a crime that was eventually dismissed
  • You participated and successfully completed certain diversion programs or treatment courts. 

It is important to note that even if you meet any of the previously mentioned criteria, it is still possible you will not be eligible for expunction. While we do not help with the filing of expunctions, we do know what you can, and cannot get expunged.  .

Connect With The Law Office of W. Todd Ver Weire Today for a Strategically Aggressive Defense 

Between your arrest, bail hearing, pretrial motions, negotiations with the district attorney, and defending yourself in court, the entire criminal justice process can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Let us ease some of your burdens and help you get back to your life. 

Consult a strategic Cedar Park criminal defense attorney from The Law Office of W. Todd Ver Weire to discuss how to best approach your defense. In some cases, negotiating with the prosecutor may be the better option. No matter how we approach your defense, you can rest easier knowing you have our undivided attention and resources at your disposal. Fill out our confidential contact form or call us to schedule your initial defense strategy session as soon as today.