Todd Ver Weire

Leander Criminal Defense Lawyer

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Leander, TX Criminal Defense Lawyer 

Whether you have just been stopped by police, are hoping to get your loved one out on bail, or are currently facing criminal charges, the advantages of working with our premier criminal defense team at The Law Office of W. Todd Ver Weire are undeniable. The criminal justice system is flawed, but with our high-powered criminal defense team protecting your liberties, you have a chance to get back to your life and put the trauma of this experience behind you. The fallout of a conviction has serious consequences that could impact you for the rest of your life.

Do not let the State take away your freedom. Assert your right to defend yourself and prepare the strongest strategy possible based on the circumstances of your case. With our 30+ years of combined experience backing you up, you can feel confident that your future is in good hands. Contact our legal team to request a confidential consultation today and learn more about the extent of the charges you are facing, potential penalties, and how to obtain a favorable outcome.

Our Criminal Defense Team Is Prepared to Challenge The Charges You Face

The Law Office of W. Todd Ver Weire is prepared to defend our clients against the charges you face. Our Team can help you clear your name any of any of the following charges:

Theft Crimes

Our criminal attorneys are standing by, ready to defend you against theft allegations, which might include:

Violent Crimes 

Violent crimes can take multiple forms. Your criminal defense lawyer should have extensive experience handling:

Other than a first offense for Domestic Violence, or an Assault with only minor injuries, most violent crimes will be charged as a felony. If the alleged victim suffered serious bodily injury, or there were other aggravating circumstances, you face possible prison time. However, depending on the specific nature of your case, our criminal defense team may be able to convince the district attorney to agree to a lesser included offense, such as a related misdemeanor.

Weapons Crimes

Any type of weapons violation may be considered a criminal offense. Some of the most common weapons crimes your criminal lawyer from The Law Office of W. Todd Ver Weire include:

  • Felon in possession of a firearm under PENAL § 46.04
  • Unlawful carrying of a firearm under Texas Penal Code 46.02
  • Improper discharge of a firearm Texas Penal Code 42.12
  • Unlawful sale of a weapon Texas Penal Code 46.06

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is one of the most common types of crimes we defend against. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, there were 82,843 total DWI charges reported in Texas in 2023, of which 12,525  cases resolved with a guilty pleas.

Your criminal defense attorney with our firm will help you understand the severity of your charges. If you are found guilty of a first-offense DWI, you might spend up to six months in jail and pay fines of up to $2,000.  This does NOT include the “super fine” imposed under the Texas Transportation Code, section 709, which assesses fines of $3000 to $6000 depending upon the number of DWI convictions within a 36 month period. However, a third DWI, or a first DWI but with a child in the car means that you face up to 10 years in prison and fines not to exceed $10,000.

Drug Crimes 

Our Leander criminal lawyers can help you defend yourself if you have been accused of committing any type of drug crime. Some examples of drug offenses could include:

The severity of the penalty one faces when charged with a drug crime depends upon: 1) the type of drug in your possession; and 2) the amount of the drug.  In addition to facing possible jail or prison time, in addition to fines, being convicted of a drug crime means that you will have your driver’s license suspended, and if you own various professional licenses, you could have those licenses suspended, or revoked.  

The Prosecutor Must Prove Guilt Beyond a Reasonable Doubt 

The criminal justice system across Texas and the entire country is flawed. Although all individuals are to be considered innocent until proven guilty, many of the accused find themselves fighting to prove their innocence even when reasonable doubt is present. According to CHAPTER 2 of the Texas Penal Code: the prosecutor must prove guilt, beyond all reasonable doubt, for each and every element of a crime, for the jury to return a conviction. 

Unfortunately, we see far too often that wrongful convictions occur in the presence of reasonable doubt. Our criminal defense team will work tirelessly to gather the evidence needed to support your case, as well as present a compelling narrative as to why reasonable doubt is present in your case, and the jury must acquit you of the charge you face.  Texas does allow the Defense to ask for a lesser included offense jury instruction; however, making such a request is strategic in nature and needs to be carefully examined, and discussed with you, before seeking such an instruction.  For instance, if you are charged with possession of a controlled substance in a drug-free zone, but the State fails to put on evidence that you were within such a zone, we may not want to ask for a lesser included offense of simple possession of a controlled substance, because the jury must acquit due to the failure to prove each element.   

While we all enjoy the Constitutional presumption of being innocent, sometimes engaging in plea bargain negotiations is the best option.  Depending on the type of criminal charge you are facing, the presence of any aggravating or mitigating factors, and your criminal history, the prosecutor may be willing to work with you to obtain an advantageous plea bargain. In those cases where the state’s case against you is strong, our criminal defense team can advise you on things to do that show remorse, that you are a good person, and why resolving the matter in a reasonable fashion, is the best use of the State’s resources.  Similarly, if the State’s case may be weak, but the potential penalties you are facing are not worth the risk, accepting a plea offer could be in your best interests. We will know more about how to proceed after we conduct a comprehensive investigation and complete discovery and have a chance to review all the evidence in your case.

Leander Criminal Defense FAQ

Having a zealous Leander criminal defense attorney handling your case could mean the difference between life behind bars and probation. When looking for the right criminal defense team to take on your case, you may be scouring the Internet, looking for information about what to expect next, how severe your charges are, or whether accepting a plea agreement is the right move. Towards that end, please take a look at our reviews at (insert GBP link to reviews here).

We want to help you get the answers you need more easily. With that in mind, we have crafted a quick FAQ below that answers some of the most frequently asked questions regarding criminal charges in Leander. When you have additional questions regarding the specific details of your case, contact our legal team to request a confidential consultation.

Am I going to jail?

If you are found guilty, the likelihood of being sentenced to time in the Williamson County jail may be high depending on the type of crime you are convicted of. For example, if you are found guilty of a misdemeanor offense, the judge may sentence you to time in jail. 

The length of your jail sentence will depend on the level of your misdemeanor charges. For example, if you are found guilty of a Class C misdemeanor, you will not spend any time in jail; rather, you face a fine of up to $500. Conversely, if you are convicted of a Class A misdemeanor, you could spend up to one year in jail and/or pay fines of up to $4,000, according to PENAL CODE CHAPTER 12. PUNISHMENTS. 

If you are convicted of a felony crime, you will not necessarily spend time in jail. Instead, you could be sentenced to incarceration in a state prison facility. The potential penalties associated with a felony conviction include:

  • State jail felony – 2 years in a State Jail Felony Punishment Facility 
  • Third-degree felony – Up to 10 years in prison
  • Second-degree felony – Up to 20 years in prison
  • First-degree felony – As much as 99 years in prison
  • Capital felony – Life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty

All felony convictions in Texas are subject to a maximum fine of $10,000 as well.

What are collateral consequences?

Collateral consequences refer to the ways you will continue to be affected by your conviction even after you have completed your sentence. For instance, if you were sentenced to five years in prison, upon your release, you may find it difficult to assimilate back into society. With a felony conviction on your record, when you go to apply for job opportunities, your criminal background check will reflect your criminal history. 

Many convicted felons find themselves passed over for job opportunities for this reason. Other potential collateral consequences that may be associated with a criminal conviction include:

  • Issues with visitation or custody rights
  • Suspension of Driver’s License
  • Loss of firearm rights
  • Disqualification from federal student aid
  • Temporary loss of voting rights
  • Increased risk of deportation for foreign nationals or green card holders
  • Housing restrictions
  • Revocation of your professional license
  • Limited job prospects
  • A destroyed reputation

What are my Miranda Rights?

Every person who is taken into police custody must be informed of their Miranda rights under the Fifth Amendment and Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. These rights include:

  • The right to remain silent
  • The right to speak with an attorney
  • The right to have an attorney appointed to your case if you cannot afford to hire one

Do not say anything to law enforcement officials if you are questioned or taken into custody. Anything you say could be incriminating and used against you at trial. While you have to identify yourself when asked, Your are NOT required to answer any other questions.  Where are you going, where did you come from, or the vague but law enforcement favorite – how much did you drink today/tonight – are questions you can decline to answer.  You can assert your Miranda Rights by notifying investigators and police that you are exercising your rights and will not be able to say anything else until your Leander criminal defense lawyer is present.  Do so in a polite way, and while they will continue to ask questions, just keep saying I am going to wait until I talk with my lawyer before answering any questions.  

Connect With Our Skilled Leander Criminal Defense Law Firm Today

We understand how uncertain your future may seem during this time in your life. It is our goal to provide top-notch legal representation so you can get back to your family and your life. Though facing criminal charges is no walk in the park, with the right criminal defender handling your case, you may be able to clear your name of the allegations against you sooner. When you are ready to discuss potential defense strategies but have no idea where to begin or how strong the state’s case is against you, do not hesitate. 

Connect with a reputable Leander criminal defense attorney from The Law Office of W. Todd Ver Weire today. Our firm proudly offers confidential case evaluations to individuals who are accused of committing criminal offenses across Leander and surrounding communities. Claim yours by completing our secured contact form or calling our office to schedule your consultation as soon as today.