When you are arrested for a crime in downtown Austin, your very future is at stake. We know this is a scary experience, and you are likely feeling uncertain regarding your future. In these difficult times, it is wise to remain calm and cooperate with the police, but still exercise your rights and hire a downtown Austin criminal defense lawyer.
Whether you’ve been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) along West 6th Street or disorderly conduct near Republic Square, we are here to help. p>
Why Work With Rountree Law Firm?
For over a decade, lead attorney Andrew Rountree worked as a prosecutor for the state of Texas. After realizing the true need for his services was on the other side of the courtroom, he turned his time and attention to those individuals charged with criminal acts in Austin. Thanks to his experience and skill, he knows how to calmly approach a case, review all of the details involved, and ultimately launch a defense strategy that works to protect his client’s future and freedoms.
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Criminal Cases We Handle Downtown
Downtown Austin is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, known for a vibrant tech industry, music scene, and sports culture. In fact, Austin has been named as one of the greatest cities to start a business in, as the gross domestic product (GDP) of the area has increased by over 14.3% in recent years.
However, with the population boom comes an increase in the rate of crime. Currently, downtown Austin experiences a crime rate of 1,484 crimes per 100,000 members of the population.
At Rountree Law Firm, we are here to help clients who have been arrested for a variety of crimes in downtown Austin. The most common criminal cases we handle include the following:
- Drug crimes. These crimes include any kind of possession of controlled substances, such as cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, and even certain over-the-counter drugs and medications. It can also include drug distribution charges, trafficking, and drug manufacturing.
- Driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is illegal in Texas to operate a motorized vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you are pulled over downtown and arrested on DWI or DUI charges, it is crucial that you hire an attorney as quickly as possible. Even first-time DUI offenders can face harsh consequences.
- Assault and other violent crimes. These can include any form of assault, including sexual assault, domestic violence, robbery, aggravated assault, murder, manslaughter, and other violent offenses that typically involve the use of bodily harm or deadly weapons.
- Theft and property crimes. These crimes can include charges of theft, burglary, vandalism, shoplifting, and other similar property crimes.
- Sex crimes. There is a wide range of sex crimes an individual can be arrested for in downtown Austin. The most common of these crimes include rape, date rape, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, child molestation, child pornography, prostitution, and solicitation.
- Probation violations. At Rountree Law Firm, we are here to represent individuals who have been accused and arrested for violating their probation terms or other similar court orders in downtown Austin.
- Juvenile offenses. Juvenile offenses have seen a spike in downtown Austin. In a single year, 74 juvenile offenders were suspects in gun-related crimes alone. Other common juvenile crimes include property crimes like vandalism and trespassing, along with underage drinking and driving, and minor in possession crimes.
Whether you find yourself facing a misdemeanor charge in downtown Austin or a more serious felony, you need a defense team that understands the local legal landscape. For most criminal charges, your case will likely proceed through the Travis County District Court located inside the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center on West 11th Street. At Rountree Law Firm, we are here to fight for you. p>
What to Do if You Are Arrested in Downtown Austin
If you find yourself under arrest in downtown Austin, the main thing to remember is that you have rights. It is crucial that you exercise these rights and adhere to the following steps:
- Stay calm and stay silent. It is crucial that you do not try to evade the police or avoid getting arrested. Instead, let yourself be taken into custody in a calm and cooperative manner. Do not offer the police any information beyond your name and your simple identification details. Under the Constitution, you have the right to remain silent, and it is important that you utilize this right.
- Request a lawyer. You need to tell police officers that you want to speak with your attorney. Once you have stated this and invoked your right to an attorney, the police should stop questioning you and allow you to contact your lawyer.
- Do not consent to search. Unless the police officers have an official warrant, you do not have to consent to any searches of your property, including your home and vehicle, or your person.
- Attend all required court appearances. If you fail to appear for a court appearance, it can result in additional charges. Your attorneys are here to appear on your behalf in certain cases, but it is important you listen to our guidance when it comes to your presence in court.
- Do not discuss your case. It is crucial that you do not discuss your case outside of the courtroom or outside of meetings with your lawyer. Do not, under any circumstances, post to social media regarding your case, as anything you do post can and will likely be used against you by the prosecution.
- Don’t talk about your case in the jail. After you get arrested, you may be tempted to call someone you trust and tell them what happened. The problem with this is every phone call from the jail is recorded. It is important that you remember this fact and do not say anything over the phone about your case or what the facts are. Prosecutors listen to these calls. Remember this so you don’t say something you regret.
Experienced Legal Help You Can Trust
Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has been arrested for a crime in downtown Austin, hope is not lost. The wisest thing you can do is hire a criminal defense lawyer who has the knowledge and experience required to defend you. Court is scary. Being arrested is scary. Your defense and legal representation do not have to be. Trust the team at Rountree Law Firm to fight for you. Call 512-262-8080 today to learn more about our services and schedule your first consultation.
