Frequently Asked Questions

Misdemeanors carry up to one year in jail, while felonies can result in state prison sentences and lifetime consequences. Felony convictions often eliminate voting rights, professional licenses, and certain employment opportunities. At Setra Law Firm, we focus on reducing or dismissing charges early to protect your future.

Federal cases involve agencies like the FBI or DEA, grand jury investigations, and stricter sentencing guidelines. They often include lengthy document review, complex evidence, and higher stakes than state prosecutions. Pre-indictment representation is critical to control damage before charges are formally filed.

Yes, misdemeanors appear on background checks and can disqualify you from certain jobs, licenses, or certifications. Many Texas employers and licensing boards consider even low-level convictions when making decisions. Early intervention by a defense attorney can help reduce or dismiss charges before they impact your career.

The Microscope Method breaks the prosecution's case into individual claims and scrutinizes every piece of evidence to find weaknesses. It includes video audits, forensic analysis, and witness credibility testing. This approach builds multiple defense theories simultaneously, preparing every case as if it's going to trial.

You should hire a lawyer immediately, ideally before charges are filed. Federal investigations often involve subpoenas, witness interviews, and grand jury proceedings that happen before indictment. Early representation allows your attorney to control information, negotiate with prosecutors, and sometimes prevent charges altogether.

Police video often contradicts officer reports and can reveal unlawful searches, improper detentions, or Miranda violations. A thorough video audit compares body cam, dash cam, and interrogation footage against written statements to expose inconsistencies. At Setra Law Firm, we review every second and time-stamp to catch mistakes.

The biggest mistake is talking to police without an attorney present. Statements made during arrest or interrogation are used against you, even if you're innocent or trying to explain. Anything you say can be twisted or misinterpreted, so invoking your right to silence and contacting a lawyer immediately is essential.

Yes, if law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights, evidence from an illegal search can be suppressed. That often leads to dismissal because the prosecution loses its key evidence. Texas courts require probable cause for traffic stops and searches, and challenging those violations is a common defense strategy.

Memory fades over time, stress distorts perception, and bias or pressure can shape what witnesses say. Witnesses often exaggerate, guess, or misremember details that contradict physical evidence. At Setra Law Firm, we compare witness statements against timelines and evidence, then prepare cross-examination to expose inconsistencies.

Forensic scrutiny examines chain of custody errors, lab procedures, and analyst assumptions that affect reliability. Many techniques presented as scientific lack validation or are prone to contamination and handling mistakes. Independent review of toxicology, DNA, and lab reports can expose uncertainty and weaken the government's case.

Expungement completely erases your arrest and charge from public records, while sealing restricts who can access them. Expungement eligibility is narrower, typically requiring dismissal, acquittal, or certain diversion outcomes. Record sealing is available for some convictions and deferred adjudications under Texas law.

Early action allows your attorney to secure favorable bond terms, preserve evidence, and begin building your defense before memories fade. Felony cases involve complex evidence, constitutional challenges, and trial preparation that take time. Immediate legal representation in Corpus Christi or across Texas protects your rights from day one.