DWI
No accusation gets more attention from police and prosecutors than DWI. If you are arrested for suspicion of DWI, Intoxication Assault or Intoxication Manslaughter, you need a lawyer that is experienced in trying these cases. The knowledge base to properly defend intoxication related offenses is ever expanding. Jason has completed the National College for DUI Defense summer program held at Harvard Law School, Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and regularly teaches other lawyers around the state how to defend DWI cases.
Penalties for DWI
DWI-1st: The punishment for a class B misdemeanor is a fine not to exceed $2,000 fine; and no less than 3 or more than 180 days in jail; and a maximum 1-year driver's license suspension. If your breath or blood sample is 0.15% or above, the maximum penalties double as the offense becomes a class A misdemeanor which a fine up to $4,000 fine; no more than 1 year in county jail. Conviction of a class B or A misdemeanor DWI results in license surcharge from DPS for 3 years at $1,000 - $2,000 per year depending upon alcohol concentration.
DWI-2nd: The punishment for a class A is up to a $4,000 fine; 30 days to 1 year in county jail; and a driver's license suspension for up to 2 years. A conviction results in a license surcharge from DPS for $1,000 - $2,000 per year for 3 years.
DWI-3rd: This is a felony. The punishment for a 3rd Degree Felony is fine not to exceed $10,000 fine and no less than 2 or more than 10 years in Prison; and a up to a 2 year driver's license suspension. A conviction results in a license surcharge from DPS for $2,000 per year for 3 years.
When charged with DWI or a related offense, the clock is ticking on your driver's license. Once arrested, you have the right to a hearing before an administrative judge to determine a few specific issues before DPS can suspend your driver's license. This hearing must be requested in writing within 15 days of your arrest. This hearing can not only save your license but also used to develop issues that may help defend the DWI case.
If you have been arrested with DWI, Intoxication Assault or Manslaughter, contact us at 903-758-5200 today to schedule an appointment with lawyer Jason Cassel.
Federal Crimes
Experience counts. Whether it is a conspiracy charge, mail fraud or money laundering, the issues can be confusing and you pay the penalty when your lawyer lacks the experience to navigate the federal court minefield. Procedures and sentencing are much different in federal court than in state court. The stakes are high and you are facing the unlimited resources of the federal government. Hire a lawyer that is aggressive, thorough and unintimidated.
If you have been arrested or being investigated for a federal crime, contact us at 903-758-5200 today to schedule an appointment with a lawyer. Contact our Longview, Texas law firm to schedule a consultation with Jason.
Drug conspiracies
Federal prosecutors love drug conspiracies. A conviction can be had for less evidence than would be required in state court for drug possession. Looser hearsay rules in federal court allow codefendant statements to be used against you. Plus, the system rewards codefendants that cooperate with the government. Additionally, you do not need to be caught with drugs to be convicted of a federal drug conspiracy. A jury is permitted to rely solely on the word of an alleged codefendant. When the deck is stacked against you, hire a lawyer experienced in these cases.
If you have been arrested or being investigated for a drug conspiracy, contact us at 903-758-5200 today to schedule an appointment with lawyer Jason Cassel.
Assault & Domestic Violence
Many people believe that if you are arrested for domestic violence, your spouse, girlfriend or partner has the ability to drop charges. This is not the case. Many district attorney's offices have a “no dismissal” policy. In fact, prosecutors around the state receive grant money from the federal government specifically to prosecute these types of cases.
If convicted of first offense assault against a family member or significant other, you will face up to 1 year in the county jail, a $4,000.00 fine and the permanent loss of your right to possess a firearm under federal law.
Continuous Assault Family Violence
A charge of continuous family violence is where there are alleagtions of 2 or more assaults against a family member within a 12 month period. This can happen when even when the police came out and did even arrest anyone the first time. After the second allegation, police and prosecutors could bring up that first allegation to charge you with a felony.
If you are convicted of a continuous family violence, you could be sentenced up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $10,000.00
Assault Family Violence by Impeding Breath or Blood
When charged with assault, you need a lawyer that is zealous, experienced and fearless in trial. We protect the rights of the citizen accused of assault, from simple to aggravated.
If you have been arrested for assault family violence, contact us at 903-758-5200 today to schedule an appointment with lawyer Jason Cassel.
Murder
Whether it is a juvenile accused of capital murder or well-liked mother of three accused of killing her husband, a murder case is never as simple as it seems from the newspaper and broadcast reports. A lawyer needs to understand how to defend these cases. Will successful defense be based on forensics, self-defense or on a mental health issue? You need a lawyer well versed in all disciplines to successfully defend you or your loved one.
If you have been arrested or being investigated for a murder, contact us at 903-758-5200 today to schedule an appointment with lawyer Jason Cassel.
Appeals and Habeas
Few lawyers handle appeals. Fewer handle habeas. Jason is one of the few to do both along with also having an active trial practice. Once convicted, the presumption of innocence is gone. Appeals and Habeas investigations are difficult. You need a lawyer that is prepared to review all the transcripts and every detail to find the issues that may have been previously overlooked. Here are some links to our work from the last few years:
McFadden v. State, 541 S.W.3d 277(Tex. App.- Texarkana, 2018, no pet.). Murder conviction reversed due to failure to provide requested jury instruction.
Kirkland v. State, 535 S.W.3d 87 (Tex. App. – Texarkana, 2017, pet. ref'd.). Punishment reversed in murder case due to erroneous jury charge.
Hargett v. State, 472 S.W.3d 931 (Tex. App.-Texarkana 2015, no pet.). Opinion reversing revocation of probation for failed drug test where State failed to prove the forensic testing complied with 38.35 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
Ex parte Bryant, 448 S.W.3d 29 (Tex.Crim.App.2014) Opinion reversing capital murder conviction due to ineffective assistance of counsel.
If you or a loved have been convicted of crime and are looking for lawyer to handle an appeal, contact us at 903-758-5200 today to schedule an appointment with lawyer Jason Cassel.