If you are being investigated or prosecuted for an alleged crime, your rights may be at risk. Choosing a criminal defense attorney in The Woodlands is the most important decision you can make to protect yourself. Criminal defense attorney Andrea M. Kolski has the skills and experience you need to help you move through this process and get on with your life. Call us today at 832-381-3430 to schedule your initial consultation.
TV shows like Law and Order make it seem like the criminal justice system is simple and easy to navigate, but the truth is that criminal law is extremely complex. An experienced criminal defense lawyer knows how to navigate the murky waters of the justice system and present the best possible defense for you. If you are facing jail time or hefty fines, representing yourself is a risk you can’t afford to take. Here are just a few things our law office will do for you:
Negotiate with the prosecutor: You might be surprised to learn of something known as “prosecutorial discretion.” This allows the prosecutor a great deal of leeway in deciding whether to file charges and exactly which charges to file. We know who to talk to and how to negotiate a deal to reduce or drop some of the charges.
Navigate the court system: The court system is packed with unwritten rules and customs. We can guide you through the ins and outs of our system, ensuring that you do not do anything to put yourself at a disadvantage. We also know what motions to file when, allowing us to cut through the red tape and produce a faster process and a better outcome for you.
Local knowledge: Legal insiders think this may be the most important factor in a case. Every courtroom and county is different. They have different customs, different judges, and different attitudes. A good defense attorney is a member of the community and well-known in their respective courthouses. They are familiar faces to the judges and prosecutors and the best lawyers are well respected. This can be a major advantage for you in your case. That’s also why lawyers will seek out “local counsel” in a county or courthouse they may not know well. A good defense attorney will understand these dynamics and how they impact your case.
Utilize the full force of the law: Criminal defense is not as simple as showing up in the courtroom and questioning witnesses. A great deal of our legal system is based on precedent or previous court rulings. We have the depth and breadth of knowledge required to understand legal precedent and how it applies to your case. We also have the time and resources to research relevant laws and prior court opinions to provide you with the full benefits of local, state, and federal law.
Remain objective and supportive: Most people facing criminal charges are upset and shaken. Feelings of sadness, fear, guilt, shame, and other complex emotions are normal. Unfortunately, these natural feelings can also cloud your judgment. We are able to remain objective, managing your feelings while helping you make the best decisions.
Manage witnesses and experts: It is common for witnesses to fear testifying in a criminal case, whether due to concerns about their personal safety or fears of being implicated. Others are glad to testify but have personal agendas that may not align with yours. We can create a buffer between you and the witnesses, giving them space to open up and testify honestly.
In addition, investigators are sometimes needed to contradict embellished stories told by witnesses on the other side, while expert witnesses can help to poke holes in the prosecution’s case. We know where to find these professionals and when to bring them in to assist with your defense.
Determine an appropriate sentence: There is no “one size fits all” for sentencing. There is a wide range of options available from probation to fines to minimal jail time. Often, experienced defense attorneys know how to negotiate the least punishment possible. For example, if you are convicted of stealing to fund an illegal drug habit, we may be able to get you a shorter jail term for stealing in exchange for your spending time in a drug rehab program.
We have extensive experience defending a wide array of criminal cases including:
Attorney Andrea M. Kolski has dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of Texans. She spent 6 years as a prosecutor after earning her law degree from the University of Texas at Austin but quickly realized that people needed her expertise in navigating and winning in the courtroom. For the past 12 years, she has represented citizens in a wide variety of criminal cases. She is former President of the Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Host of the Justice is Blonde radio podcast and is passionate about educating everyday citizens about their rights in every situation.
If you are ready to move forward with a highly skilled, compassionate attorney in The Woodlands who is committed to protecting your rights, call the Law Firm of Andrea M. Kolski today at 832-381-3430 to schedule your initial consultation.