A: Absolutely! Law enforcement officers are required to inform you of your Miranda warnings, or Miranda rights, after an arrest. In essence, your Miranda rights are designed to protect your Fifth Amendment right to refuse to answer any question that may be used incriminate you. Your Miranda rights also include the right to remain silent and the right to retain legal counsel.

A: Crimes can be heard in a state or federal court. Crimes that cross state jurisdictions warrant the attention of the federal government, must be prosecuted on behalf of the United States government, and are subject to harsher federal penalties. Unlike crimes that are prosecuted at a state level, federal crimes typically involve a federal investigation conducted by a government agency.

A: In Texas, any individual who is convicted of a sex crime is required to register as a sex offender. Upon your release, you must register for the Public Sex Offender Registry, and depending on the nature of your crime, you must register for either 10 years or for life. Failure to register in accordance with the law could result in harsher penalties, including an extended jail or prison sentence, or excessive fines.

A: It depends. In some instances, a criminal record can be expunged, or "sealed." A criminal record sealing can be issued by a judge and all of your records pertaining to your criminal case will be destroyed. To determine if your record is eligible for an expungement, speak with an experienced criminal lawyer who can explain the process, exceptions, or waiting process.

A: Without a doubt. The criminal justice system involves laws with complexities and nuances that only a legal professional can use to your benefit. As an experienced criminal defense attorney in Fort Worth who has represented cases at both state and federal levels, I know how to examine evidence, discredit claims, examine police reports, and analyze key statements to protect your rights after an arrest.