FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Is the consultation in person?

A: Not always. We offer both in-person and over the phone consultations, both at no cost, and you may hire either way. We accommodate with whatever is easier and more comfortable for you.

Q: Do you offer payment plans?

A: Yes, our office will work with clients on payment plans for most cases. Payments can be made in cash, by Zelle, by check, or with a debit/credit card. Fees are non-refundable.

Q: Does the attorney speak Spanish?

A: Yes, Attorney Perez speaks Spanish and so does his staff.

Q: How can I communicate with your office?

A: You may call/text us at 469-588-5835 or email us at info@alanperezlaw.com with any questions or concerns. Attorney Perez has access to all client communication as does his staff.

Q: What counties do you practice in?

A: Dallas and surrounding counties in North Texas and Houston area.

Q: What is criminal law?

A: Criminal law is a system of laws concerned with crimes and the punishment of individuals who commit those crimes.

Q: What is an arraignment?

A: At an initial appearance/arraignment hearing, the Court will give the Defendant a copy of the charging instrument (complaint, information or indictment) and he or she will have an opportunity to 1) have the charge read in open court, 2) enter a plea, and 3) request a continuance if needed.

Q: What is a bail/bond hearing?

A: At a bail/bond hearing, a judge may place certain conditions on the Defendant to make sure that he or she will return to court if released from custody. Bail is set within the Court's discretion and on a case-by-case basis. A judge will decide if bond should be set and the amount.

Q: What are the different types of bond?

A: A cash bond is when a defendant pays the full amount of the bond in cash. A bail bond is when a defendant uses a bonding company or bail bondsman to borrow the collateral. The bondsman will charge a fee and may require additional conditions on the defendant. A personal recognizance bond, or PR Bond, is when the Court uses its discretion to release the defendant without requiring a surety or other collateral.

Q: What is the statute of limitations in Texas?

A: The criminal statute of limitations is the time limit the state has for prosecuting a crime. Under Texas law, the statute of limitations depends on the severity of the crime you face, ranging from two years to no time limit. In most cases, the statute of limitations for a misdemeanor is 2 years and for a felony it is 3 years (unless specified).

Q: What is juvenile law?

A: In Texas, a juvenile is defined legally as a person who was at least 10 years old but not yet 17 at the time that he or she committed an offense. These offenses can range anywhere from a Class C Misdemeanor up to and including capital murder. Once a person turns 17, he or she is legally considered an adult, and any criminal charges would be handled in adult court.

Q: What is deferred adjudication?

A: Deferred adjudication is a special kind of probation that gives you the opportunity to keep a conviction off your criminal record. Following a plea of “guilty” or “no contest," a judge may decide not to enter a finding of guilt, but instead place you on deferred adjudication probation. This type of probation allows you to stay in the community and avoid a conviction provided that you comply with any and all conditions set.

Q: What happens if I violate my probation?

A: If you violate your probation, possible consequences include but are not limited to: additional court settings, additional fines/fees, additional community service, additional courses/classes, rehabilitation/special programs, extended probationary period, and jail time.