First-Time Offenders

The most important thing that a person can do after being arrested for the first time is immediately seek legal representation. When a person has been arrested or thinks that he or she might be under investigation for an alleged criminal offense, a criminal defense lawyer can represent the individual at the subsequent hearing and fight to possibly have the criminal charges reduced or dismissed.

Any violation of state, local, or federal law can constitute a person’s first arrest. In some cases, alleged offenders may be eligible for diversion programs or deferred adjudication because of their lack of criminal records.

Attorney for First-Time Offenders in Brownsville, TX

If you were arrested for the first time in the Rio Grande Valley area, it is in your best interest to exercise your right to remain silent until you have legal counsel. The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. aggressively defends clients facing criminal charges for the first time in Cameron County, Willacy County, and Hidalgo County.

Brownsville criminal defense lawyer Jonathan Gracia understands the most effective strategies because he has handled criminal cases on both sides of the aisle as a former Assistant District Attorney for the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office. You can have our attorney review your case and help you understand all of your legal options when you call 956-504-2211 to schedule a free initial consultation.


Cameron County First-Time Offenders Information Center


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Common First-Time Offenses in Texas

Texas has a number of state laws that range from misdemeanor offenses, punishable by only fines to capital offenses, which are punishable by death. Certain violations can result in federal charges, which frequently carry longer prison sentences and steeper fines than crimes tried in state courts.

Some of the most frequent criminal charges that first-time offenders in the Cameron County area face include, but are not limited to:

  • Prescription Drug Fraud;
  • Possession with the Intent to Sell / Deliver;
  • THC Concentrates;
  • Stalking/Cyberstalking.

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Options for First-Time Offenders in Brownsville

People who are facing criminal charges for the first time in Texas often have options available to them that are not usually offered to repeat offenders.

For example, many first-time offenders receive deferred adjudication, where they plead guilty to the alleged criminal offense but agree to terms of community supervision (formerly called adult probation) without final convictions.

Similar to community supervision, certain alleged offenders may be eligible for pretrial diversion programs in lieu of prosecution. Pretrial diversion programs move cases out of the criminal court system and allow alleged offenders to possibly seal or expunge the records of their arrests upon successful completion of specified requirements of the program.

Depending on the criminal charge that a first-time offender is facing, he or she may also be eligible to have his or her case handled in a specialty court that focuses more on rehabilitation than punishment. The Cameron County Divert Court is the drug court for the county, and the Cameron County Veterans’ Court opened in 2014.


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Cameron County First-Time Offenders Resources

County Courts of Law | Cameron County — Cameron County has four County Courts of Law. On this section of the County website, you can learn more about the County Courts of Law as well as the district courts, magistrate court, and justice of the peace. You can also find information about pre-trial services and online payment options.

Cameron County Courts of Law
974 E. Harrison St.
Brownsville, TX, 78520

Carrizales-Rucker Cameron County Detention Center — Visit this section of the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office website to find inmate visitation rules for Cameron County Jail and Carrizales-Rucker Detention Center. You can also find a property pickup schedule and information about medications for inmates. The website also a step-by-step explanation of how to use iCare, the program allowing friends or family members to purchase commissary packages for inmates.


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The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. | Brownsville First-Time Offenders Defense Attorney

Were you arrested for the first time anywhere in South Texas? Do not say anything to authorities until you have first contacted The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. .

Jonathan Gracia is an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Brownsville who represents residents of and visitors to Hidalgo County, Cameron County, and Willacy County. Call 956-504-2211 or fill out an online contact form to have our attorney provide a complete evaluation of your case during a free, confidential consultation.


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