Criminal Defense

At Carreon & Beltrán, PLLC, we defend clients accused of misdemeanors and felonies throughout West Texas and Southern New Mexico.  State and federal criminal charges are a serious matter and can result in fines, community service, or imprisonment.  If you are facing criminal charges, seek effective legal counsel immediately to minimize or avoid these repercussions.  We offer representation in:

Drug Offenses

Under the federal and state Controlled Substances Acts, a person may be convicted of possession, manufacture, cultivation, sale, distribution or transportation of a controlled substance.  Drugs are categorized from Schedules I to V, based on their perceived potential for abuse.  These substances include marijuana, hallucinogens, narcotics, depressants, stimulants, and analogue drugs.  Conviction of a drug offense may result in forfeiture of drug-related property including any means of transport, substantial fines, parole, and/or imprisonment.  If you or your child has been accused of a drug offense, you should seek the advice of an attorney who can work to minimize the penalties involved.

DUI / DWI

Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be classified as either misdemeanors or felonies, and often lead to severe penalties.  A defendant who does not request an administrative hearing immediately following an arrest may have their license suspended or revoked without a trial.  Even first time offenses may appear on your criminal record, and you could face mandatory alcohol education, community service, car ignition interlock devices, vehicle impoundment, increases in the cost of car insurance, taxes, fines, and/or jail time.  An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you avoid many of these penalties through the use of plea bargains, pre-trial motions, affirmative defenses, and vigorous representation during trial.

Alien Smuggling

Alien smuggling is a form of human trafficking and a violation of federal immigration laws.  To be convicted of this crime, a defendant must knowingly aid, abet, transport, employ, or harbor an illegal immigrant to the United States.   Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, alien smuggling is a felony punishable by thousands of dollars in fines, and potentially years of imprisonment.  Alien smuggling can be a complicated legal issue, encompassing both state and federal laws; a defense attorney with experience in this area of law can protect your rights and minimize any potential penalties of a conviction.

Assault and Family Violence

In Texas, assault is the intentional, knowing, or reckless cause or threat of bodily injury, or fear of bodily injury, to another.  Usually, assault is classified as a misdemeanor, but in certain situations, such as if the assailant is a public servant or family member, it can be considered a felony.  Family Violence includes dating violence and violence by one person in a household against another.  A conviction for misdemeanor assault can result in a fine of up to $4,000, a prison sentence of one year, or both.  Conviction of a second degree felony can result in a fine of not more than $10,000 and imprisonment from between two to 20 years.

In New Mexico, assault is an attempt to commit bodily harm, a threat or act which causes a person to believe they are imminent danger, or the use of insulting language which seriously harms a person's honor or reputation.  Assault is usually considered a petty misdemeanor, but in cases of aggravated assault or assault with intent to commit a felony, it is a fourth degree felony carrying the possibility of 18 months imprisonment and up to $5,000 in fines.

Being charged with a criminal offense can be a frightening and life-altering experience. To retain the services of an experienced defense attorney who can protect your legal rights, contact Carreon & Beltrán, PLLC today.