Waco  Criminal Defense Lawyer

Protecting Your Rights & Freedom in Waco & All of McLennan County

An arrest is one of the most unsettling and potentially terrifying experiences a person may endure in his or her life. Here is a situation where your entire future is on the line, and the things you say and do from this point on may dramatically impact your freedom.

Make sure you have a knowledgeable McLennan County criminal defense attorney to protect your constitutional rights from the very beginning of your criminal case. Whether you have been formally charged or have been informally accused of a criminal offense, you may be in danger of facing imprisonment and other severe penalties if you are eventually tried and convicted.

Call Milam & Fanning, PLLC today at (254) 237-5602 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with one of our McLennan County criminal defense Lawyers. 

Criminal Cases We Handle in Waco

At Milam & Fanning, PLLC, our McLennan County criminal defense lawyers handle a variety of cases, including:

These different types of cases often involve very different procedures, potential penalties, and collateral consequences, so working with a criminal defense attorney in Waco means we take the time to explain what is at stake for your specific situation. 

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Criminal Convictions in Waco

A criminal conviction in Texas carries a heavy price that extends far beyond your time in court.

Direct Penalties

• Incarceration: Time served in county jail, state jail, or the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (prison).
• Fines: Financial assessments that can range from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars.
• Community Supervision (Probation): Strict requirements that may include drug testing, travel restrictions, and mandatory classes.

Collateral Consequences

The "hidden" penalties of a conviction can follow you for a lifetime. A criminal record can prevent you from obtaining professional licenses (nursing, teaching, or CDL), result in the loss of your right to possess a firearm, and create significant barriers to housing and employment in the Waco area. 

For non-citizens, even a minor conviction can trigger deportation proceedings. We focus on mitigating these long-term impacts by seeking deferred adjudication or other outcomes that may allow for future non-disclosure or expunction of your record.

What To Do After You Are Arrested in Waco

Law enforcement can make an arrest when they have probable cause to believe someone committed a crime, they have observed the commission of a crime, or a warrant has been issued against a person. The arresting officer may read you your Miranda Rights, meaning anything you say can and will be used against you in court.

The following are the steps you take after an arrest to obtain favorable results in your case:

• Speak with a lawyer – As soon as you are arrested, you should try to get a hold of your attorney. Part of your Miranda Rights is the ability to contact a lawyer.
• Avoid talking to the police – Although the officers may appear to be on your side by claiming you have the chance to tell your side of the story to clear your name, do not say anything unless your attorney is present.
• Plead “not guilty” at arraignment – Your first court appearance is known as “arraignment,” which typically occurs several days following an arrest. When you plead “not guilty,” that forces the prosecution to prove their case against you and give your lawyer more time to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and create a comprehensive defense strategy.
• Keep a low profile – Once you’re released from custody, avoid putting yourself in situations where you could cause further legal trouble. Only discuss the details of your case with your lawyer and stay away from social media until the conclusion of your case.

After an arrest in Waco or the surrounding communities, you may be taken to the McLennan County Jail and then brought before a magistrate or judge to address issues such as bail and release conditions. A criminal lawyer in Waco can advise you about what to say, what not to say, and how your early decisions about bond, no-contact orders, or protective orders can affect the rest of your case and your day-to-day life while charges are pending.

How We Approach Criminal Cases In Waco

From the moment you contact us, we focus on understanding the details of your situation, your concerns, and where your case stands in the criminal justice process. We review police reports, charging documents, and any available evidence, keeping you updated as we gather more information to identify potential weaknesses in the case against you.

Our team works to ensure you feel prepared for every hearing at the McLennan County Courthouse, so you never enter a courtroom uncertain about what to expect. We guide you through the process step by step, providing clarity and support throughout.

We also explain the range of possible outcomes and how each choice can affect your future, including work, family, and background checks. Our Waco criminal defense lawyers discuss diversion programs, treatment options, negotiated resolutions, and when it may be appropriate to challenge evidence at a hearing or trial, helping you make informed decisions without pressure.

Choose Choose Milam & Fanning, PLLC for Your Defense—Let Us Fight For You

As a small firm, we don’t treat our clients like just another case number. Our McLennan County criminal defense attorneys provide our clients with effective and personalized legal solutions and help them get back on the right path. Just because you made a mistake doesn’t mean it should affect the rest of your life.

When you work with a defense attorney Waco clients can depend on, you should feel informed and supported from the first meeting until your case is resolved. We listen carefully to your concerns, review the evidence with you, and explain your options in plain language so that you can make confident decisions about whether to negotiate a plea, pursue diversion programs where available, or take your case to trial in the appropriate McLennan County court.