The Law Office of C.H. "Hank" Judin, III is devoted to the defense of individuals facing criminal charges. Centrally located in Dallas, Texas, Hank is easily available to accommodate his clients from Tarrant, Denton, Ellis, Collin and Rockwall Counties. Mr. Judin is an experienced criminal defense trial attorney who believes in aggressively and zealously representing his clients. He provides sympathetic but realistic legal advice to clients facing misdemeanor and felony criminal charges.
The first consultation is free. After the issues and complexity of the case have been discussed a fixed quote will be given for Mr. Judin's legal services. There will be no hidden or additional costs and in most cases payment plans are available. Mr. Judin can meet you if circumstances prevent you from being able to come to his office.
You are not alone!
Se habla Español. We have a fluent Spanish speaker on staff for your convenience.
Choosing An Attorney
If you have been arrested for a criminal offense, it is important to understand that not all attorneys are the same. Your legal situation is completely different than most in the fact that it is not an amount of money that is on the line, but yourself, your future and in some cases, your livelihood. You may be put in jail or prison or have your professional license taken away.
For a criminal case, you must choose an experienced criminal trial attorney. Some attorneys do practice or specialize in criminal law but spend the majority of their time trying civil cases. You need a dedicated attorney that specializes only in criminal law.
In general, after an initial consultation, you should feel comfortable with the attorney handling your most important personal matters. You should be able to talk to the attorney with ease and in turn, the attorney should communicate in an easy to understand way. If English is not your first language, your attorney should provide a means for you to communicate so each of you understands the other.
The attorney should be upfront about your chances of winning your case, your various options for handling your case, his availability to you and how he will communicate information to you. While sometimes a plea bargain may be the only option, you will want someone willing to fight for you if possible rather than encouraging a plea and hurrying you through the system.
A reputable attorney will be honest about his fees and the services he will provide for those fees. Read your contract and be sure you understand it before signing.
Finally, ask your attorney if he will be personally handling your case or if it will be passed to one of his associates. The decision is yours, but it is best to ask to avoid surprises.
Mutual Expectations
What You Should Expect From Your Attorney
Your attorney works for you. He or she should be interested and concerned about your case. Your attorney will give you the best advice possible. Due to certain facts pertaining to your case or laws that apply, your attorney will make recommendations that you may not always agree with, but are in your best interest. A case may not always go to trial. There are times where a plea bargain is the best option. Your attorney, however, should certainly be informed and know when to suggest making that decision.
Your attorney should be completely frank about the strengths and weaknesses of your case, thoroughly explore your options and explain the consequences of various courses of action. Your attorney's primary responsibility is to protect and defend your interests.
While representing you, your attorney should not enter into any agreement that is in conflict of interest with your case or represent any client whose interests conflict with yours.
Your attorney should be upfront about his fees and provide you with a written agreement. You should receive copies of all documents pertaining to your case and be able to reach your attorney as soon as reasonably possible when necessary. Your attorney should provide you with a bill that documents all work completed for you along with expense incurred.
What Your Attorney Expects From You
Often after arrest, a client is embarrassed and frightened. It is first and foremost absolutely essential that you be completely honest with your attorney. He or she cannot effectively help you if they do not know all of the details of your case. Your attorney is bound by confidentiality rules. Confessions of past crimes are confidential. The only exception to the confidentiality rule is the disclosure of the intent to commit future crimes or the admission on ongoing criminal activity especially if that could cause bodily harm to another person.
Be prepared for your initial consultation. Bring any documents related to your case, names and contact information of any people involved with your case, information regarding potential witnesses, physical evidence you may have in your possession and most importantly your own complete contact information so that your attorney may reach you.
You must be present and on time for all appointments and court appearances.
Your will not know if you can afford an attorney unless you ask. For criminal offenses, if you cannot afford an attorney, you may ask the judge to appoint an attorney for you.
Advantage of Local Representation
In recent years, a large number of criminal defense firms have attempted to establish nationwide criminal law practices. They give the appearance of being able to handle your case, but in fact may be physically thousands of miles away. The Internet makes it easy to find such firms, but there are distinct disadvantages to hiring a non-local attorney.
In criminal cases, it is to your advantage to have an attorney with an understanding of the local court system and its particular oddities and procedures. Having an attorney with good relationships with the local district attorneys and judges can vastly improve the disposition of your case.
No matter how large or prestigious a nationwide firm might be or how experienced in criminal law a non-local attorney may be, they will not be as familiar with the laws of your state as a local attorney and possibly might not even be licensed to practice in your state, using a lesser qualified substitute to stand-in for them.
A local attorney can provide a level of attention that a so-called nationwide firm cannot. An attorney in your city can visit you if you are unable to come to the office and assist you and your family during a difficult time.
Hank Judin has practiced in Dallas for 23 years, has an excellent reputation among his peers, and is well versed in the complexities of the local court system.
