Client Resources (FAQ) | Northeast Texas Criminal Defense | The Law Office of John L. Hickman, PLLC

Client Resources

Plain-language answers to common questions about Texas criminal cases—written with Northeast Texas courts in mind.

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Quick Index

Educational information only. This page is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Court procedures and policies vary by county and can change.

1) What types of criminal cases do you handle?

The Law Office of John L. Hickman, PLLC handles misdemeanor and felony criminal defense in Texas, with an emphasis on Northeast Texas matters. This includes:

Northeast Texas courts can differ in scheduling, discovery logistics, and local practices. County-specific pages are listed below.

2) What should I do if I’ve been arrested?

  • Use your right to remain silent. Provide identification information if required, but do not explain events.
  • Ask for an attorney. Say it clearly and then stop talking about the facts.
  • Do not consent to searches. If law enforcement searches anyway, your attorney can evaluate the legality later.
  • Avoid jailhouse conversations. Calls may be recorded and statements can become evidence.
  • Save paperwork. Keep bond papers, magistrate warnings, protective/no-contact orders, and court date slips.

If you have medical needs, communicate those needs through appropriate jail channels without discussing case facts.

3) How does bond work in Texas (bail vs. bond)?

Bond is how a person is released while a criminal case is pending. In Texas, release may happen through: cash bond (posted with the court) or a surety bond (through a bondsman).

Bond conditions can include:

  • No-contact provisions and distance restrictions
  • Travel limits (including county-to-county limitations)
  • Ignition interlock requirements in some DWI matters
  • Drug/alcohol testing or counseling requirements
  • Reporting obligations

Violating bond conditions can lead to a hold, bond revocation, or additional charges. If you are unsure about a condition, treat it as strict and ask your attorney before acting.

4) What happens at the first court appearance (arraignment / first setting)?

The first setting is typically used to confirm the charge, address counsel status, and set future settings and deadlines. Depending on the county, it may also involve an initial plea entry or an “announcement” setting.

Early objectives usually include:

  • Obtaining charging documents (complaint, information, or indictment)
  • Requesting and organizing discovery
  • Identifying legal issues for motions (stop, search, statements, blood draw, identification, etc.)
  • Mapping the timeline toward negotiation, dismissal efforts, or trial

5) What is “discovery” and why does it matter?

Discovery is the evidence exchanged in a criminal case. It commonly includes police reports, body-worn camera footage, dashcam video, lab results, 911 calls, witness statements, photographs, and prior records relevant to the case.

Discovery often drives strategy: evaluating defenses, negotiating reductions, identifying suppression issues, and preparing for trial if needed.

Discovery processes can vary by county and by agency. Your attorney will explain how evidence is delivered and how it will be reviewed.

6) Will my case go to trial?

Many cases resolve through dismissal, reductions, diversion programs where available, or negotiated pleas. Trial remains a central option when the evidence, law, or consequences justify it.

Common decision factors include:

  • Strength of the evidence and credibility of witnesses
  • Legal challenges (unlawful stop/search, improper detention, coerced statements, warrant defects)
  • Collateral consequences (licenses, employment, professional licensing, firearms rights, immigration)
  • Risk assessment: best day vs. worst day at trial compared to negotiated outcomes

7) What’s the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Texas?

In general, misdemeanors are lower-level offenses and felonies are higher-level offenses with more severe punishment ranges. Felony cases often involve grand jury processes, more complex litigation, and higher collateral consequences.

The specific charge level depends on the statute, alleged facts, enhancements, prior convictions, and sometimes the value/quantity involved.

8) What if I’m on probation and got a new charge (or missed a condition)?

In Texas, probation is commonly called community supervision. A new allegation or a technical violation can trigger a motion to revoke probation (MTR) or a motion to adjudicate (for deferred adjudication).

Key points:

  • Probation cases move on different timelines than new charges and can create immediate custody risk.
  • Documentation matters: payment ledgers, proof of programs, negative tests, and compliance records.
  • Strategy may involve challenging allegations, negotiating amendments, or presenting mitigation to avoid jail/prison outcomes.

Related: Probation violations (MTR / adjudications)

9) What is a no-contact order or protective order?

A no-contact bond condition can restrict communication with an alleged victim or certain witnesses. A protective order is a separate court order that can impose broader restrictions and may carry criminal penalties if violated.

If you are subject to either, follow it strictly. Even “friendly” contact can be treated as a violation. If child-exchange or property issues exist, your attorney can advise on lawful options.

10) How much does it cost to hire a criminal defense lawyer?

Fees depend on charge level, complexity, the number of allegations, and practical considerations such as travel and court frequency. Where appropriate, the firm uses transparent pricing structures that are explained up front.

See: Fees & pricing (flat-fee schedule)

No attorney can ethically promise a specific result. Any fee agreement should focus on the work to be performed and the scope of representation.

11) Can I clear my record in Texas (expunction vs. nondisclosure)?

Texas record relief generally falls into two categories:

  • Expunction (expungement): removes eligible records from many systems, subject to statutory requirements.
  • Order of nondisclosure: limits public access to certain records (often associated with deferred adjudication), with exceptions.

Eligibility is fact-specific and depends on charge type, disposition, waiting periods, and statutory exclusions. See: Expunctions & nondisclosures

12) Which Northeast Texas counties do you serve?

The firm’s practice includes Northeast Texas counties and surrounding areas. County pages include local court location context and practical notes.

If your case is outside these counties, procedures may still be similar—but travel logistics and local settings calendars can affect scheduling.

13) What should I bring to my first meeting with a defense lawyer?

  • Citation, complaint, bond paperwork, magistrate warnings, and any protective/no-contact order paperwork
  • Next court date(s) and the court number if known
  • Names of key witnesses and a short timeline (dates, locations, involved parties)
  • Any documents that help: receipts, messages, photos, medical records, or employment records relevant to the allegation

Avoid sending or posting case details on social media while a case is pending.

14) Can you guarantee my case will be dismissed?

No attorney can guarantee a specific outcome. Criminal cases depend on evidence, law, court rulings, witness testimony, and prosecutor discretion. A responsible defense focuses on informed strategy, risk management, and strong advocacy.

15) Do you offer free consultations?

No.