Taylor County Criminal Court handles all criminal cases that are filed in Taylor County. See below for more information about criminal cases in Taylor County.
Where can I get help for my Taylor County criminal case?
The 6th amendment of the United States Constitution provides a criminal defendant with the right to an attorney. As read in the miranda rights, this means that if a defendant cannot afford to hire a private attorney a legal attorney will be appointed to the defendant to represent him at no cost to the defendant. This is often a public defender. In addition, the court clerk for Taylor County will also be able to provide general information about a specific criminal case. The clerk can only provide information and is not an attorney so they cannot provide legal advice, only a licensed attorney can provide legal advice about what the best options for are for your particular case.
Jury by Trial Right
The US Constitution (Article 3 along with the 6th Amendment) ensures an accused defendant the right to a jury trial. This applies to crimes that have a $500 fine or a potential sentence of six months in jail (aka Serious Crimes). This right to trial by jury can also be waived by a defendant.
Taylor County Criminal Court
Appealing a guilty verdict
A defendant may appeal a guilty verdict to an appellate court. This is not a request to have another trial, but a request for an appellate court to review the case and determine that it was handled in a correct legal manner. There are a number of outcomes in an appeal including an upholding of the conviction, a finding that errors were made resulting in a retrial or resentencing or possibly a complete disimissal of all charges.
Prosecutor in Taylor County
In Taylor County, the prosecutor is an attorney representing Taylor County. In some cases, the prosecutor may actually represent Texas. For the most part, the prosecutor in Taylor County has discretion to both decide whether to file charges and also negotiate a potential plea deal with the defendant.
The Right to Counsel
The Fifth and Sixth Amendments to the U.s. Constitution give defendants in criminal cases the right to counsel/attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed to represent you. Like other rights a defendant has, this one can be waived as well and alternatively you can choose to represent yourself.
Required Court Appearances in Taylor County
Any required court appearances in Taylor County Criminal Court must be attended by the defendant. Failure to appear in court at your required date and time may result in the judge issuing an arrest warrant.
Jury Deliberation
In a jury trial in Taylor County, after both the prosecution and defense have rested, the judge will give instructions to the jury and jury deliberations will begin. The jury will convence in a private room to discuss and deliberate the innocence or guilt of the defendant. Once the jury arrives at a unimanous decision, they will inform the judge that they have reached a decision. They will return to the court and the verdict will be read aloud. If the jury cannot reach a unaminous decision, the jury is said to be deadlocked and a mistrial will be declared in the case.
Burden of Proof
The burden of proof is always on the prosecution in a criminal trial. In other words, the prosecution has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. The defense must only prove that there is a reasonable possibility that the defendant did NOT commit the crime. If the prosecution cannot prove that the defendant committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, the jury will be instructed to find the defendant not-guilty.
Where will Taylor County criminal case hearings take place?
Criminal cases will take place at the criminal courts of Taylor County. See here for the location of the criminal courts in Taylor County.
What happens in Taylor County at an arraignment?
In Taylor County the defendant is brought into court and informed by the judge of the charges that have been filed against them along with informing them of their rights. At this time, the defendant can plead guilty, not guilty or no contest. If the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, there will be no trial and the defendant may be sentenced immediately or at a later date. If the defendant pleads not guilty a trial date is set.
Sentencing in Taylor County
In Taylor County if the defendant is found guilty (by trial or plea), the defendant will be sentenced. This sometimes occurrs immediately after being found guilty, but can also take place at a later date. In most instances, a judge will impose the sentence that is requested by the prosecution, but they also have the descretion to impose a different sentence.
Can I request a Plea Agreement?
In Taylor County you may be able to enter into a plea agreement depending upon the severity of the charges. It is also dependant upon the prosecution willing to accept a plea agreement. You can ask your attorney to attempt to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecution to avoid having a jury trial along with the potential for a more serious sentence. Approximately 9 out of 10 criminal cases usually end in a plea agreement.
Taylor County Criminal Court Locations
-
Taylor County 42nd District Court
Address: 300 Oak St, #400, Abilene TX 79602
Phone: 325-674-1316 Fax: 325-674-1307 -
Taylor County 104th District Court
Address: 300 Oak St, #400, Abilene TX 79602
Phone: 325-674-1316 Fax: 325-674-1307 -
Taylor County 326th District Court
Address: 300 Oak St, #400, Abilene TX 79602
Phone: 325-674-1316 Fax: 325-674-1307 -
Taylor County 350th District Court
Address: 300 Oak St, #400, Abilene TX 79602
Phone: 325-674-1316 Fax: 325-674-1307 -
Taylor County Constitutional Court
Address: 300 Oak St, #100, Abilene TX 79602
Phone: 325-674-1202 Fax: 325-674-1279 -
Taylor County Court at Law No. 1
Address: 300 Oak St, #100, Abilene TX 79602
Phone: 325-674-1202 Fax: 325-674-1279 -
Taylor County Court at Law No. 2
Address: 300 Oak St, #100, Abilene TX 79602
Phone: 325-674-1202 Fax: 325-674-1279 -
Taylor County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 Place 1
Address: 301 Oak St, #611, Abilene TX 79602
Phone: 325-674-1338 Fax: 325-674-1250 -
Taylor County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 Place 2
Address: 301 Oak St, #611, Abilene TX 79602
Phone: 325-674-1267 Fax: 325-738-8514 -
Taylor County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2
Address: 301 Kent St, PO Box 225, Merkel TX 79536
Phone: 325-928-5114 Fax: 325-928-1119 -
Taylor County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3
Address: 442 Graham St, PO Box 361, Tuscola TX 79562
Phone: 325-554-7893 Fax: 325-554-7384 -
Taylor County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4
Address: 155 Main St, PO Box 5, Lawn TX 79530
Phone: 325-583-2341 Fax: 325-583-2634 -
Abilene Municipal Court
Address: 555 Walnut St, PO Box 60, Abilene TX 79604
Phone: 325-676-6333 Fax: 325-676-6286 -
Merkel Municipal Court
Address: 100 Kent St, Merkel TX 79536
Phone: 325-928-4911 Fax: 325-928-1642 -
Tye Municipal Court
Address: PO Box 369, Tye TX 79563
Phone: 325-692-9581