Tarrant County Illegal Voting Attorney

Are You Looking for the Best Tarrant County Illegal Voting Attorney?

If you’re looking for the best Tarrant County Illegal Voting attorney, then Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to represent you. Our distinguished senior defense lawyers, Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis, expertly bring the firm’s full resources to bear in Tarrant County Illegal Voting cases.

The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense team seeks to represent discerning clients who value our commitment to achieving outstanding results. Our attorneys have dedicated their careers to criminal defense and maintain an unwavering dedication to delivering expert representation.

We’re not just Tarrant County Illegal Voting lawyers. We are warriors fighting unjust and corrupt government prosecutions with a history of success and a reputation for tenacity, courage and legal ingenuity.

In addition to our notable high-profile victories, our history of success also includes inconspicuous representation of numerous high-profile clients. Indeed, many of our biggest wins involved disposing of these cases quietly and out of the sight of the public. Our comprehensive approach to handling Tarrant County Illegal Voting cases includes both advocacy in the courtrooms of Fort Worth and tackling the collateral consequences of criminal prosecutions.

Our experienced team works tirelessly to build a strong defense and protect our clients’ rights. We can provide you with an effective defense strategy for your Tarrant County Confidentiality Of Judicial Work Product case. Call us or book an appointment online today.

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Contact a Tarrant County
Illegal Voting Lawyer

When you are ready to fight your case with us, schedule online or call us at 888-239-9305 to book a free, confidential consultation.

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Choosing The Right Tarrant County Illegal Voting Lawyer Can Make A Huge Difference In Your Case Result

Why would you hire a former prosecutor? Surprisingly, some people believe that former prosecutors provide some special advantage. However, many of these attorneys seem to quickly push clients to a plea deal. If you really want someone who will fight for you or your loved one, get an attorney who has dedicated their life to protecting the accused.

At Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense, we are defense lawyers, first and foremost. We stake our reputation on bringing the fight to the state. We have never worked for the government and never will. Learn more about our team, awards, and some of our victories.

How do I get an Illegal Voting charge dropped in Tarrant County, Texas?

In order to get an Illegal Voting charge dropped in Tarrant County, you must convince the state that they cannot prove at least one of the elements of the offense as it is defined in Penal Code §64.012.^[1] Our lawyers are experts in the Texas law regarding Illegal Voting, and we leverage our legal knowledge to mount successful defenses to government prosecutions.

Thoroughly understanding both the Illegal Voting statute and related case law contributes to effectively defending you in court. As part of our practice, we publish and regularly update a statutory resource guide covering all Texas Penal Code crimes. We analyze the Illegal Voting statute in detail on the Illegal Voting offense page. We also maintain our expertise by keeping up with the latest case law affecting Illegal Voting cases in Tarrant County.

One such case is Mason v. State.

Mason v. State

In Mason v. State, delivered on May 11, 2022, by the Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas, Crystal Mason’s conviction for Illegal Voting in Tarrant County was affirmed in part and remanded in part. The case arose from Mason casting a provisional ballot in the 2016 general election while she was on federal supervised release following a felony conviction, which under Texas law rendered her ineligible to vote. The appellate court had to determine whether Mason’s lack of knowledge regarding her ineligibility to vote could negate her criminal liability for illegal voting under Tex. Elec. Code Ann. § 64.012(a)(1), which requires knowledge that a defendant herself is ineligible to vote.

The Court of Criminal Appeals held that the lower court erred by not requiring proof of Mason’s actual knowledge of her ineligibility, remanding the case to evaluate the sufficiency of evidence under the correct interpretation of the statute. However, the court affirmed the lower court’s decision that the Help America Vote Act does not preempt the Texas Illegal Voting statute and that submitting a provisional ballot constitutes “voting” under the statute. The ruling clarified the interpretation of “illegal voting,” emphasizing the necessity of a defendant’s knowledge of their ineligibility to vote.

This decision is significant for its interpretation of the knowledge requirement in illegal voting cases, potentially impacting future prosecutions of similar offenses. It underscores the judicial process in ensuring that criminal statutes are applied correctly and that convictions are based on a correct understanding of the law, particularly regarding the knowledge component of criminal offenses related to voting.

What does an Illegal Voting charge really mean?

The general definition of the Texas charge of Illegal Voting, according to the Texas Penal Code, is as follows:

(a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly or intentionally:

(1) votes or attempts to vote in an election in which the person knows the person is not eligible to vote;

(2) votes or attempts to vote more than once in an election;

(3) votes or attempts to vote a ballot belonging to another person, or by impersonating another person;

(4) marks or attempts to mark any portion of another person‘s ballot without the consent of that person, or without specific direction from that person how to mark the ballot; or

(5) votes or attempts to vote in an election in this state after voting in another state in an election in which a federal office appears on the ballot and the election day for both states is the same day.

Law Enforcement Agencies in Tarrant County that Make Illegal Voting Arrests

Peace officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety, constable offices, and municipal police departments can make arrests for violations of Illegal Voting in Tarrant County. Law enforcement agencies in Tarrant County that most typically make Illegal Voting arrests include:

• Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office is one of the primary agencies responsible for Illegal Voting cases in Tarrant County, Texas.
• Fort Worth Police Department serves as the main municipal police department within Tarrant County and plays a significant role in Illegal Voting cases in Fort Worth.
• Arlington Police Department also contributes to making arrests for Illegal Voting within its jurisdiction in Tarrant County.
• Haltom City Police Department serves the community of Haltom City within Tarrant County and may make Illegal Voting arrests within its jurisdiction.
• Keller Police Department is responsible for law enforcement within Keller and may handle Illegal Voting cases within its jurisdiction.

How do Tarrant County Illegal Voting defense lawyers beat an Illegal Voting case?

To beat an Illegal Voting charge in Tarrant County, Texas, you must employ every procedural tool to obtain information and thoroughly investigate the case. Contest all evidence, including witness statements and forensic evidence. Remember, victory hinges on your determination to fight relentlessly.

Even if you believe you cannot beat the case, as your Tarrant County Illegal Voting attorney, we will look for every avenue to help you. If you want to plead guilty, we must still fight to protect your rights. We want to ensure that the case does not ruin your life. Sometimes the defense strategy requires us to get the best possible result short of a not guilty verdict.

Tarrant County Illegal Voting Attorney Case Defense Strategy

In order to form a winning Illegal Voting case defense strategy, we must thoroughly investigate the case. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining the prosecution’s evidence for weaknesses or inconsistencies. Accordingly, the preparation often starts even before the case begins. As soon as the police initiate an investigation or make an arrest, we can start our own investigation. If you want to win your case, then you should work to obtain exculpatory evidence. The state has police and investigators of their own working for them to gather evidence to support their case. As your Tarrant County Illegal Voting attorney, we can’t afford to let their evidence stand uncontroverted.

Our clients take advantage of our law firm’s comprehensive investigative resources. Our dedicated team comprising paralegals, investigators, and forensic experts, collaborates with our attorneys to lay the groundwork that fortifies our cases with their extensive investigative expertise.

How much does it cost to fight a Tarrant County, Texas, Illegal Voting case?

Attorney’s fees for a Illegal Voting charge typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 in Tarrant County, Texas. You can expect to pay higher attorney fees for more complex cases. Some Tarrant County Illegal Voting lawyers may charge much more. But exercise caution when encountering attorneys who offer unexpectedly low fees.

In addition, many lawyers charge extra fees for trial. If you hire an attorney from outside Tarrant County, sometimes travel fees may apply.

What You Should Do if You Are Falsely Accused of Illegal Voting in Tarrant County

Even when falsely accused of Illegal Voting, it’s crucial to treat the charge with the utmost seriousness. You might hope the state would dismiss the charges due to your innocence. But without skilled legal representation, the case may proceed to trial, where a jury will ultimately make the decision.

If the Tarrant County District Attorney has charged you with Illegal Voting, or if you are under investigation for the offense by the police, then you should book an appointment or call us as soon as possible to speak with one of our Tarrant County Illegal Voting attorneys.

How can you modify your Tarrant County bond conditions after an Illegal Voting arrest?

Often times, judges will set your initial bond conditions using standard forms that do not take into account your particular situation. If you need to change your bond conditions, you will need to do so through petitioning the court.

If your case has already been filed, you have to file a motion to modify your bond conditions. If your case has not been filed, you will need to file a writ of habeas corpus. Usually, judges will set a hearing to consider these pleadings. At the hearing, you will need to present evidence and argue why your bond conditions should be modified.

Your Tarrant County Illegal Voting attorney will handle this process.

We often receive requests to modify ond conditions related to travel. In many cases, courts will restrict your travel, but you may need to travel for work or important family members. If you have a good reason to travel, courts will usually allow you to do so.

What happens at a Tarrant County arraignment?

At your arraignment, a Tarrant County judge will hear your plea of not guilty. In Tarrant County, you may not have an attorney at your initial arraignment. However, the court will not hear a guilty plea prior to your being represented by counsel. In addition, the court may also set bail and bond conditions if you have not already received them.

If the police have arrested you for Illegal Voting, then Texas Code of Criminal Procedure §17.40 requires Tarrant County judges to “impose any reasonable condition of bond related to the safety of a victim of the alleged offense or to the safety of the community” to secure your attendance at trial. If the state alleges that you violated those bond conditions, then the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office can immediately return you to custody. Accordingly, judges have very broad power in determining bail conditions and bond amounts.

What is the most common sentence for Tarrant County Illegal Voting charge in Tarrant County?

The Texas Penal Code defines the penalty range for Illegal Voting offenses across Texas. The Election Code classifies Illegal Voting as either a state jail felony or second degree felony. However, it is important to consider the potential collateral consequences of a Illegal Voting conviction. These collateral consequences are additional penalties not directly outlined in the penal code’s penalty scheme, but nonetheless accompany the conviction. Your Tarrant County Illegal Voting attorney should discuss these consequences with you before you decide how to handle your case.

The exact penalty one might face from a Illegal Voting conviction varies greatly, influenced by factors such as you prior criminal record and the offense specifics. You can find details on the penalty range for all Illegal Voting here. For specifics on typical penalties in Tarrant County Illegal Voting cases, call us to schedule a consultation or book a consultation online.

About Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense

If you want to hire us as your Tarrant County Illegal Voting lawyers, then you should probably get to know us!

The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense Lawyers

Paul Saputo and Nicholas Toufexis are partners at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC and lead the entire trial team at the firm.

Mr. Saputo has practiced throughout Texas in more than fifty Texas state and federal courts and developed groundbreaking innovations in defense strategies and tactics. After graduating from the elite Duke University School of Law, a nationally recognized top-ten law school, Mr. Saputo started his career at Vinson & Elkins. More about Paul Saputo…

Mr. Toufexis is a veteran of the United States Navy and a graduate of SMU Dedman School of Law. He has dedicated his entire legal career to criminal defense, and has been with the firm since law school. Recently named a partner, Nick has achieved exceptional results in and out of court for years. More about Nick…

Awards

Numerous organizations have awarded Mr. Saputo recognition for his outstanding criminal defense work, for example:

• Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Rating
• Recognized by Super Lawyers®
• Consistently recognized by D Magazine in “Best Lawyers” for Criminal Defense
• Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 under the Criminal Defense: White Collar practice area.

Paul Saputo was voted one of the Three Best Rated Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dallas

More Awards & Recognition…

Nicholas Toufexis has likewise received many distinctions as well.

• Recognized by Super Lawyers®
• Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 under the Criminal Defense: DWI/DUI practice area.

Victories

The Tarrant County Illegal Voting attorneys at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC have obtained hundreds of victories in complex criminal litigation across Texas. Our victories include Not Guilty verdicts by jury acquittals, directed verdicts of Not Guilty, as well as both conditional and unconditional dismissals.

For descriptions and some details about example victories, visit our page on Notable Victories.

Reviews

One example review from a real client:

All I have to say is thank you . Nick Toufexis thank you. They have only done great things for me. Amazing law firm. Thank you.

– Real client review posted on the Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC Google Profile.

See more client reviews and testimonials here.

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Legal References:

^1. Texas Election Code §64.012.