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State and Federal Court Criminal Defense Attorneys
In 2020 over 80,000 arrests were made for drug offenses in Texas, with law enforcement making 300 arrests per 100,000 people. Drug crime in Texas is a serious offense. Conviction consequences hinge on many factors including drug quantity, type, and law enforcement processes. The best possible outcome of your charges will be the expertise and efforts of your defense attorney.
With over 60 years of combined experience in Federal and State cases, Paul and Natalie, at Herrmann and Archer Law Firm, will work diligently to protect your interests and rights by mounting an effective defense. What sets them apart from other criminal defense firms is their commitment to invest the time and effort required to personalize legal defenses for each individual defendant. They intentionally limit their case load to carefully tailor legal services to the nuances of each client's particular case.
Texas cannabis law has changed in your favor!
“Frequently, the prosecution does not want to follow the new law. We will hold their feet to the fire.”
Areas of Practice
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If you are charged with possessing or distributing drugs, don’t assume you’ll be found guilty. A wide range of legal defenses area available ranging from denying ownership to illegal search, entrapment and beyond.
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Texas has some of the country’s harshest drug trafficking and distribution laws. If you are accused of drug trafficking, you need the best possible legal defense. We provide experienced legal counsel at each stage of your drug trafficking criminal case.
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The right legal defense will help you beat this charge or minimize the potential penalty. As an example, if the weapon was identified during an illegal search and seizure or during an unlawful traffic stop, we will help you avoid penalty.
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As a Texas violation of probation lawyer, we will fiercely advocate on your behalf to keep you on probation and prevent incarceration.
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Law enforcers have a number of means to determine if you are driving while intoxicated yet there is no guarantee those tests will be administered properly or prove accurate. We will review your DWI case and determine the optimal legal strategy to retain your freedom.
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The accusation of evading arrest does not have to lead to a significant penalty. Though this is a serious crime in Texas that can lead to 20 years in prison, a legal defense such as the arresting officer not identifying him or herself will help preserve your freedom.
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Public intoxication is a crime but we can help you avoid fines and jail.
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Texas considers interfering with emergency calls to be a Class A misdemeanor offense that leads to thousands of dollars in fines and jail. Instead of pleading guilty to a misdemeanor, put up a legal defense with our assistance.
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The right attorney will fight to defeat your domestic violence charge or at the very least, get your penalty reduced. Reach out to our law firm so we can begin formulating your legal defense.
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Being found guilty of possession or distributing child porn has the potential to ruin your life. Let us develop a strategy to help minimize the damage from these charges.
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Self-defense and defense of others are the legal defenses most often used when accused of assault. We will help you avoid a full year in jail and upwards of $4,000 in fines.
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If you are charged with theft, don’t panic. Theft charges require the defendant has the intent to steal the item in question. Alter ego defenses, permission, ownership of the property and claim of right are examples of legal defenses against theft charges.
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Solicitation is the sale of sex through prostitution. The circumstances of the event shape the ensuing legal defense. Under the new law, it is a state jail felony: penalty up to 2 years in state jail and a $10,000 fine.
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In Texas, expunction is applicable to Class C misdemeanors resulting in deferred adjudication or offenses not resulting in conviction regardless of level, where charges were not filed, charges were dismissed, or the person was acquitted or pardoned. Pardon has to be based on actual innocence. We will help you avoid a permanent criminal record, safeguard your professional reputation and also help you remain eligible for employment.
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Non Disclosure orders are court orders that prohibit police and courts from revealing criminal records. We will help you obtain such an order to safeguard your privacy and ensure justice is served.
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If you have a juvenile child accused of a crime, their future is on the line. Let us help you navigate the Texas juvenile justice system and represent them with a strong legal defense.
Below are some of the punishments you may face.
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1st degree: life or 5-99 years in prison and optional fine not to exceed $10,000
2nd degree: 2-20 years in prison and optional fine not to exceed $10,000
3rd degree: 2-10 years in prison and optional fine not to exceed $10,000
state jail felony: 180 days (6 months) - 2 years in state jail and optional fine not to exceed $10,000
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Class A - Fine up to $4,000 and/or up to 1 year in jail
Class B - Fine up to $2,000 and/or 180 days (6 months) or less in jail
Class C - Fine up to $500
Our Attorneys
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Paul Herrmann has been Board Certified in Criminal Law since 1999. With his extensive experience as a former felony prosecutor, Paul has built an unmatched trial record. He has obtained over 100 not guilty jury verdicts in various complex cases, including murder, sex assaults, bank robbery, federal possession of a controlled substance, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, DWI, domestic violence, and theft. Additionally, his track record includes numerous pretrial dismissals, further highlighting his dedication and expertise. With over 35 years of experience, Paul’s commitment to delivering exceptional results for his clients is unwavering.
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Natalie Archer obtained her B.A. in History from the University of Texas at Austin and her J.D. from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law, now Texas A&M School of Law. Natalie is actively involved in state and federal criminal defense. She started her career in federal bankruptcy cases but now focuses solely on criminal law.
News and Media
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AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) -
Video link. https://bit.ly/3RpIxSd
The recent crash near 45th and Soncy that left two people dead has many wondering about charges and penalties the driver could face.
An Amarillo attorney says there are several possible outcomes a driver could be charged with since speeding and alcohol are contributing factors of the crash.
Manslaughter and intoxicated manslaughter are distinct charges and each one has specific legal penalties. Both crimes are considered a second-degree felony and imprisonment ranges from two to 20 years.
“If there’s more than one death in the accident, those can be stacked, it’s specific for intoxicated manslaughter. You can stack one of those sentences on top of the other; in other words you can get 20 years for one sentence, one death of one person, and the other person in the car died you can stack another 20 years onto that,” said Paul Herrmann, attorney at The Herrmann Law Firm.
Texas law permits a judge to stack the punishments so that the person can get a prison sentence that requires serving the sentences consecutively.
“Any prior criminal record that would show what the person’s background is, they would use that to determine whether or not they should give them a more harsh sentence. If it’s an alcohol-related offense and it’s intoxicated manslaughter, more than likely the court will be more harsh on that person because they won’t stop drinking and driving,” said Herrmann.
The punishment can differentiate if the driver has a criminal record and the court decides what to charge them with.
FAQ’s
We at Herrmann and Archer can provide general legal information on these questions, but please keep in mind that legal situations can vary, and it's always advisable to consult with an attorney for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
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You have the right to remain silent. You don’t have to talk without the representation of an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
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Contact an attorney immediately to discuss your options. Turning yourself in and cooperating with law enforcement through legal counsel is typically the best course of action.
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By addressing the warrant with legal assistance, you can often arrange a more controlled and private surrender, potentially minimizing public embarrassment.
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It is possible to contest a drunk driving charge with the help of an attorney. Outcomes can vary based on the specific circumstances of the case.
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Seek legal representation immediately to build a strong defense and address the wrongful accusations.
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Depending on your jurisdiction, some convictions may be eligible for expungement, sealing, or pardons. An attorney can advise on your eligibility and the process.
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An arraignment is a court hearing where the defendant is informed of the charges against them, and they enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
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The potential for additional penalties after serving a sentence depends on the specific terms of your sentence, parole or probation conditions, and any ongoing legal obligations. An attorney can provide guidance on this issue.
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An arraignment is a court hearing where the defendant is informed of the charges against them, and they enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest) and are advised to their right to an attorney.
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Mainly the counties in the Texas Panhandle - Armstrong, Briscoe, Carson, Castro, Childress, Collingsworth, Dallam, Deaf Smith, Donley, Gray, Hall, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore, Ochiltree, Oldham, Parmer, Potter, Randall, Roberts, Sherman, Swisher, Wheeler.
“We are dedicated to making sure your rights are protected including the search of your vehicle, your person, and your home.”
You have an absolute Fifth Amendment right under the US Constitution to decline to speak with the government.
The best time to hire a lawyer is as soon as you find out that you could be under investigation for a criminal offense.
Herrmann and Archer have a track record of successfully winning motions to suppress evidence, particularly when law enforcement has infringed upon a client's rights under state and federal constitutions. The experience of the staff contributes extensive expertise to ensure comprehensive and effective client support.
“Our goal is NO criminal record & NO probation!”
Google Reviews
Thomas-
”I can’t say enough good things about this firm. They are so knowledgeable and effective. I highly recommend.”
Joshua-
“Hands down the best lawyer in the Texas panhandle. Kept me out of prison in one of the toughest counties. Thanks Paul your the best!”
Kristi-
“Natalie was absolutely wonderful! Very personable and made myself and the rest of the family feel very comfortable. She represented my sister and she did an amazing job!! Thank you Natalie!”
