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Welcome

Criminal Cases

DWI

Traffic

Map & Directions

Welcome!

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Dear Visitor,

      Welcome to my website.

     If you, or someone you love, have been accused of committing a crime, you have come to the right place. My goal is to provide unparalleled legal representation to each of my clients. You will have personal access to me at all times.

     My law practice is limited only to criminal cases. I have never been a prosecutor or a police officer. Instead, I have been on the side of the defense ever since I started practicing criminal law, because I am fiercely dedicated to being a criminal defense attorney.

     Unfortunately, I cannot promise you a specific result in your case. No attorney can. However, I will promise you that if you retain me, I will make your goals my priority. I will fight for you, and I will tirelessly try to achieve the result you want. I know that there are always two sides to every story. The police have county prosecutors to whom they can tell their side of the story. Please come in for a FREE CONSULTATION and let me hear your side of the story.

                                                             Very Sincerely,

                                                        -   A. Oliver Hassibi

                                                    Attorney & Counselor at Law

                                                   Exclusively For Criminal Cases

Member of the Tarrant County Bar Association and TCCDLA
(Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)

                                           Common Questions

Should I hire an attorney?

     Always. The legal system is complicated, and there are pitfalls that one may encounter unless represented by a competent attorney. It is almost never a good idea to represent yourself, although you have the right to if you want to. There are so many detailed areas of the law with regard to every step of the process, from the arrest to the final disposition of a case.

How much will it cost?

     There are usually three main areas of costs for any criminal case. One is the cost to be released from jail. Another is the cost, if any, of disposing of a case, namely filing fees, fines, and court costs. And, there are attorney’s fees as the third possible cost. All these costs can vary greatly on a case-by-case basis. 

How does the Law Office of A. Oliver Hassibi handle attorney’s fees?

     Here at my office, we have no set price for any type of offense. I understand that different people have different financial abilities. That is why I stress that everyone come see me for a free initial consultation. I want to meet with you, ask questions, let you ask questions, and get to know you and your case before we talk about money. After I know more, then I can propose a certain fee and also talk about a payment plan if you need one. I will always require a down payment, and the remainder of the fee can be paid over the coming months. Come see me, and let’s talk.

What is a search warrant?
     This is when a judge orders a search to be done of a particular location. Usually, a reason will be presented to the judge for the search, and a showing of probable cause will have to be made that what the police are looking for is likely at the location to be searched. The police can execute a search warrant on the location thereafter. If the police present a search warrant to you, they are authorized to search the location stated in the warrant. You should not get in their way.

What is an arrest warrant?
     This is much like a search warrant, but it is for the purpose of arresting someone, not for finding something. Once an arrest warrant is issued, the law enforcement can arrest you on-site and take you to jail.

What should I do if there is a warrant out for my arrest?
     If there is an arrest warrant out for you, that means that a judge has decided that there is probable cause that you committed a crime. Therefore, he/she is authorizing law enforcement to arrest you. Sometimes, the police actually come to search for you. Other times, they arrest you if they come in contact with you for another reason, like if they pull you over for speeding. If you know, or think, there is a warrant out for you, it is best you pro-actively address the situation. You should see an attorney to first confirm that there is a warrant. Then, your attorney will advise you as to what can be done next.

What is probable cause?
     Probable cause is the minimum information that is required of law enforcement to make arrests and seize property and, thereafter, prosecute individuals for crimes. Generally, it means that the police must have good information from some reliable source that a particular person committed a crime. A higher level of proof must be shown later on, in order to convict someone. However, to charge someone with a crime, probable cause is the requirement. 

What should I do if I get arrested?
     Do not argue with the police officers. Go with them peacefully. Also, although it is sometimes okay to speak to police officers and investigators, it is always the best idea not to speak at all, until your attorney is present with you. After you are arrested, you will be taken before a magistrate. The magistrate will do several things, which, among others, should include determining whether there was probable cause to arrest you, notifying you of the many rights you have, setting the bond amount that is required for you to be able to get out of jail while your case if pending, and asking you whether you believe you should have an attorney appointed to you or whether you believe you will hire your own attorney independently. Soon thereafter, whether you bond out or not, the government will usually file charges against you and proceed to prosecute you.

What if the police used force to arrest me?
     The police are allowed to use force against you in certain causes. For example, if you resist arrest, the police are allowed to use force to arrest you. However, the amount of force they are allowed to use will vary. No matter what, it can be no more than the amount that was necessary and reasonable in order to arrest you.

What is bail?
     The court system wants to make sure that you come back to court if they let you out during the time that your case is pending. In order to try to do that, the government will require security, called a “bond” from you. If you give that security to the government, they will feel a bit safer about you returning for your court appearances, and so they will agree to release you, while your case is pending. The government dictates what that security will be. Whatever it is, it must be appropriate. It cannot be too excessive. Sometimes, your attorney can argue on your behalf to have the bond in your case reduced.

How do I give the government bail in order to get out of jail?
     You put up what is called a “bond.” There are four different types of bonds:
        1. Personal Recognizance Bond – For some cases, a magistrate will require no more than a promise by you that you will return to court on the appropriate days to answer to the charges against you. That promise is a personal recognizance bond. Usually, this type of bond is required for offenses that are comparatively lower in severity.
        2. Personal Bond – This is when the court asks you to promise to pay a certain amount of money, if you do not show up for court.
        3. Cash Bond – This is when the court actually requires money, usually not a very large amount, to be deposited with a court. If you do not appear at court when you are supposed to, you will lose that money.
        4. Surety Bond – This is when someone else, usually a bondsman, contracts with you and agrees to put up the bond on your behalf. You will have to pay him/her a set fee that is non-refundable in order for him/her to do that.

What are bond conditions?

     Bond conditions are those conditions places on someone released from jail while the case is pending. In addition to the bail, sometimes the court will require the person released from jail to follow strict rules while they are out on bond. These rules are usually pretty standard. Sometimes, the person released may be required to report to a bond officer/probation officer in addition to other requirements. These are called “conditions” because the court is agreeing to release you, but the release is conditional on the person following the rules. If the rules are not followed, the person may be re-arrested and the bond amount increased. Then the person would have to bond out all over again.

What are surety bond requirements?

     These requirements are those placed on someone who hires a bondsman or an attorney to post a bond for them for a set fee. In addition to paying a fee, the bondsman will usually require several things. These requirements will often include the following: to report by telephone once each week on a set day of the week; to not leave the county or the state without first obtaining permission from the bondsman – the bondsman may or may not approve departure from the county or the state; to not be arrested for any other reason after the bond has been posted and the person released; show up to court on the dates set by the court. These are just some of the possible requirements. If they are broken, the bondsman may go off the bond.

Can you get a bond reinstated?

     Yes, sometimes. If a person does not show up to court due to an understandable reason or misunderstanding, or if the bondsman goes off a bond for some other reason that is not sufficient or is caused by a misunderstanding, then your attorney should approach the court and the bondsman and request that the bond be reinstated. If the court agrees, and the bondsman is willing, a bond can be reinstated and the person released from jail at no additional cost.

What should I do if a police officer asks to search my home?

     There are only a few ways that a police officer has the right to search your home. Some of the more common ones are: (1) if the police have a valid warrant; (2) if the police see something in your house that gives them the right to enter and search your home; (3) if the police are pursuing someone and that individual enters your home; or (4) if the police believe that the destruction of evidence is imminent and they must enter in order to prevent that destruction. There are other ways, but those are some of the more common ones. If a police officer does not have a warrant and asks you for permission to search your home, you have the right to say no. If the police force a search of your home anyway, stay out of their way. If you are charged with a crime resulting from what the police find during an illegal search, there are things that can be done later by your attorney in order to try to protect you and you rights.

What should I do if a police officer asks to search my car?

     This scenario is different from the search of a home. A police officer can see inside of a car more easily. Also, if you commit a crime, like driving while intoxicated, the police can search certain areas of your car. They can also search the entire car if they impound it after they arrest you. In those cases, a police officer will not ask for permission to search your car. However, if an officer pulls you over and asks your permission to look in your trunk or your car, you have the right to say no. Again, if the police decide to search your car despite your rejection of their request for permission, stay out of their way. Consult your attorney at a later time about your rights.

What is a DWI?

     The letters DWI stand for Driving While Intoxicated. It is a crime in Texas to operate a motor vehicle in a public place while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. For your safety and the safety of others, you should never drive a car or any other type of vehicle after you have taken drugs or consumed alcohol to the point where you are intoxicated. If you do not know whether you are intoxicated enough to be breaking the law, always err on the side of caution. Have someone else drive or call a taxi cab.

If I am arrested for a DWI, will my license be taken?

     Yes, your license will be taken. The amount of time for which your license is suspended will vary. Under certain circumstances, you may be able to apply for an occupational driver’s license so you can drive to and from work. If you refuse to take a breathalyzer or blood test to determine your blood alcohol content (the amount of alcohol in your system), you can have your license taken for a longer period of time. You have the right to refuse a breathalyzer test or a blood test, but there may be a consequence to that refusal. The best way to avoid receiving a DWI is to always arrange for a method of transportation before you consume alcohol or take drugs. Call a taxi, a friend, or a family member. However, if you are arrested for a DWI, contact your attorney as soon as possible and have him consult you on your situation.

Can I get my case dismissed?

     It may be possible to have your case dismissed. Sometimes, the prosecutor on your case will dismiss it because he/she does not believe the case should have been filed in the first place (not enough evidence, etc.). Other times, you may agree to plead out your case so that if you complete certain requirements during a period of time, your case will then be dismissed. There are many different reasons why a case may be dismissed. The question must be answered on a case-by-case basis. Contact your attorney to get more information about the possible outcomes of your case.

Will I serve jail or prison time?

     It is possible that you will have to serve jail or prison time. The answer to this question can often be extremely detailed, and it is something that must be determined on a case-by-case basis. It is difficult for those who are charged with a crime to contemplate the possibility of being incarcerated. Naturally, there are feelings of fear and despair. Your attorney should be someone who shares your feelings and who wants to help you throughout the strenuous process of going through the legal system. Make sure you hire someone that is willing to give you personal attention and does not think of you as just another client.

Should I request a trial?

     This is a risk-reward situation. The key is to analyze, as accurately as possible, the level of risk. Some trials are practically un-winnable. Others appear to be slam dunks. However, the reality is that you never really know what will happen at trial. Whether a trial by judge or jury, the verdict may always be different from what you expect or want. Ultimately, you cannot get into any person’ head to see what they are thinking. Perception is a tricky thing, and even though you attempt to influence someone’s perception of a matter, they may perceive something completely different from what you intend. In the end, the most important thin g to do is to retain an attorney who is experienced, is not afraid to go to trial, and is realistic and trustworthy in hi or her advice to you about the issues involved so that you can make the best decision possible for your case. And yes, the decision must be made by the client. No attorney can or should make that decision for you. All the can do is to provide you with as much information as possible so you can make as accurate a decision as possible.

What kind of trial should I request, a trial by judge or jury?

     The most common type of trial is a jury trial. However, trials by judges are appropriate in some circumstances. For example, if the matter at hand is one relating to a question of law rather than a question of fact, then it’s possible that a judge would be the best suited person to hand down a decision. Of course, the court you are in and the judge presiding over your case makes a big difference. That is why you need to retain an attorney who is knowledgeable about the court and the judge in your case. With most questions of fact, a jury is usually the better way to go. A “question of fact” involves determining what actually happened in a particular incident and who is telling the truth. For example, is a particular witness that is critical to the case lying? Or, is he or she being honest? These questions are often best left to a jury to decide.

What is a plea bargain agreement?

     A plea bargain is just as it sounds. It is a situation in which the prosecutor and the defense attorney discuss a case and negotiate a disposition for the case. Ultimately, the decision to accept or reject the plea bargain is up to the client and no one else. Some of the critical factors in the process of coming up with the best plea bargain offer are negotiation skills, knowledge of the court and the prosecutor being dealt with, and for the prosecutor to know that he or she is willing to take the case to trial if necessary. These are all motivating factors and key pieces of information necessary for obtaining the best possible offer from the DA’s office. In the end, if the client is not happy with the offer, the only remaining choice is usually to go to trial, either by judge or jury.

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                                                  Firm Overview

Practice Areas/Locations

I represent clients in ALL types of criminal cases, both misdemeanors felonies in state and federal courts.

I represent clients THROUGHOUT the State of Texas in all counties and all cities.

Here are some of the more common types of cases and locations.

What Questions Can A Competent Lawyer Answer For Me?

A competent lawyer should be able to answer many questions for you. Among those are the following:

Do I have a warrant out for me?

What is a misdemeanor?

What is a felony?

What is a state jail felony?

What kinds of fines are involved?

What is restitution?

How can I get out of jail?

Can I post bond without having to actually go to jail?

How do you get a bond?

What can I expect to happen with my case?

Will I go to jail?

If I go to jail, how long will I be there?

Should I plea bargain my case?

Should I request a trial?

If I request a trial, should I request a trial by judge or jury?

Can my case be dropped before it is indicted by the grand jury (for felonies)?

What if I have been misidentified by someone?

Can I/should I take a lie detector test?

What will be the consequence of my arrest?

What about my criminal history record?

Can I have something taken off from my record?

What is expunction of my criminal record?

What is non-disclosure of my criminal record?

Are juvenile records automatically sealed?

What should I say on job applications about my criminal history?

Who can see my criminal history?

Will I have to register as a sex offender?

What if I was with someone who committed a crime?

What’s the difference between federal and state court?

How much will everything cost me?

What about my driver’s license?

What if there is a warrant for me, and I am arrested in another county or state?

What is probation?

What is deferred adjudication?

What is a statute of limitations?

How long is a statute of limitations?

What if I am a juvenile?

Can I be tried as an adult if I am a juvenile?

Can my case be reduced to a lesser offense?

Can my case be dismissed?

Can I enter a drug rehab center?

Will drug rehab help my case?

What if I don’t have money for drug rehab?

What kinds of deferred prosecution programs are available?

What if I have a traffic ticket?

What if my ticket is in warrant?

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

The quotes below are from some of the past clients of A. Oliver Hassibi.

“Thank You for everything you have done for me.  None of my current happiness could ever have been possible without your dedication and help.  Honestly, I hope that I never have to see you in an official capacity again, but if ever I do, I won't hesitate to call.  Please, be well.”

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