CHOOSE A CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY WHO KNOWS TEXAS LAW CHOOSE TOM COX
Laptop Books and Gavel on Desk

THE COSTLY CONSEQUENCES OF INEFFECTIVE REPRESENTATION

Thomas R. Cox, III Sept. 8, 2021

The City of Dallas rang in the New Year 2021 with record violence unmatched in almost 20 years. In 2020, the city witnessed 251 murders, and news reports predict 2021 could be even more violent, with more than 100 murders already recorded by June.

If you’ve been charged with a crime and are facing trial, you want to obtain the best defense representation available. You don’t want to depend on an appointed public defender, whose caseload is usually so large that he or she will barely have time to develop a proper defense for you.

If you’re located in Dallas, Texas, or the nearby communities of Irving, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, and Highland Park, contact the Law Office of Thomas R. Cox for experienced, vigorous criminal defense. 

Criminal Defense Attorney Tom Cox worked as a Dallas County prosecutor before starting private practice in 1990. He knows how the justice system works, and his intimate knowledge will help you get your side of the story heard, even before the actual trial begins.

PRIVATE ATTORNEY VS. PUBLIC DEFENDER

The 6th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution mandates that states provide legal representation to those who can’t afford it. These public defenders, no matter how well educated or well intentioned, generally face a caseload that makes it nearly impossible to pay close attention to any individual client’s case. This is usually due to underfunding – there simply aren’t enough public defenders to match the needs of the criminal justice system.

Even when defendants file appeals based on ineffective legal assistance by the public defender, the courts generally reject these appeals. A study of 255 cases involving DNA testing conducted by Westlaw, a prestigious legal reference company, found that of 54 appeals filed, 81 percent were rejected. In seven cases, the courts agreed that the representation had been inadequate and they reversed the convictions or ordered new trials.

The study found that these appeals involved claims of:

  • Failure to present defense witnesses

  • Failure to object to the prosecutors’ arguments or statements

  • Failure to object to evidence or to suppress evidence

  • Failure to interview/cross-examine witnesses

Half of the 54 appeals, exactly 27, cited multiple failures.

Often, a public defender will accept the first plea bargain offered at trial, while a private criminal defense attorney will try to intervene before the charges are read to get them reduced or even dropped in some cases.

Tom Cox will try to explain everything to the District Attorney’s office in a way that improves the prosecutor’s understanding of the client’s situation and maximizes their chances of getting the case dismissed or the charges reduced.

QUALITIES OF AN EFFECTIVE PRIVATE DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Many law firms cater to corporate clients and maintain a roster of attorneys to help them with anything from tax compliance to contract disputes to employment law violations. In contrast, criminal defense attorneys don’t have clients on retainer. Only once someone is being investigated or has been charged does a client contact a criminal defense attorney.

In other words, a criminal defense attorney should be someone dedicated to your case, not juggling a roomful of corporate giants and their needs. You should also question any potential criminal defense attorney to make sure they’ve handled cases like yours before. Some attorneys will handle only DUIs or drug busts, so if you’re charged with assault, they may not have the experience you need.

Tom Cox has been involved in virtually every type of criminal court case on both sides of the legal system, ranging from simple misdemeanors to capital felonies. With this experience, he can often anticipate what the prosecution is going to do or say, and his preparation goes a long way toward rebutting evidence or statements that might fly under the radar of a public defender.

LET THE LAW OFFICE OF THOMAS R. COX HELP

Our law office is unique in that we offer not only effective legal representation, but also bail bond services to get you out of jail. One call to us and we can arrange the bond and begin building your defense.

During the course of his practice, Tom Cox has won “not guilty” verdicts for defendants facing charges of murder, sexual assault, family violence, burglary, and possession of a controlled substance. On other occasions, he has won complete dismissal of all charges, with an especially effective rate in cases of drug possession. He has helped charges and penalties be reduced in a number of other cases.

Tom Cox will do everything in his power to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your particular situation. If you’re located in Dallas, Dallas County, or the neighboring communities, contact Tom Cox as soon as you’ve been arrested and face charges. The quicker we get started, the better the chances are that we can protect all of your rights and develop a solid defense.