Should I talk to the police to clear things up?

No. You have the right to remain silent and to a lawyer. Politely decline to answer questions and ask for counsel. This protects you and is not an admission of guilt.

Do I need a lawyer for a first-time misdemeanor?

Yes, it is worth a consultation. Even a first misdemeanor can carry a record, fines, and license or immigration consequences. Options like deferral or dismissal are often lost without early advice.

Can a charge be kept off my record?

Sometimes, through diversion, deferred adjudication, expungement, or record sealing, depending on the charge, the outcome, and the state. See the expungement and record-sealing pages.

Criminal defenseDUI/DWIArrested? Call now

Criminal defense lawyer for Texas and Oklahoma

If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged in Texas or Oklahoma, what you do in the first hours matters. Newark Law Offices defends misdemeanor and felony matters and protects your rights from the first call. Free, confidential consultation.

Request a free consultation Call (866) 230-7236

The first 24 hours matter most

What should I do right after an arrest?

Do not answer questions or explain your side to police without a lawyer — you have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel, and using them is not an admission of guilt. Do not consent to searches. Write down everything you remember. Contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible, because early steps (bond, preserving evidence, contacting witnesses) shape the whole case.

Matters we defend

DUI / DWI and related license issues
Drug possession and distribution charges
Assault and domestic violence matters
Theft and property charges
Protective orders and probation violations
Expungement and record sealing

Where your case is handled

State charges are handled in the county where they are filed. The firm appears in Texas and Oklahoma courts and coordinates with licensed local counsel where the rules require it. Robert C. Newark, III is licensed in Texas and Oklahoma.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every matter is different and depends on its own facts.

No outcome is promised or guaranteed. Descriptions of process are general and are not a prediction about any specific matter.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Attorney advertising. This material is for general information and may be considered advertising under the rules of the State Bar of Texas and the Oklahoma Bar Association.

Frequently asked questions

Should I talk to the police to clear things up?: No. You have the right to remain silent and to a lawyer. Politely decline to answer questions and ask for counsel. This protects you and is not an admission of guilt.
Do I need a lawyer for a first-time misdemeanor?: Yes, it is worth a consultation. Even a first misdemeanor can carry a record, fines, and license or immigration consequences. Options like deferral or dismissal are often lost without early advice.
Can a charge be kept off my record?: Sometimes, through diversion, deferred adjudication, expungement, or record sealing, depending on the charge, the outcome, and the state. See the expungement and record-sealing pages.