Susan Hawk possesses a comprehensive legal background that few can rival. Having served as both State District Court Judge and at the highest level as Dallas’s District Attorney, she has a deep understanding of prosecution and defending individuals. This unique inside perspective, coupled with her experience presiding over hundreds of jury trials, further enhances her ability to approach each case with strategic precision. Her personal journey of growth and recovery has also made her a devoted advocate of mental health awareness, creating a safe and supportive space for her clients and their families. With Susan Hawk’s unique combination of expertise and compassion, you can trust Hawk Criminal Law to handle your case with the utmost care and dedication.

When Susan represents you, you're gaining an experienced attorney who places empathy at the forefront. She fully understands that you're not just another case; this situation affects your livelihood. Susan's commitment is to consistently prioritize your best legal interests, for both your short- and long-term success.

Once you are arrested, officers must inform you of your “Miranda Rights” which include the following:

1. The right to remain silent, which means you do not have to answer any questions.

2. If you do speak, the statements can be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to consult an attorney before questioning.

3. You may also have an attorney present during questioning.

4. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you before questioning if you wish.

5. If you decide to answer questions without a lawyer present, you have the right to stop answering at any time.

If you want to assert these rights, you must affirmatively say so.

Before any questioning, it is advised to speak with a qualified attorney. It is also important to note that there must be an Initial Appearance before a judge within 48 hours after an arrest is made, where the judge must inform you of your charge(s) and whether there is an affidavit (sworn statement) supporting the charges. A bond will then be set by the judge, and you are usually given notice of first court appearance.

In Texas, the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is based on the severity of the crime and the punishment that follows. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes than felonies and are punishable by up to one year in jail and can carry costly fines, probation, and/or community service. Examples of misdemeanors include petty theft, DWIs, harassment, traffic violations, disorderly conduct, assault and family violence assault. On the other hand, felonies are more serious crimes that are punishable by more than one year in prison. Examples of felonies include murder, sexual assault and robbery. Felonies are further classified into five categories: capital, first-degree, second-degree, third-degree and state jail felonies. The punishment for a felony can range from deferred adjudication to straight probation, up to life imprisonment or the death penalty. Both misdemeanors and felonies can have serious, life-altering consequences which can affect your criminal record and certain constitutional rights.

The 6th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees every individual charged with a crime the right to an attorney, including the right to a public trial without unnecessary delay, the right to an impartial jury and the right to know who your accusers are and the nature of the charges and evidence against you. The plea of “guilty” or “no contest” might seem like the simplest solution to get out of jail or to resolve your case; however, this result could bring life-altering implications. Considering the complexities of the legal system and the potential consequences at stake, having an experienced attorney by your side is crucial to help you make an informed decision about your future, and to ensure your rights are protected and all options are explored.

At Hawk Criminal Law, we firmly believe that preventative justice gets to the root cause of alleged criminal activity and helps prevent criminal activity in the future. That’s why Susan Hawk provides a holistic view when evaluating your case, and will advocate for you from the very beginning of an investigation. This ensures we are proactive rather than simply reacting to any potential investigation and/or criminal charge against you.