Bart Craytor | Mount Pleasant Criminal Defense Lawyer

Every case deserves compassion and effort, even if evidence of guilt is overwhelming. In two recent cases, One client with an extensive criminal history was facing two twenty-five year sentences with a maximum of 99 years or life. The prosecutors offer was 40 years. Through extensive pre-trial motions and research, we were able to get the prosecutor to drop the repeat offender enhancements, drop the aggravating factor and client accepted a plea to 15 years to avoid the risk of what could have happened at trial. He can now qualify for parole in as little as 1/8th of his sentence. In another case, client had a clean record, but had really jumped into the deep end committing a first degree felony with aggravating factors. Prosecutors original offer was 15 years to do, and would not agree to probation. Through negotiations and pre-trial efforts, we convinced the judge to put the young defendant on deferred adjudication probation for 10 years, saving him from a felony conviction and giving him another opportunity at life.

My practice is built on a commitment to professionalism and continuing education. I typically take more than double of the minimum required continuing education requirements. Feeling a strong compassion for my clientele and a compulsion to provide the best representation available with the resources available. Creativity and presentation of a case in convincing and professional manner secures the best results for my clients. Staying on top of the latest trends gives my clients the edge they deserve and distinguishes their case from the run of the mill. (One of my favorite sayings is we are all special, just like everyone else.) Approaching each case, and looking for those distinguishing factors makes the difference.

Experience, is a consideration when looking to retain a lawyer. However it should not be the deciding factor. Choosing an attorney is a matter of trust and confidence. An attorney who is not afraid to give an honest assessment of their potential client's legal matters is better than one who will build up false hopes to just get a paycheck. The attorney should illustrate commitment to his clients which is usually known by word of mouth.

Local knowledge is important. Knowing the judges, prosecutors and local jury attitudes is important but not necessarily a qualifying or disqualifying factor. Knowledge of the law, the particular facts of the case, and being able to present them in the best possible light is more important than local knowledge. If you have ever heard the phrase familiarity breeds contempt or the phrase that a prophet never profits in his home, you have heard two phrases where "local knowledge" is not necessarily a good thing. One must be committed to the utmost professionalism, and brave enough to try novel or creative ways of working cases to maintain consistent and outstanding success. Local knowledge helps, but does not rule out an attorney from another area.

Many times a free telephone consultation provides an initial assessment of the potential clients matter, and an initial retainer amount is discussed. Sometimes, I have been able to save a potential client from even having to retain a lawyer with some simple advice. Of course that is case dependent.

The basic facts of the matter. The where, what, when, who and how. It also helps to know what the clients expectations (hopes) might be.

Coming from a technical background before going into law school provides a unique background upon which to examine cases. Having handled thousands of cases over the past two decades in three states has exposed me to many issues and unique opportunities to network with other attorneys and examine cases from many angles.

Satisfied clients are my biggest reward.

I have many hobbies and other interests. Living in a rural area, I love to get on my tractor and work the soil, mow the pastures, or even grade the driveway. It is fun growing your next meal in your own backyard. Being outdoors, hunting, fishing, gardening, or even mowing the grass, provides a release from the confines of the offices and courtrooms. I am also a private pilot, amateur radio operator.

• Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  
  Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  
  Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  
  McCurtain County Bar Association
  
  Northeast Texas Bar Association
  
  Texarkana Bar Association
  
  College of the State Bar of Texas
  
  

• Top Contributor Award, Avvo (2013)
  
  Best of Bowie County (Third) October 15th, Bowie County Citizen's Tribune (2013)
  
  National Association of Distinguished Counsel--Top 1% (2015)
  
  10 Best Client Satisfaction Award (2015/Texas) American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
  
  Top 100 Lawyers (2015/North Texas, Criminal Defense) The National Trial Lawyers
  
  

• Case Conclusion Date:October 25, 2013 Practice Area:DUI / DWI Outcome:No Driver's License Suspension Description:Administrative License hearing on DWI where client blew 0.12. Through cross-examination of officer showed no indication of impairment at time of driving. Accordingly no probable cause for officer's investigation of intoxication. No suspension of driving privileges. Case Conclusion Date:September 24, 2013 Practice Area:Criminal Defense Outcome:Not Guilty Description:Client Charged with disorderly conduct. Took matter to jury trial. Case Conclusion Date:September 24, 2013 Practice Area:Criminal Defense Outcome:State dismissed Description:Client Accused of embezzlement.

• The Fine Print-Guest Column, The New Boston Citizens Tribune (2012)
  
  Truthfullness, A Noble Calling (2008)
  
  Ethics in the Marketplace, A Noble Calling (2008)
  
  

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