A Thorough & Strategic Approach

Yoon Kim Criminal Defense Attorney can give you the professional representation you need.

Who We Are

At Yoon Kim, Attorney at Law, PLLC we are committed to providing top-quality criminal representation for all state criminal charges and criminal issues. Top quality representation means individual attention to every client and building a relationship of trust and openness. It also means superior work and communication throughout the whole legal process culminating in a successful resolution of your legal issues.

Our firm believes in the whole process of competent and skilled representation and we will do what it takes to solve your problems. Whether it's DWI defense or immigration consequences of criminal charges, Yoon Kim, Attorney at Law, PLLC is the right firm for you.

Our Philosophy

What do you look for in a criminal attorney? You want an attorney that knows the law, who can persuade a jury, and who can persuade a judge or prosecutor. These are things trial lawyers strive to do, but it is easier said than done—it takes preparation, rehearsal, and knowledge of every aspect of the case. An attorney has to know what the case is worth and who his audience is. Most importantly, an attorney has to know who his client is.

Our client-focused approach means you will receive personal attention and top-quality work. We will provide all the information you need to make the best decision for YOU. Our advice will be honest, candid, and based on thorough investigation of all the facts and the law. Only then can you confidently make the ultimate decision in your case.

More About Yoon Kim

Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer

About

Yoon Kim, from Houston, Texas, received his Bachelor of Arts in English/Liberal Arts Honors from The University of Texas at Austin in 2001. He received his law degree from The University of Texas School of Law in 2004. During the summer of 2002, Yoon clerked for the Honorable Kenneth M. Hoyt, United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas. While in law school, Yoon was president of the Asian Law Students Association, participated in Moot Court, and was a staff member of the American Journal of Criminal Law. Yoon joined the Collin County District Attorney's Office as a misdemeanor prosecutor in January of 2005. He became a felony prosecutor in September of 2006. Yoon has been in private practice since February of 2008.

Yoon Kim

Areas Practics

Comprehensive Criminal Defense

Felonies

In Texas, felonies are divided into four basic levels – State jail, third degree, second degree, and first degree.

State Jail Felonies (SJF) are punishable by 180 days to 2 years in the state jail facility. The State Jail Facility is different from the “regular” penitentiary, commonly referred to as TDC (Texas Department of Criminal Justice Correctional Institutions Division). Third Degree Felonies have a punishment range of 2 years to 10 years in TDC; Second Degree Felonies have a range from 2 years to 20 years in TDC, and First Degree Felonies have a punishment range of 5 years to 99 years or life in TDC. Probation may or may not be available for all of the above levels of felonies – it all depends on the type of case. Also, all felonies are punishable by fines not to exceed $10,000.00.

Due to the scope and breadth of Texas criminal law, most laypersons don't know or understand why certain offenses are felonies. For example, if your friend leaves a pipe in your car, and you're pulled over, and that pipe is found to have a residue of methamphetamine, you could be charged with a State Jail felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Penalty Group 1, of an amount less than 1 gram. This is for just a residue of methamphetamine. And it may not be your pipe. But the law and evidence may amount to a conviction.

Another example: If you steal beer out of somebody's attached garage, you could be charged with Burglary of a Habitation, which is a second degree felony. If you and some buddies steal items out of several peoples' garages, that could be a first degree felony of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity.

What these examples are designed to show is, the law is very complex and no case is exactly the same – every situation and every case is unique.

Obviously, felony charges are very serious and should be handled most carefully. Since you're looking at incarceration that could run for several years, you must have the best legal representation when facing any felony charge. Our firm will protect your rights and make sure you are treated fairly. We will do whatever it takes to resolve your legal issues successfully.

Misdemeanors

In Texas, there are three classes of Misdemeanors – A, B, and C.

Class C Misdemeanors are the least severe – but they are still criminal offenses. If you run a red light, speed, or run a stop sign, you have committed a Class C misdemeanor. If you hug somebody or touch them without consent (an offensive touching), that is a Class C assault. Class C misdemeanors are punishable by fine only.

Class B misdemeanors are punishable by a fine up to $2000.00 and county jail time up to 180 days. Some examples of Class B misdemeanors are: DWI first offense, possession of marijuana under 2 oz, criminal trespass, and theft of property (value of property between $50 and $500).

Class A misdemeanors are punishable by a fine up to $4000.00 and up to one year in the county jail. Class A misdemeanors include domestic assaults (assault family violence), DWI 2nd, and Burglary of a Motor Vehicle.

Any misdemeanor charge has the potential to affect one's career, family, and reputation in a negative way. Misdemeanor convictions, like felony convictions, stay with you forever. You want an experienced, efficient, and personable trial attorney handling your misdemeanor cases. Let us help you achieve the results you want.

Resources & Information

Free Resources to Help You Make Informed Decisions.

Current Article

August 2009

If you're charged with a criminal offense that carries a jail sentence, you should always be represented by an attorney. This is because the law views your liberty as more important than money or other material possessions. What do I mean? First, let's look at the difference between criminal and civil cases.

Criminal cases involve enforcing criminal laws, with the state prosecuting individuals who are alleged to have violated those laws. In a criminal case, the government brings charges against the person alleged to have committed the crime. If the charge carries a jail or prison sentence, that person may be incarcerated if convicted.

Civil cases involve conflicts between people or institutions such as businesses. A civil case begins when problems between parties can't be solved outside of the courts. In civil cases, one (or more) of these persons or institutions sues another in court. Common civil cases are divorces and related lawsuits (child support, custody), breach of contract cases, and car accident cases. Civil cases typically involve suing for money damages.

In a civil case, the burden of proof is preponderance of the evidence. If the evidence scale tips in favor of one party over the other, they win. In a criminal case, however, the burden of proof is beyond a reasonable doubt. It is the highest burden under the law. The law says if the state wants to take away your liberty, they have to prove their case with enough evidence as to leave NO reasonable doubt. One reasonable doubt will result in a “not guilty” conviction (it's not a matter of just tipping the scales in favor of the state).

The taking away of your liberty is so serious, that the United States Constitution provides that if the state is charging you with a crime that carries a jail sentence, you are entitled to be represented by an attorney. If you are unable to afford your own attorney, one will be appointed for you. This is a fundamental right. In a civil case, you are not entitled to a court-appointed lawyer!

In addition to the seriousness of criminal charges, the procedures, rules, and laws governing criminal cases are very complex. As a result, you cannot risk representing yourself in a criminal case! Hire an attorney or get one appointed to you. Your liberty is at stake.

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