Category Archives: Criminal Defense

The criminal justice system can be an intimidating place, and it’s important to work with a defense attorney you can trust to explore all of your legal options and protect your rights. Our lawyers have served clients facing a wide range of criminal charges since 1990. We are dedicated to providing the very best service and personal attention to your case, backed by our experience and high standards of conduct, ethics and diligence. To work with a respected law firm, turn to us.

Representation for various criminal charges

When you’re facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges, it’s critical to seek an experienced defense lawyer to protect your rights and give you the best chance at success. We provide comprehensive representation for the following issues:

DUI and DWI. The legal blood alcohol content limit for most motorists is .08 percent,  and .04 percent for commercial drivers. Texas has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. If you’re under 21, are asked to take a breath test and blow anything over 0, then you’re probably looking at getting a driver’s license suspension at the very least. The First-Offense conviction with less than a .15 BAC includes the possibility of a fine not to exceed $2,000.00 and/or a jail sentence from 3 days to 180 days, and a driver’s license suspension of 90 to 365 days. (Class B Misdemeanor).

Traffic violations. Speeding, moving violations, reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident are all examples of traffic offenses. Although many of these citations involve only minor penalties, others may result in the suspension of your driver’s license and large fines.

Drug crimes. Prosecutors aggressively pursue criminal charges against those accused of drug offenses such as possession, distribution, manufacturing and trafficking. In some cases, law enforcement officers use illegal searches and seizures to make arrests, and a skilled attorney must question these tactics to seek reduced or dropped drug charges. We also advocate for diversion opportunities such as drug treatment and community service for individuals facing first-time misdemeanor drug charges.

Theft crimes. Theft is defined as a person illegally taking the personal property from another person with the intention of depriving the rightful owner of that property. Our attorneys represent clients in theft crimes involving shoplifting, burglary, robbery, fraud, embezzlement and more. For a first time shoplifting offense, you may be able to avoid incarceration with pretrial diversion programs.

Probation violations. Failing to adhere to the terms of your probation can have major consequences, including jail time or fines. Probation requirements can be confusing, and you may violate the terms without knowing it. Our attorneys can help you plead your case in a hearing or, if necessary, appeal a judge’s ruling.

Assault and battery. To be charged with battery, you must make physical contact with another person with the intent to harm. However, to be charged with assault, there has to be the threat of physical harm but actual contact is not necessary. Assault and battery are serious charges with potentially severe consequences.

Sex crimes. The most common sex crimes include sexual assault, rape, statutory rape, prostitution and indecent exposure. Our experienced attorneys have the knowledge and skills to build your defense against a sex crime accusation.

Murder. Homicide is the most serious criminal charge you can face. Whether you have been accused of first degree murder, second degree murder, involuntary manslaughter or voluntary manslaughter, we can help fight your case.

White collar crimes. The most common types of white collar crimes include fraud, embezzlement, bribery and money laundering. The consequences include large fines, incarceration, probation or community service. This is a serious offense that can negatively affect your professional reputation.

What are the differences between felonies and misdemeanors?

Generally, misdemeanors are not as serious as felonies, but they may still come with serious penalties for those convicted. These crimes include traffic violations and minor criminal offenses, such as petty theft, public intoxication and trespassing. A conviction on a Class A misdemeanor offense will carry a punishment of up to a year in a county jail, and a fine of up to $4,000. Class B Misdemeanor: Charges at the level of a Class B misdemeanor are punishable by up to 180 days in a county jail, and a fine of up to $2,000.

Felonies, on the other hand, can be quite serious and result in major consequences, including incarceration and large fines. Common examples of felonies include aggravated DUI, assault, battery and robbery. The penalties range significantly from fines and short jail sentences for minor felonies to 25 years to life imprisonment for rape, homicide and other violent crimes.

Sound representation if you’ve been accused of speeding, reckless driving or another violation

Although the penalties for many traffic violations are relatively minor, others may come with serious consequences like a suspended driver’s license, large fines and even jail time. If you’ve been accused of a major traffic violation, we can help. We proudly serve clients, sticking to our core principles of providing honest, ethical and diligent legal counsel to each and every client. For a lawyer you can trust to explore all of your legal options, you can rely on our respected law firm.

Common Types Of Traffic Violations

The state of Texas and individual municipalities have specific traffic laws that all drivers must know and follow. The following are common violations:

Speeding. This is the most common type of traffic violation, defined as exceeding posted speed limits. Fines may be higher if you’re accused of speeding in a school or construction zone.

Moving violations. Any infraction of a traffic law while a vehicle is in motion may be considered a moving violation. Common examples include running a red light, failure to stop for pedestrians at a crosswalk and failure to use a turn signal.

Distracted driving. Cell phones, mobile devices, food and beverages, and passengers may all cause distractions for drivers. It is illegal to send text messages while operating a vehicle, and drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using wireless communications devices. Police may issue citations for distracted driving, especially if an accident has occurred.

Reckless driving. This applies to traveling at speeds above 80 miles per hour or 20 miles per hour above the posted speed limit. It also includes using a public road to race other vehicles, weaving in and out of traffic and running stop signs or red lights.

Leaving the scene. Also known as a hit-and-run, it is a serious crime to leave the scene of an auto accident, even if you were not at fault. In some situations, this may result in a felony charge.

Operating without a license. It is illegal to operate a vehicle without a valid driver’s license. Penalties may include fines and jail time.

After you’ve been cited for a traffic violation, you may attend a court hearing and plead not guilty with the help of a criminal defense attorney. If the court agrees, you will have your ticket dismissed. If not, you may incur fines and points on your driver’s license. Accumulating 15 or more points within a two-year period will result in the loss of your license for up to 12 months.

A law firm dedicated to protecting your constitutional rights

In Tecas, a conviction for even a relatively minor drug offense can result in serious penalties, including jail time, large fines and probation. If you’ve been arrested for a drug crime, our experienced defense lawyers can help. We’ve represented people since 1990, providing excellent service and personal attention to each client. For the diligent guidance you need when facing serious criminal charges, you can rely on our respected team of attorneys.

Drug possession crimes

Possessing even a small amount of illegal substances comes with some hefty consequences, not to mention the social stigma you must deal with as a convicted drug offender. You may face a sentence of two to 15 years in prison for first-offense possession of narcotics including:

LSD

Heroin

Ecstasy

Cocaine

Crack

Methamphetamine

Methadone

Opium

Possession of non-prescribed steroids is a felony punishable by one to five years of incarceration. A conviction for possession of a controlled medication, such as Klonopin or Rohypnol, without a prescription may result in one to 10 years in prison.

Marijuana is illegal to possess for recreational use in Texas. Penalties as follows:

Two ounces or less. The offense is a Class B misdemeanor, and penalties include up to 180 days in jail, a fine of as much as $2,000, or both.

More than two ounces, but less than four ounces. The offense is a Class A misdemeanor, and penalties include up to one year in jail, a fine of as much as $4,000, or both.

Four ounces or more, up to and including five pounds. The offense is a state jail felony, and penalties include a fine of up to $10,000, between 180 days and two years in prison, or both.

More than five pounds, up to and including 50 pounds. The offense is a third degree felony, and penalties include a fine of up to $10,000, between two and ten years in prison, or both.

More than 50 pounds, up to and including 2,000 pounds. The offense is a second degree felony, and penalties include a fine of up to $10,000, between two and 20 years in prison, or both.

More than 2,000 pounds. Penalties include at least five (and up to 99) years in prison, a fine of up to $50,000, or both.

What is distribution?

Drug distribution involves selling or transporting illegal substances, and Texas maintains harsh penalties for those convicted of this crime.  Penalty examples:

The sentences involved may range anywhere from 180 days to two years in state jail and/or a fine of no more than $10,000 for a state jail felony, to life in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or a term of 15 to 99 years in prison and/or a fine of not more than $250,000 for the heaviest first degree felony. The harshness of the sentence imposed depends on how much of the drug is being trafficked.

With the life-altering consequences involved, it’s critical to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer right away after your arrest.

What qualifies as drug trafficking?

Drug trafficking may involve a number of actions, including developing, transporting, selling and distributing illegal substances. Convictions typically result in severe penalties, including prison terms that are longer than those ordered for violent criminals. It’s also possible that you’ll be charged with both distribution and trafficking, making the consequences even worse. Speaking with a skilled attorney immediately after an arrest for drug trafficking can greatly help your case.

Felony and misdemeanor drug charges

If you’re arrested for a drug crime, you may face misdemeanor or felony charges. In general, felonies are more serious than misdemeanors, although convictions for either classification of crime may come with significant penalties. Misdemeanor drug charges typically involve crimes like possession of marijuana or the possession or sale of drug paraphernalia, and you may face fines penalties include up to 180 days in jail, a fine of as much as $2,000, or both.

Felony charges are associated with crimes like drug distribution, sale, trafficking and cultivation. Even first-time offenses may result in several years of incarceration and extremely large fines.

There are some options for first-time offenders to avoid some of the more severe penalties by attending treatment programs. Our attorneys are particularly skilled at advocating for diversion opportunities like drug treatment and community service for individuals facing misdemeanor drug charges for the first time. Those facing first-time felony charges may be able to undergo treatment programs in exchange for reduced or eliminated time in prison. These options are up to the court’s discretion, and it takes a knowledgeable lawyer to effectively argue for them.