Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer

Houston Criminal Defense Attorney

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Houston, the stakes are high. The legal system in this area, stretching from the Heights to Montrose, can be confusing and seem stacked against you. You deserve legal representation who understands the Houston criminal defense laws. They should also have experience in the Harris County court system. It is natural to feel intimidated and overwhelmed as you consider the impact a criminal charge could have on your life. A Houston criminal defense lawyer can represent you.

Surginer Stewart PLLC: Your Experienced Houston Criminal Defense Lawyers

At Surginer Stewart PLLC, our attorneys can fight for you. The first steps you take after facing an arrest are crucial, so you will need a lawyer who can protect your future, rights, and freedoms. Over the years, our team has acted as fierce advocates for men and women across the Houston area. Our firm can provide a dedicated defense that works to preserve your freedom. We can positively resolve your case.

With over 30 years of combined experience, the team at Surginer Stewart PLLC can handle criminal cases involving:

• Theft
• Assault
• Gun crimes
• Drug offenses
• Sex crimes
• DWI
• Family violence

Whatever your criminal case might entail, you can trust the attorneys at Surginer Stewart PLLC to support you.

We can examine all the details of your case, uncover necessary evidence, and listen to your side of the story. Our Houston criminal defense law firm can provide the defense you deserve.

Criminal Charges Faced by Houston Residents

Although violent and nonviolent crimes have decreased across Houston by 4.36% in recent years, people are still arrested every day for criminal acts. Facing charges of a criminal nature can cause a suspect to feel shaken and lost. Many individuals will wonder where they can turn for the legal counsel and representation they need. At Surginer Stewart PLLC, we can offer you sound advice and fierce advocacy across several areas of legal practice, including:

Drug Crimes

Offenses related to drugs are commonly prosecuted across Texas. These charges can involve:

• Simple possession
• Drug trafficking
• Drug manufacturing
• Possession with the intent to sell

When these crimes occur over state lines or federal boundaries, the charges and penalties can increase in severity. These penalties are typically based on the schedule of the drug and the quantity of drugs allegedly involved in the case.

Assault and Other Violent Crimes

The penalties in assault cases and other violent crimes are severe. They can include:

• Years spent in prison,
• Extremely high fines, which can place great a financial burden on defendants
• Restitution payments to alleged victims

However, you may have simply been acting in self-defense or in another legally justifiable manner. If so, you will need an attorney who can prove your side of the story.

Sex Crimes

Houston sees many crimes of a sexual nature. From prostitution to solicitation, being convicted of a sex crime can come with steep consequences, such as:

• Incarceration
• Restitution payments to alleged victims
• Mandatory registration on the sex offender list
• High fines

These can all negatively impact your life in a variety of ways, which is why it is so important to hire a criminal defense lawyer who can defend you against these allegations.

Domestic or Family Violence

In 2023 alone, 205 Texas residents were killed by an intimate partner. Any kind of violence that takes place within a family unit or household can find the accused party facing severe penalties and issues in the family court system. For example, if you are charged with domestic violence in Houston, it will impact your custody or visitation rights for any minor children.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

A DWI involves operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content level, or BAC, of 0.08% or higher. If an individual is allegedly driving while intoxicated, they can face extremely severe penalties. These can include fines, incarceration, and the suspension of their driver’s license. This makes it more difficult to take part in the normal actions of everyday life.

Gun Charges

The state may press gun charges if a criminal act is committed with the use of a firearm. These charges are also possible if there has been an intentional violation of certain gun laws. Any allegations of violating Texas gun laws can lead to severe legal and personal consequences. While Texas is considered extremely friendly to those looking to exercise their Second Amendment rights, convictions regarding firearm crimes are still taken extremely seriously, and convictions can result in severe penalties.

These are just a few examples of the kinds of criminal charges one can face in Houston. If you are arrested or under investigation for any of these charges, it is wise to speak to and hire a criminal defense lawyer as quickly as possible. There is just too much at stake for you in a criminal defense case. A skilled attorney can safeguard you and represent your interests.

Why Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer From Surginer Stewart PLLC?

When you are faced with criminal charges in Houston, you need to reach out to a criminal defense attorney. They can begin building you a strong legal defense right away. At Surginer Stewart PLLC, we can provide you with the counsel and representation you deserve, and we can do so in the following ways:

• Explaining your legal rights: No matter the nature of the crime you have been charged with, you still have legal rights, which are protected under both state and federal law. For most people, it can be difficult to remember all these rights, which is why it is so important that you speak with an attorney. They can explain them all to you and show you how to exercise them to their full extent.
• Investigating your case: At Surginer Stewart PLLC, we can investigate the charges against you. Our team can work to uncover the evidence needed to challenge the prosecution’s version of events.
• Negotiating with the prosecution: Depending on your case, your attorney may seek a plea bargain. We could also get your charges completely dropped or seek a lesser form of punishment.
• Representing you in court: While not every case will proceed to a court trial, when this does happen, your attorney can handle all the legal aspects associated with these situations. At Surginer Stewart PLLC, we can examine witnesses, present our argument in court, and present evidence that can support your defense.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Texas?

A: How much it may cost to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Texas varies. This is because every attorney is different, and so is the way in which they establish their fees. However, most individuals can expect various factors to impact these costs, including the duration and complexity of a case and the experience level of their attorney.

Q: What Are Some Common Penalties for Crimes Committed in Houston?

A: An individual might face one or more of several penalties for a crime committed in Houston. The exact penalties will ultimately depend on the nature and severity of the crime itself. Common criminal penalties include jail time, fines, and probation. Personal penalties might include loss of housing or employment, as there is a 30% unemployment rate for felons reentering society after prison.

Q: What Are the Differences Between Felonies and Misdemeanors?

A: In Texas, the main difference between felony crimes and misdemeanors lies in the severity of each. A felony tends to involve more serious crimes, so it often results in a much more severe penalty. For example, felonies tend to have longer prison sentences and higher fine amounts. Felons may also lose access to certain civil rights, such as the right to bear arms or vote in an election.

Q: What Are the Stages of Prosecution in Texas?

A: In Texas, there are three basic stages of the prosecution process, and it is very wise to be aware of them when facing criminal charges. These stages include:

1. Your initial arrest: This starts your case. You should request an attorney immediately upon your arrest.
2. Arraignment: In this step, the courts notify you of the crime and charges you are facing, and you will be allowed to enter your plea.
3. Adjudication: At this point, your case will be tried in court.

Speak With a Trusted Legal Advocate Today

Finding yourself arrested for a criminal charge in Houston can be debilitating and overwhelming. You need a legal team who can do whatever it takes to defend your freedoms. It is vital that you act quickly when exercising your right to legal counsel. As soon as you know you are under investigation or have been taken into police custody, you need to connect with a Houston defense attorney.

You can rely on the team at Surginer Stewart PLLC. Contact our offices today to schedule your consultation with an attorney you can trust. In an initial consultation, you can learn more information about your case once we review its specifics. Then, we can begin planning your defense.