Criminal Defense Lawyer in Bacliff

Criminal Defense Attorney in Bacliff, TX

If you or a loved one was arrested, then now is the time to hire an experienced Bacliff criminal defense lawyer. At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, we defend men and women charged with misdemeanor or felony offenses. Call us today. In a private consultation, we can discuss your criminal offense and criminal history, including whatever statements you made to the police.

Based on what we hear, we can preview the penalties you are facing and possible defenses. Reach out today to avoid any type of criminal conviction and to schedule your free consultation.

We Have a Broad Criminal Defense Practice

We can help anyone accused of some of the most common felony or misdemeanor offenses:

• DWI offenses. Texas criminalizes driving while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. A first offense is a Class B misdemeanor with a minimum of 3 days in jail. Penalties increase steeply if you have a child in the car or injured anyone in a crash. Repeat offenders can also face felony charges if they have two or more prior DWI convictions. Call our office so a Bacliff DWI defense attorney can analyze the charges.
• Misdemeanor offenses. A misdemeanor is a relatively low-level offense for common crimes, such as petty theft, disorderly conduct, or criminal mischief. Nonetheless, a Class A misdemeanor can send you to jail for up to a year and have other negative repercussions.
• Serious felonies. Felonies are more serious than misdemeanor offenses and include most crimes of violence, including robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault, manslaughter, and homicide. Grand theft is also classified as a felony. Any conviction can result in years behind bars, so now is the time to reach out to a seasoned Bacliff criminal lawyer.
• Drug crimes. Anyone found possessing, selling, distributing, or manufacturing drugs faces major criminal charges. Texas has a long list of controlled substances and possession or distribution of marijuana is still a crime in most situations. Call Tad Nelson & Associates if you are facing a drug possession charge or any other type of drug charge.
• Sex crimes. A conviction for a sex crime can ruin a person’s reputation, often resulting in mandatory registration as a sex offender. Our Bacliff criminal defense lawyers can defend anyone accused of sexual assault, rape, possession of child pornography, online solicitation of a minor, or other sex-related offenses. Call us immediately before making any statements to the police.
• White-collar crimes. White-collar crimes are committed for financial gain. Most white-collar offenses relate to financial fraud or dishonesty and include forgery, perjury, wire fraud, credit card fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, and similar offenses. Although non-violent, these crimes often result in felony charges and years behind bars for a conviction. Instead of hoping the prosecutor takes things easy on you, reach out to our white-collar defense lawyer.
• Federal crimes. The federal government runs a parallel criminal justice system. Some crimes are both state and federal, and you can end up in federal court if the crime involves interstate commerce in any way. You need an experienced lawyer who knows their way around the federal system, which has its own sentencing scheme and rules of evidence. Tad Nelson has defended many accused men and women in federal court and is happy to discuss your criminal case.
• Probation violations. Probation allows convicted defendants to serve their sentence outside of jail/prison, but you must fulfill the terms and conditions. Any violation of these conditions can result in revocation of probation, which sends you to jail. Call our office. We can argue with the Texas criminal justice system that your violation was minor or that you deserve a second chance.
• Criminal appeals. Any defendant who is convicted at trial can usually bring an appeal to a higher court. Our Bacliff criminal defense lawyers can argue that some error in the trial below deprived you of a fair trial, and we can ask for a reduced sentence or to have a conviction thrown out.
• Expungements. Texas law provides a limited right to expunge (erase) a criminal record. Some first-time offenders can either expunge or get an Order of Nondisclosure. Work closely with our Bacliff criminal defense attorneys to see if you qualify. We can also guide you through the process.

After an arrest, you need to attend an arraignment where the judge will read the charges against you. During an arraignment, you will be asked to enter a plea: either guilty or not guilty. Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and brainstorming defense strategies occur before your trial. During the trial, the judge or jury will hear evidence from both sides and issue a verdict.

Your attorney will work with you to determine how to approach the arraignment.

Why Tad Nelson is the Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney You Need?

Criminal defendants need zealous, high-quality advocacy. Tad Nelson is a former Assistant District Attorney who is board-certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Thanks to his decades of defending men and women, he knows how to efficiently attack the case against his clients.

Our firm has more than 30 years of criminal law experience, including more than 500 jury trials. You are getting one of the most experienced criminal defense attorneys in Bacliff to handle your criminal case from start to finish.

Mr. Nelson’s advocacy has resulted in regular industry recognition, and District Attorneys know his reputation for passionate advocacy. You can be sure our firm will do everything to obtain the best disposition of your case as possible.

Can You Avoid Jail?

Many clients are terrified of going to jail. It is certainly a possibility except for the lowest-level misdemeanor offenses (Class C misdemeanors):

• Class B misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail.
• Class A misdemeanor: up to one year in jail.
• State jail felony: Six months to two years in state jail.
• Third-degree felony: 2-10 years in prison.
• Second-degree felony: 2-20 years in prison.
• First-degree felony: Imprisonment for life or 5 to 99 years.
• Capital felony: Death penalty.

A felony is the most serious criminal charge in Texas. However, whether you end up in jail will depend on various factors, including your criminal history and the details of the offense. Let us go over the options.

Some people avoid jail by participating in Pre-Trial Diversion, probation, or another sentencing alternative.

No Crime is Too Small

Even Class C misdemeanors can create headaches for people moving forward. You might avoid jail but still end up with a criminal record that shows up on standard background checks. That makes it hard to get established, especially for young people just starting.

Background checks are used in all sorts of settings and for various purposes:

• Job applications
• Apartment applications
• Bank loan applications
• College and university admissions
• Professional licensing

A criminal conviction can show up later when you apply for a job or apartment. Any arrest or conviction might lead to the denial of a job, apartment, or spot in an incoming college class. Our firm can help those with a professional license navigate the fallout if they are arrested for even a misdemeanor, such as DWI.

Never plead guilty without first meeting with an experienced Bacliff criminal defense lawyer. We want to fully understand all the downstream consequences and empower you to make the right choice for your defense.

What to Do (And Not Do) if Arrested?

Unfortunately, some defendants hand over incriminating evidence to the prosecution. We recommend:

• Do not consent to a search. The police need a search warrant supported by probable cause in most situations. If you consent, they can avoid that step. Never give consent to search a car, property, cell phone, computer, or other possessions.
• Do not answer police questions. If an officer stops, you need to identify yourself. State your name and hand over your license and registration if asked. However, you don’t need to answer any other questions. Simply say, “I prefer not to answer. Can I go?”
• Remain calm and polite. Never escalate an arrest. It is harder to defend yourself from charges if you flee or fight with the officer.
• You have a right to record the encounter if you prefer. Of course, the officer will claim you are obstructing arrest if you choose to do this.
• Demand an attorney after arrest. You have a right to a lawyer at any interrogation. Our Bacliff criminal defense attorney can swing by the police station if you are being questioned. Always insist, “I don’t want to talk. I want a lawyer.”
• Avoid destroying evidence. For example, you might have incriminating texts with a minor on your phone or illegal photos on a computer. Erasing them is a separate crime. Instead, notify your attorney, who might be able to explain them away.

The simplest way to help your criminal case is to hire an experienced attorney right away. We can remind the police of their obligations under the constitution to avoid illegal searches, and we can advise you on what questions to answer.

Why Should You Hire Us?

There are hundreds of lawyers in Galveston County. Why choose Tad Nelson?

• We have hundreds of client success stories, including helping people qualify for diversion or probation. We have also won countless “Not Guilty “verdicts after presenting evidence at trial.
• Our lawyers have received recognition for our criminal defense prowess. Tad Nelson is the recipient of numerous honors, including a rare AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell®.
• Our lawyers are former prosecutors, so we know how the other side thinks and when their evidence is vulnerable. We use this knowledge in all phases of the case, from plea negotiating to motions to suppress evidence in front of a judge.
• Our firm knows how to prepare a record at trial in case you are convicted. By objecting at trial, we tee up issues for consideration on appeal. If a lawyer forgets to object, then the issue might be waived.
• We understand how disruptive a criminal arrest can be for people who have families and jobs. We strive to get you bail and out of jail. And we focus on obtaining a resolution that causes as little disruption as possible.

Bacliff Criminal Defense Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will I Lose My Gun Rights?

It’s possible. Both Texas and federal law prohibit someone from possessing a gun if they are a convicted felon. Furthermore, it’s hard to get approved for a gun license with even Class A or B misdemeanor offenses, so you certainly want to address any criminal charge if you hope to own a gun legally.

How Do I Get Bail?

Although Texas defendants have a “right to bail,” whether you get bail will depend on various factors, such as the details of the crime and your risk to others. Our lawyers can represent you at a bail hearing and argue for your release. We can also help you secure a bail bond, if necessary.

Should I Hire a Public Defender if I Can’t Afford Your Services?

Public defenders are skilled lawyers who unfortunately stagger beneath crushing caseloads. Some defenders are juggling 1,000 cases or more! You should hire a Bacliff criminal defense attorney who is familiar with handling criminal defense cases. Call Tad Nelson & Associates to discuss how we charge for our legal services and what payment plans are available.

Can I Face Charges for Aiding or Abetting a Crime?

Yes. Texas criminalizes aiding and abetting, which is one reason why family members should also seek legal advice when a loved one is arrested. Under Section 7.02 of the Texas Penal Code, you have criminal responsibility for another person if you encourage, aid, or attempt to help anyone committing a crime, and you can face charges for their criminal conduct.

Should I Accept a Plea Deal?

The answer to whether or not you should take a plea deal is always “it depends.” A plea deal can make sense if you are charged with a felony but get the charges reduced to a misdemeanor. However, a plea deal isn’t the best result for everyone. Instead, let our Bacliff criminal defense attorney review the deal and continue negotiations with the prosecution.

I Thought Texas Had Decriminalized Marijuana; Why Was I Arrested for Simple Possession?

As of early 2025, marijuana is not decriminalized in Texas. Certain individuals can use low-THC cannabis for specific medical reasons when prescribed by a qualified physician. However, Galveston County continues to criminalize possession of any amount of marijuana, with defendants facing Class B charges for having less than two ounces.

Speak with an Established Bacliff Criminal Defense Lawyer

The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates has defended clients from all walks of life against misdemeanor and felony charges. Call our office to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in a private consultation. Our firm knows how prosecutors think, and we can pinpoint if the evidence is weak or whether you should actively start seeking a plea deal.

Contact us today to get legal representation with your Bacliff or League City criminal defense case!