
Galveston County Criminal Defense Lawyer
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ToggleCriminal Defense Attorney in Galveston County, TX
Being charged with a crime in Galveston can leave you shaken and uncertain about your next steps. The criminal justice system in Galveston can impose penalties that take away your freedom and damage your reputation. During a difficult time, it is important to remember that you have the right to seek legal counsel that can zealously fight for your rights. With the right strategy, a Galveston County criminal defense lawyer can help protect your freedom and future.

Strong Legal Advocates Representing Defendants in Galveston County
If you are facing criminal charges in Galveston County, you need representation from a proven law firm that delivers results. The legal team at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates brings over 30 years of combined courtroom experience. Our team, which includes a board-certified lawyer, understands what it takes to deliver outcomes for our clients that shield them from serious penalties and protect their freedom.
Setting our law firm apart is our commitment to providing personalized advocacy focused on securing a positive outcome to your case. Our founding attorney is a former state prosecutor who uses his inside knowledge of the court system to represent clients facing serious and potentially life-altering criminal charges. We begin every case by intently listening to our clients and investigating the charges before moving forward with a results-driven defense strategy.

Understanding Crimes in Galveston
Galveston County sees the same types of crimes (DUIs, sexual assault, aggravated assault, robbery, homicide) that occur elsewhere in the state. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, there were 18,307 reported sexual assault offenses in 2023, and the violent crime rate statewide stands at 3.775 per 1,000 residents per year.
Local headlines often describe violent crimes. On August 6, 2025, a man was shot and killed during a fight inside a store on Grand Avenue in Bacliff, showing how quickly a verbal dispute can turn deadly. Criminal activity touches neighborhoods in Galveston’s East End, Bacliff, and Texas City. Defendants are often booked into the Galveston County Jail in Galveston, which is located at 5700 Avenue H, Galveston, TX 77551.
Effective Legal Defense Strategies
The right legal defense strategy can influence the outcome of your case in your favor. After reviewing the evidence, your attorney can focus on the most effective approach for beating your charges. This may involve questioning the reliability of a witness or arguing that police arrested the wrong person. In some cases, there may not be sufficient evidence to prove that any crime occurred.
In cases of assault or a white-collar crime, criminal intent may play a role. Someone accused of harming someone else may have acted in self-defense. Investigators may have arrived at the scene of a fight and falsely assumed one party committed a crime, for example.
Other crimes often benefit from having evidence suppressed. If law enforcement entered a home without permission or a warrant, any evidence they gathered could be deemed inadmissible in court. Being pulled over without a valid reason is a potential violation of your constitutional rights.
Why You Should Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Galveston County, TX?
The decision to hire a criminal defense lawyer should be your top priority if you are facing charges in Galveston County. Defense attorneys bring insight into criminal defense cases that can lead to favorable outcomes in your case. Texas’s criminal defense laws often require prosecutors to prove criminal intent and guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. It is the job of a Galveston County criminal defense attorney to prevent prosecutors from doing so.
A Galveston County criminal defense attorney can carefully listen to your account of events before focusing on an effective defense strategy that works to bolster your defense, either by directly challenging the prosecution, negotiating a favorable plea bargain deal, or going to court if needed. During a difficult time, having the right legal defense can provide you with the support and confidence you need to see your case through.
FAQs About Galveston County Criminal Defense
What Types of Criminal Cases Are Handled in Galveston County?
Galveston’s criminal courts oversee both misdemeanor and felony cases. DUIs and other misdemeanor charges can lead to one year of jail time in Texas, while felony cases can result in confinement in prison. Specific crimes that are handled in Texas include assault, rape, homicide, theft, and a wide range of white-collar crimes.
How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help Protect My Rights?
Criminal defense attorneys play a critical role in balancing the scales of justice in favor of defendants. Prosecutors have vast resources at their disposal, but defense attorneys bring years of experience and a deep understanding of criminal law when helping defendants. Defense attorneys also understand the constitutional rights of defendants and can take decisive action to assert those rights in court.
What Should I Do After Being Arrested in Galveston County?
If you are arrested in Galveston County, it is important to invoke your right to remain silent. Law enforcement is trained to ask questions that could lead you to say something incriminating. This could greatly complicate your defense later on. Do not answer questions that could hurt your case and seek legal representation as soon as possible.
Can a Lawyer Help Reduce or Dismiss Criminal Charges?
An experienced criminal defense lawyer can play an active role in having your charges reduced or dismissed. One way they can do this is by chipping away at the prosecution’s case. By reviewing witness statements and other forms of evidence, they can prevent prosecutors from meeting their burden of proof. Violations of your constitutional rights can lead to a decisive win in court.
Let The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates Work to Protect Your Freedom and Future. At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, our Galveston County defense lawyer provides aggressive and focused legal support to clients facing misdemeanors and felonies. When needed, we are not afraid to go to trial to secure a win and clear your name. The quality of your legal defense matters. Let our board-certified trial lawyer provide you with the legal representation you need to safeguard your future. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.
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Testimonials
Tad and Amber are literally top of the game. When I need results, they are the only people I trust. Quality of service, knowledge and professionalism throughout. Don't gamble with a lawyer on any legal issue, you only want to bet on the best!
Thank you Tad Nelson for standing up for me and what is right, Tad Nelson is obviously well known and respected through out the court system as he spoke with authority and precisely to the assistant DA resulting in the dismissal of my case before the case went to trial. Thank you again. if you want it done call Tad Nelson
I hired them a while back for a DWI out in Harris County, they're good and if you need help with any kind of legal matter, give em a call. For a lawyer, Tad has a great personality so working with him should be easier than working with other lawyers.
He is the one lawyer that I can call and put my trust into. We’ve used him a couple of times, once for a family matter and another time for a troubled relative. He’ll help, tell you the truth with no sugar-coating, and will work for his salt. He’s a good guy and when you go to their office, they make you feel at home, like you’re part of the team. Good lawyers and great folks.
I've had the pleasure of working with Tad personally as a technology consultant for him in the past. We've eaten lunch and dinner together. I know that Tad is very dedicated to his clients and cares for them off the clock. He's definitely the lawyer you want on your side.