# Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer | Proven Results [![The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/themes/tad-law-rebuild/assets/app/svg/logotype.svg)](https://tadlaw.com) - [About](https://tadlaw.com/about/) - [Attorneys](https://tadlaw.com/about/attorneys/) - [Tad A. Nelson](https://tadlaw.com/attorneys/tad-a-nelson/) - [Amber R. Spurlock](https://tadlaw.com/attorneys/amber-r-spurlock/) - [Blog](https://tadlaw.com/blog/) - [Testimonials](https://tadlaw.com/about/testimonials/) - [In The Media](https://tadlaw.com/resources/media/) - [Credentials](https://tadlaw.com/about/credentials/) - [Press Center](/press/) - [Practice Areas](https://tadlaw.com/practice-areas/) - [Criminal Defense](https://tadlaw.com/) - [DWI](https://tadlaw.com/houston-tx/dwi-lawyer/) - [Drug Crime](https://tadlaw.com/houston-tx/drug-crime-lawyer/) - [Sex Crime](https://tadlaw.com/houston-tx/sex-crime-lawyer/) - [Gun Crime](https://tadlaw.com/houston-tx/gun-crime-lawyer/) - [Federal Crime](https://tadlaw.com/houston-tx/federal-crime-lawyer/) - [View All Practice Areas](https://tadlaw.com/practice-areas/) - [Family Law](https://tadlaw.com/houston-tx/family-law-lawyer/) - [Divorce](https://tadlaw.com/houston-tx/divorce-lawyer/) - [Child Custody](https://tadlaw.com/houston-tx/child-custody-lawyer/) - [CPS](https://tadlaw.com/houston-tx/cps-lawyer/) - 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500+ Jury **Trials** - 35+ Years of **Experience** - 250+ 5-star **Reviews** - 90+ Combined Team **Experience** - Top 10% DWI Attorney **Ranking in Texas** ## Your Houston and Galveston **Criminal Defense, Family Law & Personal Injury Attorneys** - [Criminal Defense](https://tadlaw.com/) - [Family Law](https://tadlaw.com/houston-tx/family-law-lawyer/) - [Personal Injury](https://tadlaw.com/houston-tx/personal-injury-lawyer/) - ![DUI Defense Lawyers Association](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tad-Badge.png) - ![DUI Defense Lawyers Association](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tad-Badge-1.png) - [![acs-chal lawyer scientist](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/acs-chal-lawyer-scientist.jpeg)](https://forensicchromatography.com/acs-lawyer-scientist-tad-nelson-from-texas-2/) - ![Avvo badge](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Avvo-badge.webp) - [![Avvo](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/avvo-2013-png.png)](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77573-tx-tad-nelson-191289.html) - 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![Texas criminal Defense Lawyers](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/TCDLA_Logo-removebg-preview.png) [(281) 280-0100](tel:+12812800100) Call us **today** Tad Nelson & Associates ## Houston & Galveston **Criminal Defense**Attorneys — **Who We Are****** Tad Nelson is one of a select group of attorneys in Texas certified as an ACS/CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist, a credential held by fewer than 1% of criminal defense attorneys nationwide. Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1996, and holding a Master’s degree in Forensic Toxicology, Tad brings a level of scientific and courtroom expertise that most Houston defense attorneys simply cannot match. A former Assistant District Attorney with 500+ jury trials and 35+ years of experience, he and co-counsel Amber Spurlock defend clients facing criminal charges, DWI cases, family law matters, and personal injury claims across Houston, Galveston, and surrounding counties. [Request a Free Consultation](https://tadlaw.com/contact-us/) ## ACS/CHAL **Lawyer-Scientist** ### Things that set us apart from OUR competitors Our law firm is operated by Texas DWI defense attorneys Tad Nelson and Amber Spurlock. Attorney Tad Nelson holds credentials as an ACS/CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist and is a former prosecutor. Such a distinction puts The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates head and shoulders above the average DWI focused law firm in Houston and at the forefront of the top 10% of practicing Drunk Driving attorneys in the state of Texas. - Former Assistant District Attorney - Board Certified® in 1996 - Certified SFST Instructor - Certified in the DRE Protocol ### Tad Nelson and Amber Spurlock hold #### Chromatograph Training: Gas Chromatograph (**Multiple Breath**-Test Machines) #### Masters Masters in **Forensic Science** ## Client Testimonials The following testimonials are just a few of the many that have been received from previous clients of Tad Nelson. Please read them and get to know Tad Nelson from a client’s perspective. If you would like to add your opinion to this site please contact the **Law Office of Tad Nelson & Associates.** ![Google Rating](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/stars.webp) ![Google Logo](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/google-icn-img.webp) Sandy S Maricela was very helpful as soon as we came through the door. What a very welcoming and friendly face to see after... ![Google Rating](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/stars.webp) ![Google Logo](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/google-icn-img.webp) Deborah Kegley-Rogers Shelly made the process super easy at Nelson Law Firm. She was friendly and helpful. I did not feel judged, and my... ![Google Rating](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/stars.webp) ![Google Logo](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/google-icn-img.webp) Phillip Davis Tad Nelson is a top notch lawyer for Galveston and surrounding counties. He’s always there to answer questions and support his clients... ![Google Rating](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/stars.webp) ![Google Logo](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/google-icn-img.webp) Brandy Rocha Tad Nelson and his firm is definitely the team you want by your side!! He helped me with a problem I got... ![Google Rating](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/stars.webp) ![Google Logo](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/google-icn-img.webp) Heather Williams My family had the immense pleasure of working with Tad and Amber through one of the most intense situations of our lives... ![Google Rating](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/stars.webp) ![Google Logo](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/google-icn-img.webp) Gray Laskoskie The guy is well known around the courthouse and by the judges, likely because he is quite good at what he does.... ![Google Rating](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/stars.webp) ![Google Logo](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/google-icn-img.webp) David Silva Attorney Tad Nelson is representing a family member in a case, and when I met Mr. Nelson he was very easy to... ![Google Rating](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/stars.webp) ![Google Logo](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/google-icn-img.webp) James Tiemann “Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor Hell a fury like a woman scorned.” – William Congreve I cannot... ![Google Rating](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/stars.webp) ![Google Logo](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/google-icn-img.webp) Aimee Montoya I had an amazing experience with this law firm — especially with Shelly, the paralegal who helped me every step of the... ![Google Rating](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/stars.webp) ![Google Logo](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/google-icn-img.webp) Noah Walked in for a consult about expunging an old misdemeanor. Booked the slot through their online scheduler the night before and found... ![Google Rating](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/stars.webp) ![Google Logo](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/google-icn-img.webp) Nieves Garcia Mr. Nelson was the best defender I could've chosen to help me get my case resolved. He was very determined to get... ![Google Rating](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/stars.webp) ![Google Logo](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/google-icn-img.webp) Anabel Ruiz Tad Nelson and his Associates are the best! Tad is amazing at what he does, he helped me get out of a... ![Google Rating](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/stars.webp) ![Google Logo](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/google-icn-img.webp) Stephen Engelbosch I can’t thank Tad Nelson and associates enough for the incredible representation I received. From the very first meeting, they treated me... ![Google Rating](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/stars.webp) ![Google Logo](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/google-icn-img.webp) Fernando Montoya I had an excellent experience working with Tad Nelson’s Law Firm. From start to finish, the team was professional, responsive, and truly... ![Google Rating](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/stars.webp) ![Google Logo](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/google-icn-img.webp) Cherry On Top Bakery I had a great experience working with Tad Nelson and his team. Tad is knowledgeable, approachable, and really made me feel supported... ![Google Rating](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/stars.webp) ![Google Logo](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/google-icn-img.webp) Jessi Diaz Tad Nelson & Associates truly went above and beyond for me. From start to finish, their professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail... ![Google Rating](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/stars.webp) ![Google Logo](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/google-icn-img.webp) Ana Luna Tad and Maricela have done such an amazing job. Words cannot express how grateful I am to have chosen this team to... ![Google Rating](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/stars.webp) ![Google Logo](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/google-icn-img.webp) Sonya Alvarez Want to see a good attorney; just go sit in the courtroom and watch Mr. Nelson work! From my very first consult... [View All Testimonials](https://tadlaw.com/about/testimonials/) ## Frequently Asked Questions **About Our Firm** - Yes. Tad Nelson has been Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1996, a distinction held by fewer than 10% of Texas attorneys. - The ACS/CHAL (American Chemical Society — Chemistry and the Law) Forensic Lawyer-Scientist designation is one of the most rigorous scientific credentials available to a criminal defense attorney. It signifies advanced training in forensic chemistry, toxicology, and the science behind DWI breath and blood testing. Tad Nelson is one of very few attorneys in Texas to hold this credential. - We serve clients throughout Houston (Harris County), Galveston County, League City, Friendswood, Seabrook, Webster, and the surrounding communities in Southeast Texas. - Our firm handles criminal defense (felony and misdemeanor), DWI and DUI defense, sex crimes, drug offenses, family law (divorce, custody, CPS), and personal injury cases. - Call our office or submit a consultation request online. We respond promptly and treat every inquiry with confidentiality and respect. [Get Help With Your Criminal Defense Case](https://tadlaw.com/contact-us/) [(281) 280-0100](tel:+12812800100) Top 10% **Drunk Driving** Attorneys in Texas How we can help ## Contacting Tad Nelson & Associates is Easy When you contact us, you will be dealing with competent lawyers and paralegals that will treat you with respect. We understand that it isn’t easy to talk to a stranger about personal issues. We strive to maintain a stress-free and welcoming office so you feel comfortable with us from the moment you call or email to the moment we finish your case. We will consult with you on the details of your case and answer any and all questions you have, explaining each answer thoroughly so you understand what is going to happen and how we can help. ![Criminal attorneys discussing their cases](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/stock-photo-judge-gavel-with-justice-3-1.jpg) Together Tad, Amber, and Doug have 90+ Years of Legal **Experience** ## Experienced & Knowledgeable Legal Team Everyone at our offices is a highly experienced attorney who will treat your case as a priority. Together Tad, Amber, and Doug have over 90 years of legal experience and have earned recognition for their legal service. We have helped many residents of the Houston and Galveston areas with their legal issues including DWI’s, sex crimes, divorces and serious felonies. You are in good hands with our top rated attorneys. [Learn More About Our Team](https://tadlaw.com/about/) [(281) 280-0100](tel:+12812800100) [![The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/themes/tad-law-rebuild/assets/app/svg/logotype-light.svg)](https://tadlaw.com) - [Home](https://tadlaw.com/) - [About](https://tadlaw.com/about/) - [Practice Areas](https://tadlaw.com/practice-areas/) - [Resources](https://tadlaw.com/resources/) - [Blog](https://tadlaw.com/blog/) - [Contact Us](https://tadlaw.com/contact-us/) - [Sitemap](https://tadlaw.com/sitemap/) - [Terms of Service](https://tadlaw.com/terms-of-service/) - [Privacy Policy](https://tadlaw.com/privacy-policy/) © Copyright 2026 [The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates](https://tadlaw.com). All Rights Reserved. We Can Help You Contact Us Today For A **Free Consultation** League City Office 820 East Main Street League City, Texas 77573 [(281) 280-0100](tel:+12812800100) [A League City Criminal Defense and Family Law / Divorce Law Firm](https://tadlaw.com/league-city-tx/criminal-defense-lawyer/) [GET DIRECTIONS](https://goo.gl/maps/Nqq8EwVWPnQeTBbS6) Galveston Office 511 59th Street Galveston, Texas 77551 [(409) 765-5614](tel:+14097655614) [A Galveston Criminal Defense and Family Law / Divorce Law Firm](https://tadlaw.com/galveston-tx/criminal-defense-lawyer/) [GET DIRECTIONS](https://goo.gl/maps/sg7wGPN3wHPWBMXw9) Follow Us © Copyright 2026 [The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates](https://tadlaw.com). All Rights Reserved. --- Source: https://tadlaw.com/