We Handle the Full Range of Criminal Cases in La Marque and Throughout Galveston County
At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, our La Marque criminal defense lawyers are devoted to providing the highest level of personalized legal representation. Our firm employs aggressive, proven defense strategies designed to get our clients the absolute best possible results. If you or your loved one is facing a misdemeanor or felony charge, please do not hesitate to contact our experienced criminal defense attorney for a confidential, no obligation consultation.
We Defend Misdemeanor and Felony Charges in La Marque, Texas
The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates is a criminal defense law firm devoted to protecting the rights and the interests of clients throughout Southeast Texas, including in La Marque. Founded by a former Texas criminal prosecutor, we always go the extra mile to help our clients get justice and the best possible outcome, even if it goes to a jury trial. Your rights, your freedom, and your future all matter. Along with other types of criminal charges, our Galveston County criminal lawyers have experience with:
- DWI Charges: Drunk driving is a crime that is taken very seriously in Texas. Indeed, being arrested for and charged with a DWI can lead to severe consequences like license suspension, fines, and even jail time. We can help. Our team is prepared to scrutinize the evidence, challenging field sobriety tests, questioning breathalyzer accuracy, and take action to get results. Contact our La Marque criminal lawyer for immediate help.
- Drug Charges: Drug offenses can range from simple possession to serious felony trafficking charges. Drug crimes can carry severe penalties, including jail time. We explore every angle of your case—the legality of the drug search to the handling of evidence. If you or your loved one is facing any type of drug charge in La Marque, contact us for immediate help.
- Sex Crimes Charges: No crime carries more serious stigma than sexual-based offenses. These charges can tarnish reputations and have life-altering penalties. In Texas, a conviction may even require a lifetime registration as a sex offender. We defend your reputation and freedom. Contact our La Marque criminal defense attorney today for immediate help.
- White Collar Offenses: White collar criminal charges are broadly defined as non-violent crimes that typically involve deception for financial gain. Some of the most common examples include wire fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and tax evasion. Notably, they often involve complex financial transactions. We have skills and sophistication to take on these cases. Contact our La Marque criminal defense firm to set up a fully confidential consultation with a top-tier white collar criminal defense lawyer.
- Misdemeanor Crimes: Misdemeanors are lesser offenses—such as petty theft or vandalism. They might seem minor, but can still have significant consequences. Indeed, some misdemeanors in Texas can still carry a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail. Facing a misdemeanor charge? Contact our La Marque criminal defense attorney today.
- Serious Felonies: Felonies are the most severe category of crime. In Texas, all felony offenses could result in a minimum of one year in state prison. Of course, many serious felonies carry far more severe charges than that. We use an aggressive defense strategy in felony cases. Contact our La Marque, TX felony defense attorney today for help.
- Grand Jury Proceedings: During these proceedings, a jury determines whether there’s enough evidence for a trial. Navigating this phase is crucial. We represent you in the critical early stages of your case. We are proactive and results driven.
- Expungements: An expungement clears your criminal record, helping you move on from past mistakes. The process can be complex. Indeed, there are strict eligibility criteria to get your criminal records sealed in Texas. We guide you through every aspect of the expungement process. Contact our La Marque, TX criminal defense lawyer today for help with your expungement case.
- Criminal Appeals: A conviction in a criminal case is not necessarily the end of the road. If you have been convicted of a felony offense, you have the right to appeal. In Texas, appeals involve arguing legal errors in the initial trial. You need a Texas criminal defense attorney with appellate law experience. We have the specialized skills, experience, and legal expertise to handle your appeal.
Protect Yourself: Know Your Constitutional Rights
Are you facing a criminal allegation in La Marque or elsewhere in Galveston County? If so, it is crucial to understand that you have valuable rights under the law. Protect yourself by exercising your constitutional rights. Here are four of the most important rights to be aware of:
- You Have the Right to Remain Silent: Under the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, you have the right not to testify against yourself. It is the cornerstone of your procedural rights and you can invoke it before an arrest. You are not required to answer any questions from police or prosecutors. Anything you say can be used against you. With that in mind, as criminal defendants, it is always best to remain silent and work through a criminal law school graduate, well experienced, award winning defense lawyer!
- You Have the Right to Be Free From an Unreasonable Search: Under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, people in La Marque, TX are protected against unreasonable searches and seizures. It is this right that safeguards your privacy. You do not have to consent to any search. Police need a judicial warrant or probable cause in order to conduct a search. Any evidence obtained through an illegal search could potentially be excluded from a trial. Your La Marque lawyer can challenge illegally obtained evidence.
- You Have the Right to an Attorney: Guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment, the right to an attorney ensures that everyone has the opportunity to be defended by competent legal. If you cannot afford your own defense lawyer, the government must provide you with a public defender. The sooner you consult with a La Marque defense attorney, the better.
- You Have the Right to a Fair Trial: The Sixth Amendment also guarantees the right to a fair trial. It is a truly fundamental foundation of the American criminal justice system. It is designed to ensure justice is served. You don’t need to plead guilty. This right includes the ability to confront witnesses, present evidence, and have a trial by an impartial jury. Although most criminal charges in La Marque do not end up in a Galveston County court, you always have the right to a trial.
Your Defense Strategy Will Depend on Specific Circumstances
What is the best way to defend a criminal charge in Galveston County? The answer will depend, in large part, based on the specific circumstance of the case. Key factors including the charges, the evidence, and your history of prior offenses or lack thereof. No matter your situation, the La Marque criminal defense team at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates will invest the time and resources into your case to understand the charges and raise the best defense strategy. Along with other things, you may defense a charge based on:
- Challenging due process violations;
- Challenging admissibility of evidence;
- Arguing prosecution lacks sufficient evidence; and
- Working towards a plea agreement.
No matter what needs to be done, our criminal lawyers work tirelessly to help you with plea negotiations, court procedures, and anything else needs to help you the best we can! We are on your side!
Criminal Defense in La Marque: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I Answer Questions from Police Officers or Prosecutors?
No—or, more accurately, you should not agree to do so unless you have an experienced La Marque criminal defense lawyer on your side. In Texas, it is your constitutional right to remain silent. You are not required to answer any questions. Remember, anything you say can be used against you in court. Make sure you speak to a lawyer before you speak to police or prosecutors.
How Does Bail/Bond Work in Texas?
Bail is financial assurance that can be used to ensure a court appearance. After arrest, a judge sets the bail amount considering the crime’s severity, flight risk, and public safety. Defendants can pay bail directly—the full amount, which will be refunded after court appearances—or use a bail bondsman to post bond—a non-refundable fee, that is generally a small percentage of bail.
Can I Get Probation Instead of Going to Jail?
It depends. In Texas, probation is a potential alternative to jail for certain types of offenses. It is most often used for first-time and/or non-violent offenders. It involves meeting specific conditions set by the court—from regular check-ins to avoiding illegal activities to attending counseling. Notably, the violation of probation in La Marque, TX is a serious offense. It can lead to an immediate arrest.
How Often Do Criminal Cases Go to Trial In Texas?
Not often. Indeed, most criminal cases in Galveston County, Texas do not end up going to trial. Instead, a significant majority are resolved through plea bargains. The decision to go to trial depends on the specifics of the case. Our La Marque, TX criminal defense lawyers are trial-tested advocates for our clients. While we have extensive experience handling all stages of the criminal justice process—including fighting to get charges dismissed outright and negotiating favorable plea agreements—we are also ready to take your case to court to get justice.
Should I Accept a Plea Agreement in My Criminal Case?
It depends entirely on the specific circumstance of your case, including the nature of the charge, the scope of the prosecution’s evidence, and the terms of the plea bargain. Accepting a plea agreement in Texas should only be done after a thorough, careful decision. Do not negotiate a plea bargain on your own. Consult with a La Marque, TX criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after an arrest.
What Do I Do If I Am Facing Multiple Criminal Charges?
You should consult with a La Marque, TX criminal defense lawyer who is qualified to provide comprehensive legal representation. All of the charges matter. It is not uncommon for people accused of a crime to face multiple overlapping charges. They may even face multiple criminal accounts for the same offense. Our La Marque criminal defense attorney can help.
What is a Bench Warrant?
Broadly explained, a bench warrant is a type of arrest warrant issued by a judge or court, typically when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court appearance, disobeys a court order, or is in contempt of court. Unlike a standard arrest warrant that is issued based on probable cause of a crime, a bench warrant is a direct order from the court related to a person’s failure to comply with judicial proceedings. Still, it can lead to an immediate arrest. If you are facing a bench warrant, you should consult with a La Marque criminal defense attorney right away.
What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?
Misdemeanors and felonies represent two primary categories of criminal offenses in Texas. Misdemeanors are considered less serious crimes, with punishments typically involving fines, probation, or short-term incarceration, usually less than a year, in a local or county jail. In contrast, felonies are more severe offenses that carry heavier penalties. In Texas, all felony offenses carry at least one year in state prison—with many carrying far harsher penalties than that. Regardless of the charges you are facing, our La Marque criminal defense attorneys are ready to help.
Why We are the Best La Marque Criminal Defense Lawyers
Facing any type of criminal charge is stressful, confusing, and downright frightening. You do not have to take on police or prosecutors alone. The right attorney on your side can make all of the difference. You want someone who not only understands the law but also genuinely cares about your case and your future. At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, we offer the best criminal defense representation in La Marque, Texas. When you reach out to our law firm, you will have an opportunity to connect with a Galveston County criminal defense law firm that is:
- Proactive, Detail-Driven Investigation: We believe in a proactive approach to defense. We never sit back and wait for the prosecution to present their case. Instead, we actively investigate every aspect of your situation. Our La Marque criminal defense lawyer will dive into the details—scrutinizing police reports, examining evidence, interviewing witnesses, and securing any other relevant evidence.
- Devoted to Personalized Representation: The criminal defense strategy that is a good fit for another client may not work at all in your case. We recognize that every case is unique, with its own set of circumstances and challenges. Our La Marque criminal defense lawyers take the time to understand your specific situation, your concerns, and your goals.
- Founded By a Former Texas Prosecutor: We have a comprehensive understanding of every aspect of the criminal justice system. Our firm was founded by Tad A. Nelson, a former State prosecutor. Our unique experience helps us anticipate the prosecution’s strategies.
- Focused on Getting Results: We understand that nothing is more important than results. Our ultimate goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for you. Whether it is through negotiating plea deals, getting charges reduced, or fighting for an acquittal, our La Marque criminal defense lawyer works tirelessly to protect your rights and secure your future.
Contact Our La Marque Criminal Defense Attorney Today
At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, our La Marque criminal defense attorney invests the time, the resources, and the attention to detail to get results. If you or your loved one was arrested, we can help. Contact us today to set up a confidential initial consultation. We defend criminal cases in La Marque and throughout the surrounding region in Galveston County.