Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer

Houston Criminal Defense Attorney & Board-Certified Specialist in Criminal Law*

Every day, Houston and Harris County residents are accused of serious criminal offenses. For many people, it may be their first experience dealing with the criminal justice system. Your first instinct when questioned by a police officer may be to try and tell your side of the story. But the reality is, that is almost always a mistake. Police and prosecutors are not on your side. A top-tier Houston criminal defense attorney can protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.

In any criminal investigation or trial, you have a constitutional right to the assistance of an experienced Houston criminal defense attorney. At the Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, we know how to provide that counsel. We provide zealous and effective representation for clients throughout Houston, Galveston, and League City. Whether you are charged with a first-time DWI from the assistant district attorney or facing serious felony charges that could land you in prison for life, our Houston criminal lawyer at our law firm can help with your legal defense.

We Help People Accused of Drunk Driving in Houston

Many people panic when they are stopped by a police officer on suspicion of drunk driving. They often do not realize they have certain constitutional and legal rights that the police must respect. That is why you need to educate yourself before you find yourself in trouble. Here are some articles we have prepared on the subject of drunk driving in order to help prepare you:

• Alcohol Impairment Chart;
• Avoid These Common DWI Mistakes;
• Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID);
• Driving While License Suspended (DWLS);
• Field Sobriety Tests;
• Intoxicated Manslaughter;
• Loss of Commercial License;
• What are the Penalties?; and
• Will My License be Suspended?.

The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates has extensive experience dealing with DWI, DUI, and other types of impaired driving cases. We know what strategies work, and we can help you avoid a conviction that will permanently affect your criminal and driving record. One of the things that sets us apart from criminal lawyers used in DUI cases is that we have an ACS/CHAL Lawyer-Scientist on staff. Both Tad A. Nelson and Amber Spurlock have specialized training in DWI chemical testing, including breathalyzer tests. Our Houston criminal defense attorneys use our unique skills and experience to protect the rights and interests of our clients.

We Help People Accused of Serious Felonies in Houston

Felony charges are reserved for the most serious types of crimes in Texas. Even at the lowest degree–a state jail felony–you can face a minimum of six months in jail and a $10,000 fine. At the other end of the spectrum, conviction of a first-degree felony can effectively lead to a life sentence. Our experienced criminal defense attorney at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates can represent you in a wide range of serious felony cases, including the following:

• Aggravated Crimes: Aggravated crimes in Texas refer to offenses that are enhanced due to certain circumstances—such as the use of a weapon or the causing of a serious bodily injury. These crimes carry more severe penalties than their base-level counterparts. Facing an aggravated offense? Contact our Houston criminal defense lawyer for immediate help. 
• Arson: Arson in Texas involves intentionally starting a fire or causing an explosion with the purpose of damaging or destroying property. Notably, arson is an offense that can be elevated to a first-degree felony if it results in bodily injury or death. Arrested for arson? Contact our Houston, TX criminal defense lawyer for a confidential case review. 
• Assault: Assault in Texas includes intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing physical harm to another person. It is not a minor crime—assault can range from a misdemeanor to a felony depending on the severity of injury and the identity of the victim. If you are facing an assault charge in Houston, the team at the Law Offices of Tad A. Nelson is ready to help. 
• Burglary: Burglary involves entering a building or habitation without consent with the intent to commit theft, assault, or any felony. Unlike in some other jurisdictions, burglary is a  crime that is typically charged as a felony in Texas. For immediate help with your case, please contact our Houston burglary defense lawyer today. 
• Drug Charges: Drug charges in Texas can vary from simple possession to trafficking, depending on the type and amount of substance involved. Penalties can range from fines and probation to lengthy prison terms. At the Law Offices of Tad A. Nelson, we defend the full range of drug crimes charges in Houston. 
• Capital Murder Charges: The most serious criminal charge that any person can ever face in Texas, capital murder happens when a killing is in specific circumstances—such as during the commission of another felony or against a public servant. The charge can result in the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. A top defense lawyer is a must. 
• Violent Crimes: Violent crimes in Texas involve the use of force or threat of force against a person and include offenses like robbery, aggravated assault, and homicide. Notably, these types of crimes are often subject to enhanced penalties and prioritized prosecution. We defend all types of violent criminal charges in Houston. 
• Weapons Charges: Weapons charges in Texas can range from unlawful carrying of a weapon to the illegal sale or possession of firearms. The severity of charges depends on the type of weapon, the individual’s criminal history, and the circumstances of the case. For immediate help with your case, contact our Houston weapons defense lawyer right away.

We Help People Accused of Sex Crimes in Houston

Aside from homicide, perhaps no category of criminal offenses is more devastating to the falsely accused than sex crimes. Even a false accusation can publicly follow an accused individual for years. To help protect your liberty and your reputation, the Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates can represent you if you are charged with any of the following sex crimes:

• False Allegations of Sexual Misconduct: False allegations of sexual misconduct involve accusations of sexual activities that did not occur or were consensual. These cases can have devastating impacts on the accused’s personal and professional life.
• Internet Pornography: Internet pornography charges in Texas may arise from the possession, distribution, or production of explicit material online without consent or involving minors. It is a very serious criminal offense. 
• Internet Sex Crimes: Internet sex crimes in Texas encompass a range of illegal activities conducted online, including child pornography and solicitation of minors. A conviction can carry serious state (or federal) prison time. 
• Online Solicitation of a Minor: Online solicitation is a crime involving communicating with a minor over the internet with the intent to commit a sexual offense or induce the minor into sexual contact. It is a serious felony offense in Texas. 
• Prostitution and Solicitation: Prostitution involves engaging in or offering sexual conduct for hire, while solicitation refers to requesting, encouraging, or demanding these services. Both are punishable as criminal offenses in Texas. They are usually misdemeanors. 
• Rape: Rape in Texas is defined as non-consensual sexual intercourse, often involving force or threats. A convictions for rape in Txas can carry life-altering criminal penalties. 
• Sexual Assault: Sexual assault in Texas includes any non-consensual sexual contact—and it is characterized by the lack of consent or inability of the victim to give consent. Charged with sexual assault? Contact our Houston sex crimes defense lawyer for immediate help. 
• Sex Crime Investigations: Sex crime investigations in Texas are conducted to gather evidence and determine the occurrence of sexual offenses. These investigations are sensitive. Our Houston sex crimes defense lawyer will proactively investigate your case. 
• Sex Offender Registration: Sex offender registration in Texas is required for individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses and involves publicly accessible records of personal information and criminal history. In Texas, failure to register can lead to additional charges.
• Sexual Offenses Against Children: An extremely serious felony sex crimes charge in Texas, Sexual offenses against children in Texas include crimes such as molestation, exploitation, and child pornography. Our firm believes that everyone has the right to defend themselves.

We Help People Accused of White Collar Crimes in Houston

While they often do not get the same attention as violent crimes or sexually based offenses,white collar crimes can still lead to serious prison time, not to mention fines and court-ordered restitution to any victims. At the Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates we assist individuals accused of many types of white collar crimes such as:

• Credit Card Fraud: Credit card fraud in Texas involves the unauthorized use of another person’s credit card information to make purchases or withdraw funds. It is a crime that can lead to felony charges. Arrested for credit card fraud? Contact our Houston lawyer today. 
• Embezzlement: Embezzlement occurs when someone who is trusted with property or funds illegally takes them for their own use. In Texas, this financial crime can range from a misdemeanor to a felony based on the value of the embezzled assets.
• Fraud: Fraud in Texas encompasses various deceptive practices intended to gain financial or other benefits. Common forms include identity theft, credit card fraud, insurance fraud, and securities fraud. We defend all types of state and federal fraud charges in Houston. 
• Insurance Fraud: Insurance fraud involves falsifying information to obtain benefits from insurance policies. Texas prosecutes these offenses aggressively. Arrested for insurance fraud? Contact our Houston white collar criminal defense lawyer today. 
• Money Laundering: Money laundering in Texas includes conducting financial transactions to conceal the origin of illegally obtained money. The white collar offense is typically prosecuted as a felony. Contact our Houston money laundering defense lawyer today. 
• Mortgage Fraud: Mortgage fraud occurs when false or misleading information is provided to obtain a mortgage loan. It is a serious crime in Texas that can lead to federal and/or state criminal charges. Contact our Houston mortgage fraud defense lawyer for immediate help. 
• Multi-Level Marketing Schemes: Multi-level marketing schemes become illegal in Texas when they operate as pyramid schemes. Notably, these schemes can result in charges of fraud or deceptive business practices in Houston. 
• Tax Crimes: We defend the full range of tax crimes charges in Houston. Tax crimes in Texas involve willful acts of evasion of tax payments or falsifying tax returns. It could either be a state-based offense or a federal offense.

We Help People Charged With Crimes in Houston, Galveston & League City

In addition to the more serious offenses discussed above, the Law Office of Tad Nelson & Associates represents Houston-area residents in other criminal matters, including but not limited to the following:

• Criminal Mischief: In Texas, criminal mischief is a criminal charge that involves intentionally damaging property—such as through vandalism or graffiti. The severity of charges can range from a misdemeanor to a felony. It depends on the level of damage. 
• Domestic Violence: Domestic violence in Texas refers to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse between family members or individuals in a close relationship. These charges should always be defended with the utmost care, sensitivity, and professionalism. 
• Expungement: Expungement in Texas allows people to erase/seal records of arrests and convictions. There are very specific rules and regulations for when (and how) criminal records can be expunged. A Houston expungement lawyer can help. 
• Federal Crimes:Federal crimes in Texas are offenses that violate U.S. federal laws and are prosecuted in federal courts. These can include drug trafficking, white-collar crimes, and offenses crossing state lines. Our Houston attorneys defend federal criminal charges. 
• Grand Jury Proceedings: Grand jury proceedings in Texas are used to determine whether there is enough evidence to charge someone with a felony. These proceedings are closed to the public, and the grand jury decides whether to indict the accused.
• Human Trafficking: Human trafficking in Texas involves illegal trading of people for exploitation or commercial gain. It is a truly grave offense that carries very serious penalties—including a risk of long prison sentences. A Houston felony lawyer can help. 
• Juvenile Offenses: Juvenile offenses in Texas are criminal acts committed by a minor who is under 17 years of age. These are typically handled in juvenile courts—which focus more on rehabilitation than punishment. However, certain juvenile crimes are charged in adult court in Texas. A juvenile defense lawyer in Houston can help protect your child. 
• Misdemeanor Crimes: Misdemeanor crimes in Texas are less serious offenses compared to felonies and include petty theft, simple assault, and minor drug possession. Penalties can include fines, short jail terms, or community service. We defend the full range of misdemeanor criminal charges in Houston. 
• Probation Violations: Probation violations in Texas occur when someone breaks the terms of their probation, which can result in additional penalties or imprisonment. Some of the most common violations of probation include failing drug tests, missing probation meetings, or committing new crimes. We defend all types of probation violation cases. 
• Smuggling: Smuggling in Texas involves the illegal transportation of goods or people across borders. The crime often relates to drugs, weapons, or human trafficking. Smuggling charges may be charged as a federal criminal offense in Texas. 
• Theft: Theft in Texas is defined as unlawfully taking someone else’s property with the intent to deprive them of it permanently. Charges can range from a misdemeanor to a felony—based on the amount that was allegedly taken. We defend all types of theft charges in Houston. Contact us today for a completely confidential initial consultation. 
• Traffic Violations: Traffic violations in Texas include a range of unlawful activities from speeding and running red lights to more serious offenses like reckless driving. A traffic violation may or may not be a criminal offense in Houston.

Regardless of the specific crime or allegation, you should never attempt to deal with the police or the district attorney’s office by yourself. These professionals have far more experience than you when it comes to criminal law. Tad Nelson is a former federal prosecutor himself and has an intimate understanding of the Texas criminal justice system. Contact us today at (281) 280-0100 to schedule a consultation if you need immediate assistance with a criminal matter.

Trouble With Forensic Evidence

Forensic evidence, such as analysis of a fire scene, is the name given to physical evidence used in court to support a conviction, especially when that evidence is technical or scientific in nature. Common examples of such evidence used in criminal cases include:

• Fingerprint matching
• Firearms and ballistics testing
• Handwriting analysis
• Tire-track analysis
• Blood-spatter patterning
• Hair analysis
• Canine scent lineups
• Arson-site analysis

These crime-solving tools were developed by police departments and detectives over the years in an attempt to solve crimes. The methods were generally not developed by scientists or with any scientific rigor, yet they are still used by courts and prosecutors to convict people of crimes, even those that could result in death-penalty sentences.

The labs that analyze this evidence are often part of the law enforcement apparatus, with no real barriers between those doing the testing and the prosecutors and police. Lab workers may feel pressure to come to particular conclusions or start their analyses with preconceived notions about what the outcome will be.

A terrible case in point is the widely publicized example of the Houston Police Department (HPD) crime lab, where many problematic practices have been uncovered, including incorrect procedures, falsified test results, inadequately maintained equipment, possible sample contamination, lack of standard protocols, and poor recordkeeping. Faulty evidence from this lab led to inaccurate testimony in federal court too.

The Justice Project reports that DNA testing has shown “inaccurate forensic evidence and testimony” to be the second-highest reason for wrongful convictions in Texas.

Why Depend On Our Houston Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing a criminal charge is stressful. You are probably confused, overwhelmed, and filled with emotions. During trying times, you need a reliable advocate in your corner. With a law office in Houston, the legal team at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates is proactive and detail driven. We firmly believe that everyone deserves personalized guidance and advocacy from their criminal defense lawyer. You matter.  A lifelong resident of the Texas Gulf Coast region, our founding attorney is a former State Prosecutor. He uses his inside knowledge of the criminal justice system to find for his clients. Among other things, our Houston criminal defense lawyers will:

• Listen to your story and answer questions about your criminal case;
• Investigate the charges—gathering the evidence to build your defense; 
• Handle all interactions with police and prosecutors; 
• Help you negotiate and evaluate a plea agreement (if appropriate); and   
• Develop a comprehensive defense strategy to help you get the best outcome. 

Criminal Charges in Houston: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When Should I Speak to a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Houston?

As soon as possible. There is a lot at stake in a criminal case—even if it is a misdemeanor criminal charge. Given the challenges, it is imperative that you have a top-rated advocate on your side. The sooner you consult with an experienced Houston criminal defense lawyer, the better. 

What Are My Rights If I Am Arrested in Houston?

You have the right to remain silent and not answer any questions. You have the right to an attorney during any questioning or legal proceedings. Further, you must be informed of the charges against you. Before you make any decisions, consult with an experienced Houston criminal defense lawyer. 

Should I Make a Statement to Law Enforcement?

No. Not without an attorney. You have the right to remain silent. Exercise that right. As a general matter, it is not advisable to make any statements to law enforcement—or to prosecutors—without a  Houston criminal defense lawyer present. Speak to an attorney before the police. 

How Does Bail Work in Houston?

Bail is a payment to the court that allows you to be released from jail while awaiting trial. The amount is set by the court based on a wide range of different factors, including the severity of the offense. Failure to appear can result in losing the bail money and additional charges. A Houston criminal defense lawyer can help you seek more favorable bail/bond terms—potentially including a release on your own recognizance (agreement to return for your court dates). 

What is an Illegal Search?

An illegal search is one that is conducted by law enforcement without a valid warrant or without legal justification (probable cause). It violates a person’s constitutional rights (Fourth Amendment rights) against unreasonable searches and seizures. Evidence obtained from an illegal search may be inadmissible in court. A Houston defense lawyer can help you challenge an unlawful search. 

What are My Remedies After an Illegal Search?

Do not try to physically block police from searching your person or your property (home or vehicle). Even if you are correct and the search is wholly illegal, it is crucial that you challenge the search through the proper legal channels. Work with a lawyer. A Houston criminal defense attorney can file a motion to suppress the evidence obtained. It is the primary remedy against an illegal search in Texas. If granted, the evidence in question can be blocked from being used against you in court. Suppressing the evidence may weaken the prosecution’s case. It could lead to dropped charges. 

What Is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor in Texas?

A felony is a serious crime that can lead to imprisonment for more than one year. A misdemeanor is a less severe offense with lighter penalties like shorter jail time or fines. While felonies are more severe, all criminal charges should be taken seriously in Texas. 

Am I Likely to Face Jail TIme Related to My Charge?

It depends. Whether you face jail time depends on the nature and severity of the charge as well as the strength of the prosecution’s case. Other factors—including your prior criminal history or lack thereof—may also be relevant. A Houston criminal defense lawyer can assess the specific situation that you are facing and help you devise the most effective defense strategy. 

Should I Accept a Plea Agreement in My Case?

A plea agreement is the best option in some cases—but that is certainly not always the case. Some charges should be fought aggressively. Deciding to accept a plea agreement is a big decision and it is one that should be made with support from experienced legal counsel. A plea deal may reduce charges or sentencing—but remember that it generally also requires admitting guilt. A Houston, TX criminal defense attorney can help you negotiate and evaluate plea offers. 

Schedule a Confidential Consultation With a Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer

At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, our Houston criminal defense lawyer is aggressive, experienced, and devoted to justice. With experience defending both felony charges and misdemeanor charges, we put our clients first. Arrested in Houston? Contact us today for a free, no obligation review of your legal case. From our full law firm and office in Houston, we defend the full range of criminal charges in Harris County and all around Southeastern Texas.

Criminal Law Tools

Preparing to Meet With a Criminal Defense Attorney

When you meet with a criminal defense attorney for the first time, it is important to be prepared for the meeting so that you can have a productive meeting and cover all the legal issues you wish to address. If you have been charged with a crime, you likely have many questions for your lawyer. This article provides a brief overview of how to prepare for a meeting with a criminal defense attorney.

Fourth Amendment Rights and Search Warrants

The Fourth Amendment protects individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures. Generally, for a search to be considered reasonable and lawful, the police must have a search warrant. However, there are several important exceptions to this requirement. This article provides a brief overview of Fourth Amendment rights, search warrants and situations in which a search warrant is not required.