Criminal Defense Lawyer in Richmond

Have you been charged with a criminal offense in Richmond, TX? A criminal charge is no laughing matter and warrants a serious legal response. The Law Offices of Tad Nelson stands firm with those accused of crimes and can offer legal representation for all criminal matters. 

Our attorneys have been a reliable legal name in Richmond for over 30 years and have made a name for ourselves with our aggressive approach to criminal defense. No matter what kind of criminal charge you’re facing, we can work to protect your freedoms and liberties. 

Contact our offices today to speak to a criminal defense lawyer in Richmond. Every second counts, so don’t delay. 

Do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Richmond?

Many of our clients are hesitant to secure a criminal defense lawyer. They may think that hiring a lawyer is an admission of guilt or that they can just explain their innocence to law enforcement. After all, why would an innocent person need an attorney?

The reality is that the criminal justice system is imperfect. People get convicted of crimes they didn’t commit, and police and prosecutors may violate your rights. A lawyer can gather evidence to defend you from the charges and work to ensure your constitutional rights are respected during the process. 

Our team has overseen over 500 jury trials, including trials for major criminal offenses. Founding attorney Tad Nelson is Board Certified in criminal law, a distinction shared by less than 10% of attorneys in Texas. We have the skills, experience, and tenacity to protect your rights and won’t rest until we have exhausted every path to a satisfactory resolution. 

Criminal Cases We Manage in Richmond, TX

We are experienced in navigating cases involving a wide range of criminal offenses. Below are some of the most common types of crimes we litigate:

• Richmond DWI lawyer. We can defend you against charges for driving while drunk and preserve your driving privileges. 
• Richmond drug crimes lawyer. If you’ve been arrested for drug possession, trafficking, or manufacturing, we can provide legal defense. 
• Richmond federal crimes lawyer. Criminal activity that crosses state lines or that occurs on federal property can trigger federal criminal charges. 
• Richmond violent crimes lawyer. Violent crimes like assault can result in lengthy prison sentences without a lawyer running defense. 
• Richmond sex crimes lawyer. We have experience representing individuals who’ve been accused of sexual offenses. 
• Richmond white collar crimes lawyer. Fraud, embezzlement, and identity theft are all common white-collar crimes the state pursues charges for. 
• Richmond juvenile crimes lawyer. Our lawyers can provide legal representation for juveniles and minors accused of crimes. 
• Richmond theft crimes lawyer. Theft crimes can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies depending on the value of stolen property and aggravating circumstances. 
• Richmond gun crimes lawyer. Gun laws in Texas are relatively lax compared to other states, but violations can still be met with harsh punishment. 

Even a minor criminal charge can lead to undesirable consequences, but a Richmond criminal defense lawyer can give you the best chance of beating the charges or securing a charge reduction. 

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Offenses in Texas

Like most states, Texas divides criminal offenses into two major classes: misdemeanors and felonies.

Misdemeanors are the lower criminal offense and consist of most minor crimes, like simple assault, petty theft, and vandalism. In general, misdemeanors carry less than a year in jail and civil fines of up to $4,000. Unlike in many states, you generally cannot expunge or seal misdemeanor convictions, 

Felonies are the higher criminal classification and carry harsher penalties. Felonies in Texas typically carry over a year in a state prison and fines over $10,000. Certain felony crimes can carry a life sentence or the death penalty. 

The Consequences of a Criminal Conviction in Richmond

Texas has some of the harshest criminal laws and punishments in the nation. Some crimes, such as drug offenses, can carry high mandatory minimums, and habitual offenders can face enhanced penalties. Texas also has the death penalty for capital crimes like murder and leads the nation in executions. 

The consequences of a criminal conviction can extend beyond just legal matters. In addition to fines and potential prison time, a criminal conviction can impact your employment prospects. For example, a DWI conviction could make you ineligible for positions where driving is a major job duty. 

You may also have difficulties finding housing. Landlords in Texas cannot issue blanket bans based on criminal history, but they can consider criminal history on a case-by-case basis when evaluating housing decisions. Lastly, a criminal conviction can irreparably harm your social reputation and relationships with family and friends. 

Contact a Richmond Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Being arrested for a crime can be a scary experience, but you are entitled to secure legal representation to protect your rights and interests. The Law Offices of Tad Nelson can be your legal advocate to help meet the charges against you. We are unafraid to go to the mattresses to safeguard your future and opportunities. 

Contact our offices online or reach out by phone today to schedule an appointment with a Richmond criminal defense lawyer.