Criminal Defense Attorney in The Woodlands, TX
The Woodlands is a beautiful place to live. However, it is not free of criminal activity. Being accused of a crime is a serious accusation. Having a conviction can not only come with criminal penalties, but it can also come with personal ones, making it difficult to secure preferred housing and employment, among other things. If you have been convicted of a crime, a criminal defense lawyer from The Woodlands can help you fight for your future.
Local Considerations
The Woodlands is a master-planned community and is one of the most beautiful places to live in the state and sits on the north side of Houston’s metropolitan area and is home to over 100,000 Texans. It’s primarily located in Montgomery County with a small portion of the boundaries reaching into Harris County.
With a diverse economy, The Woodlands provides a wide range of occupations with the average income sitting well above the national income. It may come as a surprise that law enforcement occupations sit in second as the highest paying occupations in The Woodlands. But as luxurious as living in The Woodlands may be, mistakes are made there like anywhere else.
Being Charged With a Crime
If you are charged with a crime in The Woodlands, your case will be prosecuted in the Montgomery County district courts, at the county courthouse in Conroe, or in one of the justice courts in your area. The speed at which cases advance through the Montgomery County courts varies according to the specific charges filed and both the assigned judge’s work habits and the court’s current schedule.
However, a typical criminal case in Montgomery County is likely to have several hearings before trial, such as arraignment, pre-trial motions, and a chance to negotiate a plea with prosecutors.
Insight into the preferences and procedures of local judges can have a major impact on your case strategy and result. The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates has significant experience in the Montgomery County courts and is committed to protecting your rights and keeping your case moving along as quickly as possible.
Crimes in The Woodlands, TX
According to crimegrade.org, The Woodlands has relatively high rankings for property and violent crime across the city. It has a violent crime rate of 2.864 and a property crime rate of 14.52. Other crimes, such as identity theft and arson, have a crime rate of 8.2.
Misdemeanors and felonies can drastically affect your life. They can result in job loss, registration on a sex offender registry, imprisonment, and fines. Offenses such as theft, aggravated assault, DUI, and others can be life-altering.
Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates
If you or a loved one finds themselves facing felony or misdemeanor charges, it’s crucial to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney in The Woodlands. With years of experience defending Texans’ rights, we are confident in our ability to defend yours. We know what it takes to get your charges reduced or even dismissed.
At the Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, our criminal defense lawyer understands that high-quality legal support and representation are what you need when you are facing criminal charges. At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, we take pride in having some of the greatest attorneys, qualifications, and awards that have been recognized statewide in Texas and nationally.
Why Choose Us?
Founder and Trial Attorney Tad A. Nelson is a Texas State Bar–certified 1st Chair for capital murder trials in which the death penalty is sought as a punishment. He is a six-time Super Lawyer award recipient and Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent, the highest rating available for a lawyer’s legal ability and ethical standards.
Trial attorney Amber Spurlock has had a diverse career as a former U.S. Air Force JAG officer and as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, where she prosecuted drug trafficking cases, as well as war crime–related offenses in Iraq. Nelson and Spurlock have a combination of proven track records, awards, and a passion to achieve the justice our clients deserve.
Clients have referred to Tad Nelson as ‘the one and only attorney for your case.’ With his courtroom savvy, straight-shooting style, and compassion, our results will amaze and give you the peace of mind you deserve when you hire a criminal defense lawyer at our firm.
Types of Criminal Defense Cases We Handle
At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, we tailor our defense strategies to each case, representing clients in a range of criminal matters throughout The Woodlands and Montgomery County. We handle the following cases:
- DWI. This involves defending your license and future by contesting traffic stops, field sobriety tests, and chemical results. To get help in your case, contact our The Woodlands DWI lawyer today.
- Drug crimes. This includes defending against accusations ranging from minor possession to major felonies like trafficking and manufacturing.
- Misdemeanor and felony cases. No matter how serious the case is, we can make sure that your rights are upheld.
- White collar crimes. Managing intricate cases like fraud, embezzlement, forgery, and other accusations pertaining to finances is known as white collar crime.
- Sex crimes. Sex crimes include aggravated sexual assault, internet sex crimes, indecent exposure, prostitution, and online solicitation of a minor.
- Appeals. We can help seek appeal relief in cases involving mistakes, unfair decisions, or violations of due process.
- Expungements. Helping clients expunge or seal their criminal records so they can confidently move on is known as expungements.
Penalties and Defenses
The Woodlands and Montgomery County criminal convictions can lead to substantial fines and probation requirements, as well as license suspension and treatment mandates, together with extended prison time. Not only can a conviction impact your freedom, but it may also hurt your ability to find a job, damage your relationships, and harm your reputation.
In Texas, the state legislature has mandated significant penalties and consequences for both misdemeanor and felony criminal offenses. At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, we understand that each case is unique, and we work to develop a strong defense strategy that is designed to protect your rights and shield you from the maximum consequences of an arrest.
In some cases, your case may be dismissed, or you may be eligible for reduced charges and alternative sentencing options. Some examples of criminal defenses include unlawful search and seizure, problems with breath and blood tests, issues with witness credibility, and due process violations.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
Working with a lawyer to assist you in your criminal case in The Woodlands is strongly recommended, even for misdemeanor crimes. A criminal conviction can have serious consequences on your future, and an experienced criminal defense attorney can have a huge impact on your future if the charges are able to be reduced or dropped altogether.
FAQs About Criminal Defense in The Woodlands, TX
What Penalties Do You Face for a First DWI in The Woodlands?
First DWI offense in The Woodlands is usually a Class B misdemeanor according to criminal defense laws. Punishment can include up to 180 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, a suspended license for up to one year, education classes, and probation. The punishment can increase if you had a BAC of .15 or more, or for other extreme reasons.
What Defenses Are Available for Drug Charges in The Woodlands?
Drug charges in The Woodlands can be contested with various defenses, such as unlawful search and seizure, lack of probable cause, or mishandling of evidence. Your attorney may also be able to question the accuracy of lab results or prove that the drugs belonged to someone else. In some cases, diversion programs or treatment alternatives may be available to reduce or dismiss charges.
What Happens at Your First Court Appearance in The Woodlands?
The first time you are scheduled to appear in court in The Woodlands, typically at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Conroe, is referred to as an arraignment. During this hearing, you will be read the charges against you, advised of your rights, and asked to enter a plea. Bail may also be addressed at this time. Other court dates will be set to proceed with your case.
Should I Talk to the Police Without an Attorney?
We do not recommend that you talk to the police without an attorney. Anything you say to law enforcement can and will be used against you. Even if you mean well or feel that you are just clearing your name, this can still be used as evidence against you. Instead, provide only basic information, such as your name, and wait until you receive legal counsel before saying anything.
Call Our Criminal Defense Team Today
If you are being investigated or if you’ve been arrested, contact the criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates immediately to protect your rights and interests. You may send us a message online or call us directly at (281) 280-0100.