Xavier Law Firm represents individuals facing misdemeanor and felony charges in Houston, The Woodlands, and surrounding Texas communities. Our Texas office is located in The Woodlands, north of Houston, near George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming. A conviction may affect your freedom, finances, employment, driving privileges, and family. Our criminal defense attorneys take time to understand your circumstances, explain your options, and develop a defense strategy based on the facts of your case.
If you or a family member has been accused of a crime, contact Xavier Law Firm at (281) 296-3741 to discuss your case with a Houston criminal defense lawyer.
What Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Do?
A criminal defense lawyer represents people accused of crimes and protects their legal rights throughout the criminal process. Depending on the circumstances, an attorney may investigate the allegations, review the available evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, file motions, and prepare the case for trial.
A Houston criminal defense lawyer may:
- Review the arrest, charging documents, police reports, and other evidence.
- Investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegations.
- Identify weaknesses or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.
- Challenge evidence when there may be legal grounds to do so.
- Negotiate with prosecutors when a reduced charge, dismissal, or other resolution may be appropriate.
- Explain your options and help you make informed decisions.
- Represent you during hearings, negotiations, and trial preparation.
The defense strategy depends on the facts, evidence, alleged offense, and procedural history of each case.
Types of Criminal Defense Cases We Handle in Texas
Xavier Law Firm represents clients facing a range of misdemeanor and felony allegations. Depending on the circumstances of your case, our criminal defense lawyers may assist with:
- Drug charges, including possession, delivery, and manufacturing allegations.
- Assault and violent crime allegations, including domestic violence, kidnapping, and aggravated assault.
- Theft and property crimes, including shoplifting, burglary, and fraud.
- Driving while intoxicated charges, including first-offense, repeat-offense, and accident-related allegations.
- White-collar and financial crime allegations, including fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering.
- Sex crimes, including sexual assault, indecent exposure, online solicitation of a minor, and other sex-related criminal allegations.
- Weapons charges, including unlawful carrying of a weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, and other firearm- or weapon-related allegations.
The charges and cases an attorney can handle may vary by attorney, court, and engagement. Contact our office to discuss whether Xavier Law Firm can assist with your specific matter.
What are Common Defenses Used by Houston Criminal Defense Lawyers?
The appropriate defense depends on the allegations, evidence, and circumstances of your case. Depending on the facts, a criminal defense attorney may examine whether:
- The prosecution cannot prove one or more required elements of the alleged offense.
- Law enforcement violated your constitutional rights.
- Evidence was obtained through an unlawful search or seizure.
- Witness accounts are inconsistent or unreliable.
- The identification process was flawed.
- The evidence does not accurately reflect what occurred.
- A legal defense or justification may apply.
These are potential defense issues, not a guarantee that a particular defense will apply. Your attorney should review the facts before recommending a strategy.
What to Expect When You Hire Our Texas Criminal Defense Firm
When you contact Xavier Law Firm, our team will listen to your concerns, review the information available, and explain the next steps in your case. The exact process depends on the charge, court, evidence, and procedural history.
- Initial consultation: We discuss the allegations, your arrest or citation, upcoming court dates, and any information that may affect your defense.
- Case evaluation: We review the available evidence and explain potential strategies, risks, and options.
- Investigation and preparation: Depending on the case, our team may examine police reports, witness accounts, video footage, physical evidence, and other relevant information.
- Negotiation or litigation: Some cases may be resolved through negotiation, while others require hearings, motions, or trial preparation. We will explain the available options and represent your interests throughout the process.
- Ongoing communication: We keep you informed about important developments, court dates, and decisions that require your attention.
When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
You may benefit from speaking with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible after an arrest, citation, search, investigation, or criminal accusation. Early legal advice can help you understand the allegations, identify important deadlines, preserve relevant information, and avoid making decisions without knowing the potential consequences.
If your case involves additional legal concerns, tell your attorney during the initial consultation so those concerns can be evaluated as part of your representation.
Is it Worth it to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?
Whether hiring a criminal defense attorney is worthwhile depends on the charge, evidence, possible penalties, and circumstances of your case. Legal representation may be especially important when you face a felony, potential jail time, a DWI, a complex investigation, or a prior criminal record.
An attorney can explain the allegations, review the available evidence, communicate with prosecutors, and help you evaluate potential resolutions. During a consultation, you can discuss your case and learn whether legal representation is appropriate for your situation.
Language Can Be a Major Barrier to Justice
Clear communication is important when you are facing criminal charges. Legal terminology, police questioning, court proceedings, and plea negotiations can be difficult to understand, especially when English is not your first language.
Xavier Law Firm offers Spanish-language criminal defense representation for clients in Houston, The Woodlands, and surrounding Texas communities. Our Spanish-speaking attorneys can explain the allegations, discuss your legal options, answer your questions, and help you remain involved in decisions about your case.
When you work with a Spanish-speaking criminal defense lawyer in Houston, you can communicate directly with your legal team instead of relying on family members or informal translations for important case information.
Contact Xavier Law Firm to schedule a consultation with a Spanish-speaking criminal defense attorney in Houston, TX.
Why You Should Choose Xavier Law Firm’s Criminal Defense Lawyers in Texas
Choosing a criminal defense lawyer is an important decision. Xavier Law Firm provides personalized representation for individuals facing criminal charges in Houston, The Woodlands, and surrounding Texas communities.
Clients choose our firm for:
- Criminal defense experience: We evaluate the facts, evidence, and procedural history of each case.
- Spanish-language support: Our Spanish-speaking attorneys help clients communicate clearly and understand their legal options.
- Personalized attention: We take time to listen to your concerns and explain the legal process.
- Thorough preparation: We examine the available information and prepare for negotiations, hearings, or trial when appropriate.
- Responsive communication: We keep clients informed about important developments and decisions.
Contact Xavier Law Firm’s office in The Woodlands to schedule a consultation with a criminal defense lawyer in Houston, TX.
FAQs
How much does a criminal defense attorney cost in Texas?
The cost depends on the type of charge, the complexity of the case, the county, the anticipated work, and whether the matter proceeds to trial. Some attorneys charge a flat fee, while others use hourly billing or another fee arrangement.
During your consultation, ask what services are included, whether additional expenses may apply, and how the fee changes if the case requires hearings or trial preparation.
Can a lawyer get felony charges dropped?
No attorney can guarantee that felony charges will be dismissed. Depending on the facts and evidence, however, a lawyer may identify legal or factual issues, challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, or present information that supports dismissal, a reduced charge, or another resolution.
The possible outcome depends on the alleged offense, evidence, criminal history, court, prosecutor, and other case-specific factors.
What makes a good criminal defense?
An effective defense is based on a careful review of the facts, applicable law, evidence, procedure, and potential consequences. Good representation also requires communication, preparation, strategic decision-making, and an understanding of the client’s goals.
For immigrant clients, a complete defense analysis should also consider potential immigration effects before a plea or other resolution is accepted.
What is the success rate of criminal defense lawyers in Houston?
There is no single reliable “success rate” for criminal defense lawyers. Cases have different facts, charges, evidence, courts, and definitions of success. A favorable result may involve dismissal, acquittal, reduced charges, probation, a shorter sentence, or another resolution that limits the consequences of the case.
Be cautious of any attorney who guarantees a particular result.
What is the role of a criminal defense attorney in court?
A criminal defense attorney may represent you during court proceedings, explain what is happening, protect your legal rights, file appropriate motions, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and prepare your defense.
Depending on the engagement and stage of the case, representation may include bond proceedings, arraignment, pretrial hearings, plea negotiations, motions hearings, trial, sentencing, or certain post-conviction matters.
