Criminal Defense
Lawyer Houston
Criminal Defense Law Firm
WHEN IT COMES TO A FIRM THAT WOULD REPRESENT YOU OR ANY CLIENT IN COURT…
There are major characteristics that you should look for to identify them as your perfect match. First, they should be licensed attorneys in the state of Texas. This is to certify that they have the proper qualifications and training to help those who need a criminal defense lawyer. Second, they should have experience with your type of case. Criminal law is intricate and ever-changing; you don’t want an inexperienced lawyer who could potentially make your case worse. Third, they should be reputable and have a good standing in the community. This is important because you want to know that you’re entrusting your case with someone others trust. Lastly, they should offer a free consultation. This is so you can get to know the lawyer, ask any questions you may have, and see if they’re a good fit for you.
These are important things to note because you can never tell who would do an excellent job of representing you in court. Even those in the justice system can take advantage of you if they’re not qualified. So do your research and find the best criminal defense law firm for your case! If you meet all of these qualifications, we at The Nichols Law Group, PLLC, would be happy to represent you as your criminal defense lawyer in Houston, Texas. If you are looking for a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Houston, TX, please call us today! We have years of experience helping those who are facing criminal charges. Don’t go through this challenging time alone – let us help you!
CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER HOUSTON TX
In the complicated criminal justice system, a defense attorney acts as the defendant’s advisor, guardian, and confidant. (Or at least, that’s how it should work.) Defense attorneys are generally divided into government-paid court-appointed counsel and defendant-paid private attorneys. Some defendants can afford to hire a private criminal defense attorney. Criminal defendants who cannot afford to employ an attorney may have court-appointed counsel (assuming specific qualifications are met). These court-appointed attorneys are government-paid public defenders or local attorneys chosen from a pool. “Pro per” or “pro se” defendants represent themselves in court in a small fraction of criminal defendants.
Driving While Inebriated
In connection with criminal defense, driving while drunk is a common charge. If you have been arrested for or are being investigated for driving while intoxicated, it is essential to have a conversation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. If someone drives while inebriated and escapes a collision that injures or kills others, they must bear the penalty. The emotional toll might be far greater than any physical impairment. However, there are significant physical risks associated with driving when drunk. Incidents caused by drunk driving can result in paralysis, disfigurement, brain damage, and even death. Driving when drunk is also illegal. Drunk drivers frequently risk fines, license suspension, and higher insurance premiums. Conviction of a drunken driving-related charge can result in the following penalties:
- Suspension or revocation of a driver’s license
- Imprisonment
- Impoundment of vehicles
- Theft of vehicle license plates
- Restrictions on the ignition interlock device (IID)
- Evaluations of alcoholism
- Treatment programs for alcoholics are required by law.
- Sobriety is being closely monitored.
The sedative effects of alcohol affect a driver’s decision-making and coordination. An inebriated driver is unable to avert an accident or even complete basic driving tasks quickly and promptly. As a result, drunk drivers put themselves and others on the road in danger, increasing the chance of car accidents and deaths. Driving while inebriated affects more than just people in automobiles. Motorcyclists, boaters, and jet skiers who are drunk are all at risk of causing accidents and injury.
Drunk driving is as common as it is dangerous. Despite the high number of drunk driving incidents, only a small percentage of those who drive while intoxicated are arrested. Every day, about 300,000 drunk driving accidents occur in the United States. Yet, only 0.013 percent of these cases result in arrests. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 10,265 persons died in alcohol-related traffic crashes in 2015, accounting for 29 percent of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the US. Each year, 1.5 million people are anticipated to be arrested for driving under alcohol. As a result, impaired driving is still a major traffic safety and public health concern. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can analyze the facts of your case and help you explore all available defenses. They may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce or dismiss the charges against you. If necessary, your lawyer will vigorously defend you in court. If you have been charged with driving while intoxicated, do not hesitate to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer here at The Nichols Law Group, PLLC, today. Your future depends on it.
DRUGS / THEFT / ROBBERY
Under Texas law, theft is defined as the unauthorized taking of any property from its owner or depriving the owner of that property. A theft charge may be filed if an owner refuses to give consent or if someone knowingly takes stolen property. Theft charges vary depending on the value of the stolen property, ranging from a Class C misdemeanor to a first-degree felony. If an individual commits a bodily injury to another person or places another person in fear of physical injury or death while attempting to steal from them, the charges are upgraded to robbery. Robbery is a second-degree crime that can result in a longer jail sentence. If a major physical injury occurs or a lethal weapon is displayed, the crime is upgraded to aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony punishable by prison stay, and a fine. Possessing, distributing, manufacturing, cultivating, or trafficking illegal drugs, synthetic drugs, or regulated substances is banned under Texas law. In addition, possession of prescription medications without a valid prescription and possession of drug paraphernalia are likewise prohibited. Marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide, often known as acid), and ecstasy are the most commonly used narcotics in drug offenses. The Nichols Law Group, PLLC can assist clients accused of manufacturing, sales, cultivation, distribution, trafficking, transportation, possession of a controlled substance is a serious offense, & possession of prescribed medications or blank prescription pads without a valid prescription
The severity of drug-related sanctions varies substantially depending on the type of substance, offense, and whether the crime is federal or state-level. For example, first offenses in state crimes can range from misdemeanors to felonies, with punishments such as jail time and hefty fines. State felonies are far more serious, with lengthy prison sentences and tens of thousands of fines. The gravity of federal drug crimes cannot be emphasized. A person who commits a federal narcotics offense could spend the rest of their life in prison.
Assault
Assault means “Recklessly, Knowingly, or Intentionally, causing bodily injury to another, including the person’s spouse; intentionally or knowingly threatening another, including the person’s spouse, with imminent bodily injury; or intentionally or knowingly causing contact physically with another when the person knows or should reasonably believe that the other will regard the contact as offensive or provocative.” Simply threatening bodily harm is enough to constitute assault. When someone commits an aggravated assault, they cause substantial bodily injury to another person or use or display a lethal weapon while committing the assault. Simple assault, or assault that results in a small injury, is usually classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in prison and a fines. If there is merely a threat and no physical injuries, the assault is normally classified as a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine. Aggravated assault is usually classified as a second-degree felony, punishable by two to 20 years in jail and a fine. Depending on the facts of each case, such as whether the assault was against a public servant, a pregnant woman, an emergency service worker, or a security officer, incarceration terms and fines for both assault and aggravated assault could escalate.
Assaults are never as straightforward as they appear. Charges can be brought due to misunderstandings, self-defense, or other circumstances that do not justify criminal charges. Our skilled assault lawyer can assist the accused in clearing the air and resolving the matter as swiftly and fairly as feasible. A lawyer may be able to lower the charges, negotiate a plea deal, or have the charges dismissed entirely.
Houston Criminal Defense Lawyers
When you’re facing criminal accusations, it’s vital to engage an attorney to assist you with your case. You need a criminal defense lawyer who has handled cases similar to yours before and isn’t learning on the job. We understand how stressful, irritating, and upsetting this process can be, as well as how readily it may lead to feelings of overload. Although the legal system can be intimidating, you don’t have to go through it alone. You’ll probably have many questions, concerns, and fears just after you’ve been arrested. The Nichols Law Group, PLLC’s experienced staff, is here to assist you.
We can help defend clients facing a wide range of criminal offenses, including but not limited to:
- Criminal offenses committed by minors
- Trespassing is a criminal offense
- Arson
- Solicitation
- Rape or sexual assault
- Crimes of violence
- Manslaughter or murder
- Prostitution
- Drug crimes
- Theft or robbery
- White-collar crimes
- Computer crimes
- Money laundering
- Immigration offenses
The Nichols Law Group PLLC criminal defense lawyer knows the state and federal law. No matter what the charge, we will work to protect your rights and build a defense strategy that gives you the best chance of avoiding conviction. We understand that each case is unique and deserves personal attention. So, you won’t be just another case file – we’ll take the time to get to know you so that we can provide the best possible defense. If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation for a crime, don’t wait to contact us. The sooner we start working on your case, the better chance we have of achieving a successful outcome.