Criminal Attorney in Houston, Texas
Get experienced legal help from a Houston criminal attorney who understands the law and fights for your future.
Arrested or Charged in Houston? Universal Law Group Can Help
Do you or a family member face criminal charges in Houston? The decisions you make today will shape your future. At Universal Law Group, our criminal defense attorneys understand Texas law and know how the local legal system works. We help clients protect their freedom, their record, and their future.
We provide smart legal representation for people facing criminal charges in Harris County. Whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony, our attorneys build strong defenses based on the facts, the law, and your rights.
Why You Should Hire a Houston Criminal Defense Attorney
Texas criminal law is strict. A conviction can mean jail time, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. It can impact your ability to work, rent a home, or keep custody of your children.
Having a criminal defense attorney on your side helps protect your rights at every step. From bond hearings to trial, we work to reduce charges, fight dismissals, and avoid convictions whenever possible.
Do I need a criminal attorney in Houston?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor can have long-term consequences. The police are not on your side. The prosecutor is building a case against you.
A criminal defense lawyer works to keep your case fair and legal.
When Should You Call a Criminal Lawyer?
Call a criminal attorney in Houston as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate if police want to question you or you’ve been arrested. Talking without legal advice can hurt your defense.
Call a defense attorney in Houston if you are:
- Arrested or charged with a crime
- Asked to come in for questioning
- A suspect in a criminal investigation
- Facing a search or seizure
Types of Criminal Cases We Handle
We fight all state-level and many federal charges. Whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony, we build a defense strategy focused on your goals.
DWI / DUI
Driving while intoxicated is one of the most common charges in Houston. We work to keep your license, reduce fines, and avoid jail time.
Sex Crimes
We offer representation for sex crimes, including sexual assault, solicitation, and prostitution.
Drug Charges
We defend clients charged with possession, intent to distribute, trafficking, or manufacturing controlled substances.
Assault
A domestic violence or assault conviction can affect your record and your parental rights. We fight false accusations and push for fair outcomes.
Murder
We defend clients against murder and homicide charges as well as manslaughter in Houston, Texas.
White Collar Crimes
We represent individuals accused of fraud, forgery, tax evasion, embezzlement, identity theft, other white collar charges.
Expungement
You may qualify to clear your criminal record. Our Houston criminal law firm can help you explore your options.
Why Hire a Criminal Lawyer Near You?
Brian Nguyen is a former prosecutor who understands how the Attorney’s Office operates. He has spent the past 20 years helping Houstonians fight criminal charges throughout Harris County. As a Houston criminal lawyer, he guides our Houston law firm to develop an effective, aggressive defense strategy for you.
After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law in 2004, Brian worked as a Juvenile, CPS, Felony Intake, Municipal, and Misdemeanor Prosecutor. Today, he leverages that insight to represent Texans like you in State and Federal court.
Our Houston criminal defense team consists of three former state prosecutors. In addition to Brian Nguyen, John Cruickshank is a former Juvenile, Felony Intake, and Misdemeanor Prosecutor. Our team has successfully defended our clients against the most serious state and federal charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, capital murder, and felony racketeering and wire fraud.
While other Houston criminal law firms put on a lively show, we know how a calm demeanor can shake the confidence of a prosecutor. When the prosecution sees a loss on the horizon, the result is a more favorable outcome for you, the defendant. See for yourself how aggressive defense saves lives.
Experienced Former State Prosecutors
Flexible Payment Options
Trials in State and Federal Court
When Results Matter
Our defense attorneys have experience with a range of charges. The below are examples of cases dismissed, reduced, or resulted in probation with no time served.
- Misdemeanor Thefts
- 2nd Assault of Family Member
- Assault Causes Bodily Injury/Family Violence
- Assault
- Interference with Emergency
- 1st Drunk Driving Charge
- Resisting Arrest Search or Transport
- 2nd Drunk Driving Charge
- Failure to Stop and Give Information
- Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Felony Aggravated Assault
- Fleeing Police Officer
- Harassment
- Unlawful of Carrying of Weapon
In the face of criminal charges, you deserve the best criminal defense attorney in Houston. Connect with our firm today to see how a strong defense can secure your freedom.
Contact Us
- 10350 Richmond Ave. Suite 450, Houston, TX 77042
- (+1) 832-767-0339
- info@ulg.law
- Mon - Fri 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
What You Should Do After an Arrest in Houston, TX
Remain silent and immediately ask for a criminal attorney in Houston, Texas. Don’t say anything, sign anything, or make a decision without your legal team present. Never provide excuses or explanations.
You have the right to a local phone call when the police arrest or detain you. Call to your criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. The police can listen to your phone call if you call anyone other than your attorney, and they often do.
Your right to remain silent is an essential protection against police manipulation. Police often assume you are guilty and try to convince you to confess. They have different tactics to try, but their only goal is a confession.
Your first move should always be to contact a skilled criminal defense lawyer.
What to Expect During a Criminal Case
Understanding the process can help reduce fear and confusion. Here’s a basic overview:
- Arrest and booking
- Bond hearing
- Investigation and pre-trial motions
- Plea deal or trial
- Verdict and sentencing
Each case is different. Our job is to guide you, explain your choices, and prepare a strong defense.
What happens after an arrest in Houston?
After arrest, you may go before a judge for a bond hearing. The court sets the bond amount and conditions. Then your case is assigned to a court, and the legal process begins. Call a Houston criminal lawyer immediately to protect your rights from the start.
Should I Use a Court-Appointed Attorney?
No, it is not in your best interest to work with a court-appointed attorney. When you choose a public defender, you roll the dice on representation. If your future is on the line, do you want to take that risk?
There are plenty of great professionals who work as public defenders. However, they are often overworked, handling too many cases at once. Additionally, you have inexperienced individuals trying to make a living on meager payments for cases.
A 2019 investigation by the Texas Tribune found that Texas counties did not offer competitive compensation for casework. Many of the public defenders they spoke to also complained about their inability to investigate cases and properly represent their clients. This was due to the limitations on the hours courts would approve and pay for.
All of this makes it a challenge for these defenders to get results. The results of your case are incredibly important and deserve committed representation. A Houston criminal lawyer at Universal Law Group can offer you a better chance at the best possible outcome of your case.
Never Represent Yourself at Trial
You have the right to represent yourself in court, but that doesn’t make it a good idea. To you, your case may seem simple. However, unless you are a legal expert yourself, a lack of knowledge severely hinders your defense.
Before you try to represent yourself in trial, ask yourself these questions:
- Does the other side have a lawyer? Yes, you are up against a prosecutor whose only goal is your conviction.
- Can you meet all the deadlines? You have to follow all the same rules as an experienced Houston criminal lawyer. That includes knowing and meeting all deadlines. Failure to meet a deadline can have serious consequences and can even cost you your freedom.
- How organized are you? A defense strategy requires keeping track of many different elements.
- Do you have an eye for detail? Criminal cases have a lot of paperwork and evidence. Finding holes in the prosecution’s case and successfully arguing them requires a keen eye for detail.
Even if none of the above sounds like a challenge, pro se representation is not the best decision. Your future is on the line, and you need a professional, reliable criminal defense attorney on your side.
When you hire a Houston criminal defense law firm, they have access to critical knowledge and resources. Moreover, they have the experience to navigate the system fluidly while maintaining deadlines and analyzing evidence.
Don’t put your future at risk. We urge you to schedule a consultation with an experienced lawyer.
Penalties You Could Face in Texas
Texas law has strict penalties for many crimes:
- Misdemeanors: Up to 1 year in jail, fines up to $4,000
- Felonies: 6 months to life in prison, fines up to $10,000
Some crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences. Others, like DWI or assault, can affect your license, job, or immigration status. The goal is to prevent these penalties or reduce them as much as possible.
What Brian & His Trial Attorneys Can Do for You
If you face criminal charges, you need someone to advocate for you. Self-representation and public defenders are options that leave you in a vulnerable position. The professional Houston criminal defense attorneys at Universal Law Group are your advocates at every stage of the criminal justice process.
Here’s what our criminal defense team can do for you:
- Protection: We hold law enforcement and prosecutors accountable. As your legal representation, we ensure they do not violate your rights. If they do, we leverage that violation to dismiss evidence.
- Discovery: We ensure complete discovery to ensure the prosecution never hides evidence from you, intentionally or otherwise.
- Defense Strategy: You need a solid strategy to gain a favorable outcome. We analyze evidence and interview witnesses to identify inconsistencies that collapse the State’s case.
- Pretrial Motions: We use pretrial motions to weaken the prosecution’s case against you. Excluding key evidence can result in a dismissal of your charges.
- Negotiations: We know how to pinpoint weaknesses. Through negotiations, we seek to dismiss charges, reduce penalties, and seek out alternative sentencing, such as deferred adjudication.
- Courtroom Representation: If your case goes to trial, you need an experienced criminal lawyer who doesn’t shy away from a fight.
When your freedom is on the line, it’s not the time to cut corners. Don’t let the prosecutors or law enforcement scare you into an unfavorable deal. If you feel backed into a corner, we’re here to help you fight your way out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a defense attorney if you’re innocent?
If you face charges for a crime you did not commit, you might think you don’t need a criminal defense attorney. Why would you need a lawyer when innocence is on your side?
It’s important to remember that the police and prosecutors want to solve a crime. Unfortunately, this drive means they build a case against you regardless of your innocence.
With a lawyer, you have someone to protect your rights. Our lawyers ensure that police and prosecutors don’t take advantage of you. Moreover, we ensure that we convey the evidence of your innocence in the most impactful way possible.
Houston criminal defense attorneys explain your innocence to those who want you to be guilty. In other words, we build a case for your innocence by amassing facts and details that support your claim.
Is deferred adjudication an option for me?
Anyone charged with a misdemeanor, not including driving, boating, or flying while intoxicated, is eligible for deferred adjudication in Texas. The same applies to felony cases, not including intoxication manslaughter or assault, repeat sex offenses, or repeat drug offenses.
Deferred adjudication is a type of probation, but it is not what most people think of as probation. Straight probation is the result of a conviction. Deferred adjudication involves the dismissal of charges in exchange for community supervision.
A skilled defense attorney from ULG can help you understand your options.
How much does a criminal attorney cost in Houston?
Costs vary by case and depend on the severity of charges. We offer flexible payment plans and honest quotes.
Should you talk to the police?
No. The police tell you themselves that you have the right to remain silent. Generally, you don’t have to talk to law enforcement, even when detained, arrested, or in jail.
Police officers cannot punish you for refusing to answer questions. The only person who can order you to answer a question is a judge. Do not speak to anyone until your Houston criminal lawyer is at your side.
How long will it take to resolve your case?
The time it takes for a case to settle varies. However, Texas has a “speedy trial” rule, which can give you an idea.
- If you face felony charges, State prosecutors have to take your case to trial within 180 days after charging you.
- If you face misdemeanor charges punishable by over 180 days in prison, the deadline is 90 days. Less than 180 days, and it drops to 60 days.
These timeframes only apply if you do not waive your right to a speedy trial or if your criminal attorney doesn’t file a pretrial motion or request a continuance. Additionally, your case may settle sooner if the state drops the charges or you take a plea bargain.
Should you accept a plea bargain?
Before your case goes to trial, the prosecution might offer you, the defendant, a plea bargain. Every plea deal is different, but generally, a prosecutor wants you to plead guilty in exchange for a shorter sentence or some alteration.
For instance, they might offer a deal that drops felony charges to a misdemeanor. You would still face punishment, but the penalties of a felony are much more severe.
It’s important to understand whether a plea bargain is in your best interests. A guilty plea means you give up your chance to go to court. If the evidence against you is weak, it makes less sense to accept a plea bargain. You could go to trial and potentially avoid a conviction altogether.
A Houston criminal lawyer offers more than trial representation. They offer guidance throughout the process, including insight and advice on whether to accept a plea bargain.
Can I clear my record?
Possibly. Expunction may be available for dismissed cases or those found not guilty.
Consult a Trial-Ready Criminal Defense Attorney Near You Today
Criminal charges carry profound implications and consequences. If you face charges, you need an advocate who knows how to solve problems. An experienced Houston criminal lawyer knows the law and has the experience and ability to make it work to your advantage.
Moreover, we understand how to competently and effectively build your defense with aggressive representation throughout the criminal justice process. Experience is invaluable when it comes to defense, and our team has the experience of a former state prosecutor on our side.
Therefore, we have the ability to analyze cases from the perspective of defense and prosecution. With our team of experienced criminal lawyers, you have advocates to fight for your future.
Schedule a case evaluation today.