Houston Criminal Defense FAQ

First, find out where they are being held and what they are charged with. After an arrest, most people are taken before a magistrate who sets bond. Once bond is set, it can be posted to get them released.

The fastest way to understand your options is to call us. We can help you locate them, explain the bond, and start protecting their case immediately.

An active warrant means you can be arrested at any time, including at a traffic stop, at work, or at home.

In many cases, a walkthrough bond may be arranged so you can surrender on your terms and be released more quickly rather than being taken by surprise. Call us before the warrant finds you.

Bail is money or a bond that secures release from jail while a case is pending, based on the promise that the person will appear in court.

The amount depends on the charge, the person's history, and the judge. Bond can generally be posted by paying the full amount directly to the county or by using a bail bondsman for a non-refundable fee.

We can also help pursue a lower bond where appropriate.

In most cases, no. If you are out on bond and appearing for a normal setting, you typically come and go as scheduled.

There are situations where custody can be a risk, such as certain bond issues or a revocation. Your lawyer can review your case and tell you what to expect before you walk into court.

Not always. For many misdemeanor settings, your attorney may be able to appear on your behalf. This is often referred to as an "appearance waived."

For other settings, and most felony settings, your presence is required. We tell clients in advance which dates they personally need to attend.

Missing court is serious. A judge can issue a warrant for your arrest and revoke your bond.

If you have missed a setting or think you might, call us immediately. Acting quickly can sometimes help address the problem before it becomes more serious.

It depends on the charge, the court, and the complexity of the case. Some misdemeanors resolve in a few months, while serious felonies can take a year or more.

We guide clients through the court settings and explain what is happening at each stage of the case.

It depends on your bond conditions. Some allow normal travel, while others restrict travel to the county or state or require permission first.

Do not assume that travel is allowed. Check your bond conditions before leaving. If permission is required, we can often ask the court to approve the travel.

You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with a lawyer. Anything said in custody can be used in the case.

If a detective or investigator contacts you, you should understand what the contact is about before agreeing to an interview. The safest step is to speak with a lawyer before making decisions about talking to police or investigators.

For most people appearing on a criminal case, court is about that case, but immigration status can be a real concern for non-citizens, and it's a question worth taking seriously rather than guessing about. If you or a loved one has immigration concerns, tell us early so we can factor it into how the case is handled.

Some criminal charges can carry serious immigration consequences, including for green card holders, and certain offenses matter far more than others. This is one of the most important reasons to have a lawyer who will consider your immigration situation, not just the criminal case. Tell us your status early, and we'll keep it front of mind, coordinating with an immigration attorney where needed.

Yes. A dismissal ends the case, but the arrest and charge can still appear on your record until you take a separate legal step to clear or seal it.

Depending on the circumstances, that may involve an expunction or an order of non-disclosure.

An expunction can erase qualifying criminal records. An order of non-disclosure generally seals qualifying records from public view, although certain government agencies may still have access.

Not every case qualifies for either option. We can review the case and explain which remedy, if any, may be available.

A driver's license suspension connected to a DWI arrest may involve the Administrative License Revocation, or ALR, process, which is separate from the criminal case.

There is a short deadline to request a hearing. In some situations, an occupational driver's license may also be available so you can continue driving for essential purposes.

Time matters, so it is important to address the suspension quickly.

The amount depends on the charge and the county. We are transparent about fees from the first conversation, and payment plans are available.

The consultation is free, so you can learn about your options and the expected cost before deciding how to proceed.

You tell us what happened, we listen, and we give you a straightforward assessment of your situation, what you are facing, what the process may look like, and how we can help.

There is no pressure and no obligation. You should leave the consultation understanding more about your situation and your options.

We handle a broad range of criminal matters, including DWI, assault and family violence, drug charges, gun charges, theft, sex offenses, probation violations, and record clearing through expunctions and non-disclosures.

We also handle related matters such as occupational driver's licenses. If your matter is outside what we handle, we can point you in the right direction.