Harris County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Harris County Criminal Defense Attorney

In the event of criminal charges in Harris County, you not only have the right to competent legal counsel but also deserve a Harris County criminal defense lawyer who is strong, strategic, and focuses on your interests at all times. These characteristics can be difficult to find. You need an experienced lawyer who can help you.

Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer

A private criminal defender, like the Harris County Lawyer at Greco Neyland, PC, can dedicate the time and attention your Harris County or Houston case deserves. Working with the right criminal defense attorney and firm provides you the greatest chance at mitigating or eliminating the charges and penalties you face. When you hire a criminal defense lawyer, you gain an advocate to guide you through the criminal process and help promote your legal defense.

Greco Neyland, PC: Your Criminal Defense in Harris County

Being charged with a criminal offense is overwhelming, and you need a skilled lawyer who is invested in your unique case. Greco Neyland is a full-service criminal defense firm with an office located right here in Harris County. A criminal lawyer in our office has a manageable caseload and a true desire to see your criminal charges dismissed. We are committed to a results-driven, successful approach to defense in Harris County.

The team at Greco Neyland provides a robust and comprehensive legal defense. With team members who have former prosecution experience, we have unique insight into how prosecutors think and how to build a successful defense against their charges. We work to create a strategic defense that works to have your charges dropped before trial or find another ideal case scenario for the charges you face. We work to protect your future.

Areas of Criminal Defense We Practice at Greco Neyland, PC

Criminal defense law ranges from charges like misdemeanor property crimes to serious felony offenses. At Greco Neyland, we never believe that a less severe charge needs a less serious defense. Any criminal charges can significantly affect your future, and we treat the charges you face with the severity and vigilance they deserve. We craft a strategic and diligent defense for the charges you face and consider all aspects of the prosecution’s offense.

Our Harris County and Houston offices provide criminal defense to:

• Property crimes: Property crimes involve destruction, harm, or theft of property without force or fear being used against the victims of these crimes. Harris County prosecutes a wide range of property crimes under the Texas Penal Code.Our familiarity with these laws and the Harris County local courts gives you an advantage in your defense against shoplifting, grand larceny, and other thefts. Other property crimes may include offenses like non-violent burglary and arson.
• Drunk driving offenses: Whether a first-time offender or facing a felony for driving while intoxicated DWI charge, our team of DWI lawyers has the experience needed to limit or eliminate the repercussions of these offenses. A DWI conviction can result in jail time, fines, the loss of your driver’s license, and other criminal and administrative penalties.A strong DWI defense looks at factors like why you were pulled over, if the officer had probable cause, and if a field sobriety test or chemical test was administered properly.
• Burglary and violent crimes: Violent crimes are those that directly involve the victim of the crime, causing the victim fear or physical harm. Violent crimes can include burglary with the victim present, robbery, assault, battery, manslaughter, and homicide. We place a strong emphasis on acquittal when defending burglary and other violent crimes under the Texas Penal Code.The penalties associated with these violent offenses can be aggravated by factors such as the use of a weapon, premeditation, and other factors.
• Prostitution Charges: Our experience in defense of prostitution charges extends to all types, severities, and perspectives on these offenses. We handle minor offenses before the Harris County municipal court and charges that require attention from the local criminal court.
• Possession of a Controlled Substance: There are several drug offenses that you could face in Harris County, but possession of a controlled substance is by far the most common. The severity of drug possession charges relies on the amount of controlled substance and the type of substance. No matter the severity of the charges, Greco Neyland has experience with defense here and in Houston.
• Possession of Guns and Firearms: Harris County has lenient laws for the ownership and possession of guns and other firearms, but breaking the laws put in place by the State of Texas can result in serious charges. Our defense to these gun possession charges has a high rate of success in Harris County.

If the charges against you don’t fit into one of the above categories, you can still contact Greco Neyland. Our office is available 24/7, and if we can’t take your case, we’ll help you find a contact or criminal lawyer in Harris County who can.

Harris County Criminal Case Timeline

Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming without the aid of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Residents of Harris County who have been accused of a criminal offense have their cases heard at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center located in Houston. Felony cases are heard in District Courts, while misdemeanor cases are heard in County Criminal Courts at Law. You can obtain court records through the Harris County District Clerk.

When charged with a criminal offense, several steps occur regardless of the specific charges. These steps include:

• Arrest: If officers have probable cause that you have committed a criminal offense, they can arrest you and take you to a local jail or the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
• Booking: Once you have been arrested, you must go through the booking process. During this phase, your personal information, including photos and fingerprints, is recorded.
• Arraignment: After booking, you are seen by a judge to review the charges and set bail. In Harris County, a magistrate is available 24/7 through teleconference to review new bookings. For lesser charges, you may be released on your own recognizance. For more serious charges, you may be required to pay bail. If you are unable to pay the set bail amount, you can secure your release with a bond.
• Bonds: There are several types of bonds available. A surety bond is paid by a bondsman after you pay them a percentage of the bail amount. A property bond uses property as collateral to fund the bond. An attorney bond is paid by your attorney on your behalf after you cover a certain percentage of the bail amount.
• Arraignment: Your first appearance is called an arraignment. At this hearing, the judge reads the charges, and you must enter your plea. It is important to be represented by a criminal defense attorney during this appearance. You should always plead not guilty at this point.
• Pretrial: Often during pre-trial, your attorney gathers evidence for your defense and may file motions to suppress evidence presented by the prosecution. Your attorney may also make other pre-trial motions during this phase.
• Plea bargaining: Also, during the pre-trial phase, depending on the charges, you may have the opportunity to arrange a plea agreement. Plea agreements can include pleading to lesser charges, securing a specific penalty, or petitioning for a diversion program.
• Grand jury: If you are facing a felony charge, the evidence must be reviewed by a grand jury, which decides whether it is sufficient to warrant an indictment. If the jury fails to indict, the charges may be dropped.
• Trial: If you do not reach a plea bargain, the case will proceed to trial. At trial, both sides have the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses to the judge or jury. After all the evidence is presented, the judge or jury determines guilt or innocence. If you are found to be not guilty, you are free to leave.
• Sentencing: If the judge issues a guilty verdict, a later sentencing date will be set. During sentencing, the circumstances of the offense and any mitigating factors are considered when determining an appropriate punishment.

Potential Penalties for a Criminal Conviction in Harris County

A misdemeanor or felony conviction can result in many immediate criminal consequences and effects on your life, including:

• Time in prison or jail
• Significant fines
• Probation and community service
• Loss of certain rights from a felony conviction
• Revocation of professional and recreational licenses

A criminal conviction also carries collateral consequences unrelated to the penalties imposed by a criminal court. The primary collateral consequence is the existence of your criminal record. A criminal record is publicly available information and can be reviewed through a background check. This can affect several aspects of your life, including:

• Losing your job
• Being unable to find new employment
• Being unable to work in specific fields
• Preventing you from securing certain loans
• Limiting your housing opportunities

There are other collateral consequences to a criminal conviction. Any criminal conviction can affect the outcome of a custody case, limiting how much you can care for your children.

Other Consequences

There may also be many personal and social consequences due to the social stigma of being a convicted criminal, particularly if you are charged with crimes considered to be serious, like violent crimes or sexual assault. Conviction of sex crimes can also result in required registration as a sex offender, meaning significant personal information is publicly available, and you are limited in where you can work and where you can live.

A strong defense during your criminal case is the most important thing to avoid these consequences. Even if you have been convicted, there may be options for appeals or expunction. An attorney can discuss these options with you.

FAQs About Harris County, TX Criminal Defense Laws

How Much Does a Felony Defense Attorney Cost in Texas?

How much a felony defense attorney costs in Texas varies based on many crucial factors. Every criminal defense case is unique, though felony cases are more likely to involve higher fees and costs than misdemeanor cases because felony charges are more serious and typically require a more in-depth defense. Factors that affect the cost of an attorney include:

• Is your case likely to go to trial or be settled prior to court?
• How many resources does your case need for investigation and professional testimony?
• How experienced is the attorney working your case?

Can a Felony Be Dropped in Harris County?

Yes, a felony could be dropped by the prosecution in Harris County. This is typically done for one of the following reasons:

• There is insufficient evidence
• The prosecution’s priorities may change
• The defendant and prosecution agree on a plea bargain

However, felony charges cannot be dropped by the victim. Once charges are filed by the state, the state pursues the case regardless of the victim’s wishes, although the cooperation of the victim can affect the prosecution’s choice to file charges.

What Is the Most Serious Felony in Harris County?

The most serious felony type in Harris County is a capital felony. If someone is convicted of a capital felony, which is charged with murder offenses, they could face penalties such as the death penalty. They may also face life in prison without parole or life in prison if the individual was under the age of 18 during the commission of the crime.

Are Prosecutors and Defense Attorneys the Same Thing?

No, prosecutors and defense attorneys are not the same thing. These professionals face each other across a criminal trial. The prosecutors are the state or federal office responsible for upholding public safety and for filing criminal charges against individuals on behalf of the state. Defense attorneys are responsible for protecting the rights of individuals, defending those charged with criminal offenses, and ensuring that they are innocent until proven guilty.

Speaking With a Harris County Criminal Lawyer at Greco Neyland

The most effective way to prevent the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction is to avoid conviction. Your greatest chance at eliminating or mitigating the penalties you face is to work with a skilled criminal defense attorney. Working with an attorney also gives you someone on your side, looking out for your rights and interests. Greco Neyland, PC, can help you during this difficult time.

It’s simple to reach a Harris County criminal defense lawyer at Greco Neyland, PC. Our office is open and available to take your call 24/7, and we provide a no-hassle, no-stress approach to meeting with a lawyer. Call or contact us at our Harris County office, and we’ll arrange a consultation. Just call (346) 485-4355.

Harris County, TX Criminal Law Resources:

• Harris County TX Crime Rate- Latest Statistics
• Texas Crime Rate by City – Latest Statistics
• Most Common Criminal Charges in Texas
• Can You Go to Jail for False Accusations in Texas?
• Appeals Can Sit for Decades in Harris County