When you are facing criminal charges, your entire future can be on the line. Having the right legal representation is vital to clearing your name and keeping your freedom. The Houston criminal lawyers at Ricardo N. Gonzalez & Associates take pride in aggressively defending our clients’ rights, no matter the size and scope of the charge.
Whether you are facing county, state or federal charges, our team has extensive experience in handling a wide range of criminal defense cases. We utilize a comprehensive and creative approach to each case, from traffic violations to violent crimes to federal white collar offenses.
Our Houston criminal defense lawyers are well versed in assessing evidence and witness testimony, evaluating scientific and forensic data, and consulting medical and mental health experts to present the best defense possible for every client.
A Houston Criminal Lawyer You Can Trust
A good criminal defense begins with finding a trusted Houston criminal defense attorney. The attorney-client relationship is vital to a good outcome in each and every case. At Ricardo N. Gonzalez & Associates, our attorneys take the time to get to know each client and his or her family and assess their needs, managing each defense with the client’s end goal in mind.
Having an understanding of our clients background, family and future plans provides a framework for a results-oriented outcome. Knowing our clients is an asset in pretrial litigation, negotiations with the prosecutor, and trial preparation.
Approaching Criminal Defense
Often in criminal cases, there arise concerns that a client’s constitutional rights were mishandled. There may be issues with search and seizure, the correct use of Miranda rights, due process, mental health considerations and other fundamental rights that play a large role in our defense strategy.
In addition to having a sound understanding of the laws that will affect your criminal case, our Houston criminal defense attorneys stay up-to-date on state and federal court rulings that can have an impact on our client’s cases.
Other factors that can greatly impact the direction a criminal defense strategy takes are scientific data and expert testimony. Understanding how forensic evidence is collected and processed is complicated but absolutely necessary to present a well-rounded defense of our clients. DNA testing, chemical testing, polygraph exams, mental health evaluations, blood stain analysis and many other scientific processes may be presented by the prosecution. Our Houston criminal lawyers are experienced in interpreting, presenting and defending all types of scientific data as an important part of an aggressive defense.
Types Of Criminal Cases Our Houston Criminal Defense Attorneys Handle
From misdemeanors to felonies, our Houston criminal lawyers defend clients in a broad range of local, state and federal crimes. These include:
Violent Crimes: Some of the most severe charges a person may face are violent crimes, which is categorized generally as a any crime that causes injury to another person. This can include assault and battery, manslaughter and murder. The consequences of these crimes can be severe, and a conviction can mean life in prison, thousands of dollars in fines, and even the death penalty.
Domestic Violence: These charges are reserved for accusations of violence against family members or significant others. This may mean physical violence, but can include emotional abuse, threats and harassment. Sexual assault, false imprisonment and kidnapping may also fall under the umbrella of domestic violence crimes in some circumstances.
Drug Crimes: The charges can range from misdemeanor to felony, and fall under state or federal jurisdiction, and arise from simple roadside stops that result in drug possession arrests to far more severe drug trafficking charges.
DWI/DUI: Texas laws for Driving While Intoxicated and Driving Under the Influence charges have changed in recent years, with more severe penalties.
Juvenile Crimes: When minors are accused of criminal offenses, there is typically a different set of standards and process involved in trying and defending these cases. The assistance of an attorney experienced in these types of cases is important to a successful outcome.
Probation Violations: When you have received probation as part of your sentence, not adhering to the terms can result in new charges. Common violations include failing a drug test, not performing community service, new criminal charges, failing to pay fines, and not reporting to your probation officials.
Theft Crimes: These charges can range from misdemeanor shoplifting to felony burglary and robbery. For the more serious theft crimes, false accusations, mistaken identity and inconsistent witness accounts are not uncommon for victims of robberies. Without the right Houston criminal defense attorney, the penalties can be severe, including prison time and stiff fines.
Appeals: Executing a complete criminal defense strategy means seeing each case through no matter the outcome. If a client is convicted, he or she needs a defense attorney who is knowledgeable about the Texas appeals process in order to actively pursue every recourse to have the judgment reversed.
Federal Crimes: Criminal cases the fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government can include drug crimes, tax fraud, terrorism and white collar crimes.
Sex Crimes: Accusations of a sex crime are among the most stigmatizing charges. These crimes can include rape sexual assault, indecent exposure, possession or distribution of child pornography and more. The penalties can be a long jail sentence, sex offender registration, sex offender treatment, as well as thousands of dollars in fines.
Weapons Charges: These crimes can include accusations of unlawfully carrying a weapon, violations of concealed handgun license, assault with a deadly weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, illegal weapons sales, using a weapon in self-defense, and using a weapon in a threatening way. They may be misdemeanor or felony offenses, with the possibility of a jail sentence and high fines.
White Collar Crimes: These crimes typically include fraudulent and/or deceitful behavior against the economic well-being of another person or entity. Embezzlement, money laundering, extortion, mortgage fraud, tax evasion, public corruption and similar crimes fall under the category of white collar crime. State and federal agencies have in recent years started seeking far more severe penalties, such as long jail sentences and stiff fines.
Criminal Defense FAQs: Still have questions? Learn more about frequently asked questions regarding Houston criminal charges.
Get Help Today
If you’ve been accused of a crime, getting started on your defense is paramount. Contact the Houston criminal lawyers at Ricardo N. Gonzalez & Associates today to schedule a consultation with an experienced trial attorney who will thoroughly and aggressively defend your rights.
