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 deserve a defense that is strong, strategic and focuses on your best interest at all times. These characteristics can be difficult to find when accepting representation from a court provided by the public defender. Public defenders often have busy schedules and little control over their caseloads. This leads to far too many settlements and serious complications with forming a winning defense. You need a Harris County criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights.

In contrast, a private criminal defender, like the Harris County Lawyer at Greco Neyland, 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.

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 with former prosecution experience, we have unique insight into how the prosecution thinks and how to build a successful defense in response to 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 affect your future significantly, and we treat the charges you face with the severity and vigilance that 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 office 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 give you an advantage in your defense to 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 which 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 it comes to defending burglary and violent crimes found 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, severity, and perspective on these offenses. We handle minor offenses before the Harris County municipal court and those charges that require the attention of 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.

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 comes with other collateral consequences that are not directly related to the penalties assigned 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 are able to care for your children.

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 sex crimes. 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

Q: How Much Does a Felony Defense Attorney Cost in Texas?

A: How much a felony defense attorney costs in Texas varies based on many crucial factors. Every criminal defense case is unique, although felony cases are more likely to have higher fees and costs than misdemeanor cases because felony charges are more serious and typically require a h3er and 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 will your case need for investigation and professional testimony?
• How experienced is the attorney working your case?

Q: Can a Felony Be Dropped in Texas?

A: Yes, a felony could be dropped by the prosecution in Texas. 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 of the crime. 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.

Q: What Is the Most Serious Felony in Texas?

A: The most serious felony type in Texas 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.

Q: Are Prosecutors and Defense Attorneys the Same Thing?

A: No, prosecutors and defense attorneys are not the same thing. These professionals face each other on the opposites of a criminal trial. The prosecutors are the state or federal office in charge of upholding public safety and are responsible for filing criminal charges against individuals on behalf of the state. Defense attorneys are in charge of protecting the rights of individuals, defending those charged with criminal offenses, and ensuring 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. 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 free consultation. Just call (713) 972-1100.