Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in The Woodlands, TX

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in The Woodlands, Texas?

  For non-emergencies in the Woodlands, call the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at 936-442-7797.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in The Woodlands, Texas?

  To request incident reports online, visit www.mcco3.org of the Montgomery County Constable’s Office, Precinct 3. You may also call 281-364-4211 for more details. The precinct is located at 1520 Lake Front Circle, Suite 200 in The Woodlands.

• What is an online solicitation crime in The Woodlands?

  An adult in The Woodlands who deliberately communicates online with an underage person in a sexually explicit manner can be pressed with criminal charges for online solicitation. The communication generally relates to sexual activity and can include sending lewd videos or photos and "sexting." It can be done using various methods online such as through email, social media apps, and texts.

• What should you do when the police stop you in The Woodlands?

  Act with respect and calm if you get stopped by the police in The Woodlands. If you are asked to give a statement or for permission to search your car, politely refuse and ask for an attorney to be present. You must be always cautious in what you say or act when dealing with law enforcement.

• How long does it take to have the preliminary hearing of a criminal case in The Woodlands?

  A preliminary hearing, or prelims, usually happens after official charges of The Woodlands criminal case have been filed. The speedy trial law has a mandate that prelims must be conducted not later than 30 days after the arrest. However, defendants have the right to "waive time" or delay the prelims to have more time to prepare the case.

• How do you post bail for a person arrested in The Woodlands?

  Persons arrested in The Woodlands can be bailed out at the Montgomery County Jail at 1 Criminal Justice Dr. in Conroe. Going to the jail directly to pay the bail or set a bond quickens the release. Bail is processed 24/7 in the order they are received. Additionally, the bail can be set at the court where the bail hearing was conducted.

• How can drug offenders in The Woodlands be eligible for diversionary programs?

  If drug offenders in The Woodlands are aged 17 years or older and are chemically dependent and need treatment, they can be eligible for the diversionary program conducted at the drug court. Additionally, these offenders would have to have a charge such as a third-degree or state jail felony. They should not be on parole and not be violent or sexual offenders.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.