Felony Criminal Attorney in Houston
Empowering You Through Legal Challenges in Houston
At Alexander J. Houthuijzen, Attorney-at-Law, we recognize how overwhelming it can be to face a felony charge. Located in Downtown Houston, our firm is dedicated to empowering you with knowledge and safeguarding your rights. Whether you're facing allegations of assault, burglary, or other felony charges, we are here to be your voice in the courtroom.
Facing a felony can significantly impact your life, affecting your career, relationships, and freedom. Our team at Alexander J. Houthuijzen, Attorney-at-Law takes a comprehensive approach, examining every detail of your case to ensure no stone is left unturned.
From gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to negotiating with prosecutors, we handle all aspects of your defense strategy with precision and care. This holistic approach aims to build a strong defense, providing you peace of mind during these challenging times.
Protect your future with the guidance of a Certified Criminal Law Specialist. Schedule your free consultation today with our felony criminal attorney in Houston—call (713) 600-9902 now or contact us online.
Common Felony Charges We Defend
Alexander J. Houthuijzen, Attorney-at-Law provides comprehensive defense for a wide range of felony charges in Texas, including but not limited to:
- Violent Crimes: Murder, Capital Murder, Manslaughter, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Robbery, Kidnapping, Sexual Assault, Aggravated Sexual Assault.
- Drug Crimes: Possession of a Controlled Substance (felony level), Possession with Intent to Deliver, Manufacturing, Drug Trafficking (all penalty groups and quantities).
- Theft & Property Crimes: Grand Theft (all degrees), Burglary (all degrees), Arson, Criminal Mischief (felony level).
- White Collar Crimes: All forms of Fraud (e.g., Mail, Wire, Bank, Insurance, Healthcare, Mortgage), Embezzlement, Identity Theft, Money Laundering, Tax Evasion, Forgery.
- DWI Felonies: Third or Subsequent DWI, DWI with Child Passenger, Intoxication Assault, Intoxication Manslaughter.
- Family Violence: Felony charges with a family violence finding, which carry significant enhancements.
No matter the nature of the accusation, a Houston felony defense lawyer from Alexander J. Houthuijzen, Attorney-at-Law is equipped to provide aggressive and knowledgeable representation.
Understanding Felony Charge Classifications in Texas
Texas law classifies criminal offenses into two primary categories: misdemeanors and felonies. The severity of the charge dictates the potential penalties and the long-term impact on your life. A felony criminal attorney in Houston from Alexander J. Houthuijzen, Attorney-at-Law will explain the specific classification of your charge.
Texas divides felonies into five classifications, with escalating penalties (Texas Penal Code, Chapter 12):
State Jail Felonies (Texas Penal Code § 12.35): These are the least severe felony classification in Texas.
- Maximum Penalties: 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility.
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Third-Degree Felonies (Texas Penal Code § 12.34):
- Maximum Penalties: 2 to 10 years in state prison.
- Fines: Up to $10,000.
Second-Degree Felonies (Texas Penal Code § 12.33):
- Maximum Penalties: 2 to 20 years in state prison.
- Fines: Up to $10,000.
First-Degree Felonies (Texas Penal Code § 12.32):
- Maximum Penalties: 5 to 99 years or life imprisonment.
- Fines: Up to $10,000.
Capital Felonies (Texas Penal Code § 12.31): These are the most severe crimes in Texas.
- Maximum Penalties: Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty (if the defendant was 18 or older at the time of the offense and certain procedures are followed).
Beyond direct penalties, a Texas felony conviction inflicts profound and lasting collateral consequences. It results in a permanent criminal record that typically cannot be truly expunged, severely limiting future employment, housing, and educational prospects, though some records may be sealed through non-disclosure for eligible non-violent offenses.
Convicted individuals permanently lose their civil rights like voting and firearm possession, face professional license revocations, significant reputational damage, and severe employment and housing challenges. For non-U.S. citizens, felony convictions almost always trigger immediate deportation and permanent inadmissibility, while certain sex offenses require mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Such convictions also lead to driver's license suspension and can significantly enhance penalties for any future offenses.
Why Choose Us for Felony Defense
Clients choose us because we provide aggressive representation during times of crisis. Unlike others who may rush to settle, we focus on achieving the outcomes you deserve, especially in complex situations involving criminal charges.
Our commitment to clients is reflected in our personal approach—Alex, our attorney, ensures you are a vital part of the team, keeping you informed and involved at every step.
Our extensive knowledge of Houston's legal environment is a significant advantage. Familiarity with local courts, procedures, and personnel gives us a strategic edge when advocating for our clients. By tailoring our strategies to fit the specifics of your circumstances and leveraging our local experience, we strive to achieve outcomes that truly reflect your best interests.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Felony Defense
- Early Intervention & Thorough Investigation: Providing pre-arrest representation, advocating for favorable bond terms at magistrate hearings, strategizing for Grand Jury proceedings, and conducting meticulous scene analysis, evidence collection, witness interviews, police procedure reviews, and forensic evidence scrutiny with the assistance of a felony criminal attorney in Houston.
- Building a Strategic Defense: Challenging constitutional rights violations, proving lack of intent, arguing insufficient evidence, establishing alibis, asserting self-defense, demonstrating mistake of fact, exposing false accusations, or claiming duress, necessity, or entrapment.
- Negotiation and Litigation: Engaging in aggressive plea bargaining with the prosecution for dismissals, charge reductions (a key focus for a felony criminal attorney in Houston), deferred adjudication, pre-trial diversion, or reduced sentences; and if necessary, proceeding to a jury trial with a highly prepared Houston felony defense lawyer team for a vigorous defense, followed by comprehensive sentencing mitigation if convicted.
Take the First Step: Contact Us for Felony Defense in Houston
Facing felony charges is daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Alexander J. Houthuijzen, Attorney-at-Law, we are committed to providing powerful legal representation that respects and involves you throughout the process.
When you reach out, expect a responsive, personalized approach that prioritizes your best interests over quick solutions. Experience the difference our strategic, caring communication brings to felony defense in Houston.
Call us today at (713) 600-9902 or reach out online for a consultation. Together, we can navigate the complexities of the legal system and work towards securing the best possible outcome for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’ve been charged with a felony in Houston?
If you're facing felony charges, your first step should be to remain silent and immediately contact a skilled felony criminal defense lawyer in Houston. Any statements made without legal counsel may be used against you. At Alexander J. Houthuijzen, Attorney-at-Law, we advise clients to document interactions with law enforcement and begin collecting any evidence that supports their defense. Early legal guidance can dramatically shape the direction and strength of your case.
Can a felony charge be cleared from my record?
Felony expungement in Texas is only available under certain conditions, such as if the case was dismissed, you were acquitted, or you received a pardon. In some cases, a non-disclosure order may be possible if you received deferred adjudication. Both options involve complex procedures that depend on specific legal qualifications, so it’s essential to speak with an experienced Houston felony defense attorney to understand your eligibility.
What can I expect in the Houston court process?
Felony charges in Houston are prosecuted in Harris County’s district courts and go through multiple phases, including arraignment, pre-trial hearings, and potentially a jury trial. At each stage, having strategic legal representation is essential to challenging evidence, negotiating dismissals or plea deals, and ensuring your rights are upheld. Our firm takes an aggressive and detail-oriented approach at every phase to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Why does local knowledge matter when defending felony charges?
The Houston court system has its own procedures, unwritten rules, and prosecutorial tendencies. Working with a lawyer who understands the nuances of local practice—such as how judges tend to rule or how prosecutors build their cases—can be a major advantage. Alexander J. Houthuijzen, Attorney-at-Law brings years of experience in Houston’s criminal courts and leverages these insights to advocate more effectively for our clients.
Is it ever possible to reduce a felony to a misdemeanor?
In some cases, yes. A felony may be reduced to a misdemeanor through negotiation, especially if the charges involve non-violent offenses or if mitigating factors are present. An experienced Houston felony defense attorney can argue for a reduction as part of a plea deal or sentencing strategy, depending on the specifics of your case.
Why Choose Alex the Defender?
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Free Initial Consultations
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Focused On Clients' Best Interest
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Compassionate & Caring
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Personalized Attention