Misdemeanor Attorney in Houston

Your Rights Matter – Trusted Defense for Misdemeanor Charges in Houston

If you’re facing misdemeanor charges in Houston, you deserve clear guidance from a team that has helped people in your position before. At Alexander J. Houthuijzen, Attorney-at-Law, we help you navigate misdemeanor charges with clarity and confidence.

When you choose our team, you gain a personalized defense plan built around your needs and circumstances. We review each detail of your case with you, answer your questions in plain language, and keep you fully informed.

Clients rely on us for accessible communication, especially during stressful moments or tight court deadlines. No matter your misdemeanor charge, you can count on support and honest guidance from start to finish.

Contact a dedicated misdemeanor attorney in Houston for an immediate defense. We offer free consultations and bilingual services. Call Alexander J. Houthuijzen, Attorney-at-Law, at (713) 600-9902 or reach out online now.

Understanding Texas Misdemeanor Classifications

Texas law divides misdemeanors into three classes—A, B, and C—based on severity, with penalties ranging from fines only to nearly a year in county jail. The classification of the offense dictates the maximum penalty we are fighting to avoid.

Texas Misdemeanor Penalties

Class A Misdemeanor – Punishable by up to 1 year in county jail and fines up to $4,000. Common examples include assault causing bodily injury, theft between $750 and $2,500, a first-offense DWI, or violation of a protective order.
Class B Misdemeanor – Punishable by up to 180 days in county jail and fines up to $2,000. Examples include a first-offense DWI, possession of marijuana (2 ounces or less), or criminal trespass.
Class C Misdemeanor – Punishable by fines up to $500 with no jail time. Examples include public intoxication, minor in possession of alcohol, or disorderly conduct.

It is a major mistake to treat a Class A or Class B misdemeanor lightly. We are prepared to defend clients in the Harris County Criminal Courts at Law against any of these charges, focusing on preserving the client's ability to live, work, and vote without the burden of a conviction.

Hiring a proactive Houston misdemeanor lawyer is essential to avoiding maximum sentences.

The Hidden Cost of a Misdemeanor Conviction in Houston

While felonies carry the highest jail sentences, misdemeanor convictions often create the most long-lasting collateral consequences for everyday life. Our firm views the fight for dismissal as a defense of your future opportunities.

Employment Barriers: Most employers conduct background checks. A conviction for a Class A or B misdemeanor (especially theft or drug charges) can lead to job denial or termination, even if the offense was years ago.
Professional Licensing: Convictions can result in the revocation or denial of professional licenses, including those for teachers, nurses, medical technicians, and licensed professionals.
Loss of Eligibility: Misdemeanor convictions can affect eligibility for certain grants, financial aid, and public housing benefits.
Future Enhancement: A prior misdemeanor conviction (particularly for domestic violence, theft, or DWI) can be used to enhance a subsequent charge into a felony. For instance, a third DWI conviction, or a subsequent family violence assault, becomes a felony charge.

We work tirelessly to secure Deferred Adjudication or a dismissal, both of which can make your record eligible for Non-Disclosure or Expunction, effectively sealing the arrest and conviction from public view.

Our Process as Your Misdemeanor Criminal Attorney in Houston

We built our process to take the uncertainty out of misdemeanor defense in Houston. Here’s what to expect when you work with Alexander J. Houthuijzen, Attorney-at-Law:

Initial consultation: You tell us your story, and we review the formal charges and potential risks. This meeting is free, and you leave knowing your options.
Personalized defense strategy: We develop a defense plan based on your priorities—whether that means fighting the charge, exploring resolution options, or focusing on minimizing long-term effects.
Clear communication: You receive straightforward updates as your case moves through each stage, so you’re never left wondering what’s next.
Continual support: We help you prepare for court dates, address all requirements, and stay on top of deadlines unique to Harris County courts.
Active client role: You remain involved, shaping the defense approach and understanding the consequences of each decision along the way.

Houston’s courts move quickly, often with limited time between hearings or required appearances. We make it our priority to notify you as soon as something changes, from court resets to a new hearing location.

Our familiarity with Harris County policies and local practices helps us avoid preventable delays. By keeping you prepared and confident, we ensure you feel ready at each stage of your case with a misdemeanor criminal attorney in Houston by your side.

Protect your career and your future. Call (713) 600-9902 or reach out online for a free consultation with a top misdemeanor attorney in Houston.

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Our Strategic Misdemeanor Defense Process in Harris County

Defending a misdemeanor case in Houston’s robust legal system requires specialized attention to detail and knowledge of the County Criminal Courts at Law. Our firm implements a multi-stage defense strategy designed for efficiency and favorable results.

Immediate Intervention and Bail Reduction: We act quickly after arrest, often before the First Appearance, to advocate for the lowest possible bail amount or a personal recognizance bond, getting our client released as soon as possible.
Discovery and Investigation: We demand full discovery, meticulously reviewing police reports, dashcam/body-worn camera footage (critical in DWI and assault cases), and witness statements. We look for errors in the initial stop and arrest procedure.
Motion Practice: We file strategic pre-trial motions to challenge illegally obtained evidence, such as:
- Motion to Suppress: Challenging Fourth Amendment violations (unlawful search/seizure).
- Motion for Insufficiency: Arguing that the State lacks enough evidence to prove the elements of the crime.
Negotiation for Dismissal/Diversion: Our firm leverages the legal weaknesses we identify to negotiate with the prosecutor. We advocate strongly for dismissal in exchange for pre-trial classes, community service, or a period of deferral. We also pursue Deferred Adjudication where conviction is likely, as this non-conviction finding allows for a subsequent Order of Non-Disclosure.
Trial Readiness: While most misdemeanors resolve pre-trial, we prepare every case for a jury trial. This readiness is a significant bargaining tool and ensures we are prepared to defend your rights fully if the State refuses a fair settlement offer.

The Local Advantage: Houston Courts, Texas Law & Your Defense

Misdemeanor cases in Houston follow Texas state law but move through Harris County courts. These courts handle cases with their own backlog, administrative rules, and processes. A local attorney can anticipate specific challenges, from scheduling issues to unique local programs or diversion options that may impact your outcome.

We track changes in Harris County dockets and court rules so you know how any update could affect your timeline or defense options. Many misdemeanor cases in Houston now involve virtual hearings or new administrative requirements. Our up-to-date knowledge helps you avoid surprises and lets us offer guidance that reflects real courthouse practice. With this level of local insight and a strategic approach, our representation gives you a practical advantage at every stage.

Why Hire a Misdemeanor Lawyer in Houston

Our clients count on us for effective representation that aims to protect their future. Here’s how our firm stands out among misdemeanor criminal attorneys in Houston:

Aggressive trial advocacy: We act decisively in county and municipal courts, never shying from trial when the situation calls for it.
Client-centered partnership: You always know where your case stands because we treat you as an active member of the team.
Direct communication: One-on-one attention means your questions get real answers, and you’re confident in every choice.
Accessible service: We offer free consultations, a convenient downtown office, and Spanish language support to serve all Houstonians.
Reliable reputation: Attorney Alexander J. Houthuijzen holds a Texas license since 2016 and was selected to Rising Stars 2025.

Our approach focuses on practical solutions for people in Houston facing misdemeanor charges. You deserve honest guidance, meaningful involvement, and a defense team that will do more than just get you through the system. You have a say in your case because we keep you informed and welcome your input. Our firm’s track record in the Houston community means you get advocacy that addresses local legal realities and cares about your outcome.

Take Control – Contact a Misdemeanor Lawyer in Houston Today

Taking quick action on your case removes uncertainty and helps protect your future. Reach out to Alexander J. Houthuijzen, Attorney-at-Law today for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward a solution tailored to your situation. We are ready to listen, answer questions, and give you the clarity you need to move forward. You’ll benefit from responsive service, clear answers, and a Houston misdemeanor attorney focused on your needs.

Contact us online or call (713) 600-9902 to set up your free consultation—hablamos español. Let us help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

FAQs

What are the possible consequences for a misdemeanor conviction in Houston?

Penalties include fines, probation, community service, or jail time, depending on the class of misdemeanor. A conviction can also remain on your criminal record and may affect employment or housing opportunities.

Will I need to appear in court for a misdemeanor charge?

Most misdemeanor cases in Houston require you to appear at one or more court dates. The number of appearances depends on the court’s schedule and your specific charge.

How long does a misdemeanor case take in Houston?

Timelines vary, but court backlogs in Harris County may affect how quickly your case moves. Some cases end quickly, while others may take months to resolve.

Can a misdemeanor charge be dropped or reduced?

In some situations, prosecutors may drop or reduce charges if circumstances allow. The likelihood depends on case facts, evidence, and conversations with the prosecutor.

What should I bring to my first meeting with a misdemeanor lawyer in Houston?

Bring any documents tied to your case, like court notices or police paperwork. This preparation helps your attorney offer clear advice right from the start.

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"A lot of lawyers write on their websites that they "fight" and that they work "tirelessly" for their clients. The truth is that being a lawyer is more than just fighting or working tirelessly. It's knowing what to do at the right moment to get a fantastic result for a client. ?I go to trial if I have to. I fight if I have to. But most of the time, my job is to help people who cannot help themselves."

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Alexander J. Houthuijzen, Attorney-at-Law

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