Fort Bend County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Trusted Fort Bend County Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are accused of a crime in Fort Bend County, you could be looking at harsh punishments that will change the course of your life, not to mention the lives of those you love. As soon as you are arrested or notified of your criminal charges, it is vital that you reach out to an experienced Fort Bend County criminal defense lawyer. They can start crafting a strong, personalized defense.

At Segura & Kiatta, LLP, our lawyers have years of proven success in defending clients, no matter the severity of their charges. By choosing our firm, you can entrust your case to dependable, experienced legal professionals.

Why You Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

Fort Bend County courts are particularly busy, having added 2,530 criminal cases in 2024 alone, with 2,735 pending in that same year. No matter what you are being accused of, you can expect that the state will not go easy on those who are found guilty of a crime. Whether you are being charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, you should rely on a qualified legal professional who can stand up for your rights and work toward the ideal outcome. Without one, your life might change forever.

Your Fort Bend criminal defense lawyer can advocate for you in a wide variety of situations. For instance, examples of cases in which you could benefit from the work of a criminal defense attorney include the following:

• You’ve been pulled over for driving while intoxicated (DWI) and are facing harsh DWI penalties.
• Law enforcement officers have arrested you for a DWI and suspect you of hurting someone.
• You’ve been accused of committing a violent crime like murder or aggravated assault.
• You are looking at charges of theft or robbery
• Someone has accused you of a sex crime, such as the sexual assault of a child.
• You’re facing white-collar charges like tax evasion, credit card fraud, or money laundering.
• You’ve been accused of drug trafficking.

What Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?

If you have been accused of a crime, you might feel like there is nowhere to turn and that the legal system is working against you. It is understandable to feel lost, but you should remember that with a capable defense lawyer on your side, you can take a deep breath and find some reassurance.

Even in cases where you might think that you have no possible defense, there are lots of approaches that a lawyer can use to stand up for you. For example:

• Law enforcement officers can violate your constitutional rights when searching for evidence or making an arrest. A lawyer might be able to use this to discredit your charges.
• Your attorney can closely examine the evidence law enforcement officers used to see if it is valid. For example, field sobriety tests might be discredited by certain medical c\onditions.
• People are all too often accused of white-collar crimes when performing legitimate business transactions. Your lawyer can scrutinize your financial paperwork to prove what happened.
• Your lawyer can show that chain of custody rules were not followed in handling and tracking the physical evidence that is being used against you.
• You might have been mistaken for someone else but are at a loss for how to prove this. Your lawyer can help collect evidence to show that you were not present at the scene of the crime when it occurred.

In addition to creating a strong defense strategy for your situation, your lawyer can also provide a whole host of other services to make it easier for you and your loved ones. They can answer all your questions about the confusing legal processes that might be involved and explain what you should expect from each step of your case.

Meanwhile, you can receive informed advice about how to protect your assets. For instance, if you are worried about what will happen to your professional or personal bank accounts while being investigated for a white-collar crime, your lawyer can provide useful guidance.

The right criminal defense attorney can also be an effective negotiator who is familiar with all sides of the law. Your lawyer can advocate for you by negotiating about various factors in your case, including potential sentences you might face. They could also file pretrial motions that help your case, such as suppressing evidence or dismissing charges.

Our Case Results

Punishments for Misdemeanors and Felonies in Fort Bend

The exact consequences you face for a criminal conviction in Fort Bend will depend on the precise nature of the crime as well as its severity. Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code defines the classifications of each type of criminal charge and sets penalties for both felonies and misdemeanors. However, other penalties, such as community supervision, sex offender registry, and license suspension, exist elsewhere in the state’s laws and regulations.

Misdemeanor Penalties in Fort Bend County

Texas classifies misdemeanors into categories called Class A, B, and C. The consequences you may face for a misdemeanor in Fort Bend will depend on the class that it falls into. In general, though, if you are found guilty of a misdemeanor, you can expect to face up to one year in a county jail, monetary fines of up to $4,000, and a period of community supervision.

While these punishments are far less severe than those for felonies, you should still rely on a trustworthy criminal defense lawyer to challenge them or work to minimize them. One year in jail can still negatively impact your entire life. You could lose precious time away from your friends and family. You can also face major hardships when getting a job after your time is over.

Not every misdemeanor case ends in a conviction. Texas county-level courts reported 177,871 misdemeanor dismissals and 48,772 deferred adjudication outcomes during 2024. Only 597 misdemeanor convictions resulted from jury verdicts. Because each case is different, be sure to discuss your defense options with your attorney.

Felony Penalties in Fort Bend County

If you are facing a felony charge, you are looking at more serious, long-term penalties than those for misdemeanors. In Texas, the punishments for felonies also depend on exactly what you are convicted of, but they usually involve lengthy prison sentences and incredibly costly fines.

For instance, examples of penalties you might face for a felony conviction include:

• Intoxication manslaughter. If you were driving while intoxicated and killed a person as a result, you can face a minimum of two years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Theft. If you are found guilty of stealing items that were worth between $2,500 and $30,000, you can face 180 days to two years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. If the stolen property is between $30,000 and $150,000, this can rise to between two and ten years in prison.
• Sex crimes. In addition to jail time and high fines, if you’re convicted of sex crimes, you may have to abide by curfews, endure difficulty finding employment, and limit where you can live and work. You may also be required to register as a sex offender.
• Murder. If you are charged with murder in Texas, you could be looking at up to life in prison.
• Aggravated assault. When found guilty of using a deadly weapon or causing serious bodily injury to another person, you could face up to twenty years in prison.
• Drug delivery and possession. Punishments for drug trafficking in Texas can involve up to 99 years in prison.
• Money laundering. If you’ve been accused of a financial crime, like money laundering, your felony punishment will depend on how much money was involved.

The Hidden Consequences of a Criminal Conviction

The effects of a criminal conviction may continue long after someone pays a fine, completes probation, or leaves jail. A criminal record can affect where you live, the work you can perform, and the rights you may exercise. It may also create serious problems for your immigration status or family relationships. Because these collateral consequences vary based on the offense and the person’s circumstances, it is important to consider them before accepting a plea agreement or making another major decision.

Impact on Professional Licenses

A criminal conviction can put a professional license at risk, even when the offense is unrelated to your work. Texas licensing boards may investigate the case, deny an application, restrict a license, or begin disciplinary proceedings. This can affect nurses, teachers, real estate agents, contractors, CDL holders, and other licensed professionals.

The outcome may depend on the offense, its connection to your occupation, and your disciplinary history. Your defense attorney can consider these career risks when reviewing plea offers and building your defense.

Loss of Certain Rights

In Texas, criminal convictions may lead to the loss of certain rights under state and federal law. Depending on the offense, you could lose the right to possess a firearm, serve on a jury, or hold certain public offices. A felony conviction also affects voting rights while you are serving your sentence, including incarceration, parole, or supervision.

Some rights may be restored after you complete the required sentence, while others may remain restricted. A lawyer can explain which rights are at risk and whether their restoration may be possible.

Trouble Finding Housing

A criminal conviction can make it harder to rent a home or qualify for certain housing programs. Landlords often conduct background checks, and they may consider the type of offense, when it occurred, and whether it could affect other residents or the property. Public housing authorities may also deny an applicant if they have certain convictions.

However, not every record leads to an automatic rejection. Reviewing screening policies, explaining your circumstances, and exploring record-sealing options may improve your chances of finding suitable housing.

Issues With Immigration

If you are an immigrant who is looking to become a United States citizen, a criminal conviction can create serious problems for you. Depending on the charge and sentence, it may lead to:

• Deportation
• Detention
• Denial of naturalization
• Difficulty renewing a visa or green card

Even a misdemeanor or guilty plea may carry consequences under federal immigration law. Before accepting any plea agreement, a non-citizen should speak with attorneys who understand both criminal defense and immigration law. Early evidence could prevent or reduce immigration-related harm.

Impact on Child Custody

A criminal conviction may affect child custody or visitation if a court believes that the offense raises concerns about the child’s safety or well-being. Judges may consider:

• The nature of the crime
• When it occurred
• Whether the child was involved
• Any history of violence, substance abuse, or neglect

The court could restrict visitation, require supervision, or change an existing custody order. Keep in mind, a conviction does not end parental rights on its own. Each case depends on the child’s best interest and the family’s circumstances.

A Fort Bend Criminal Defense Attorney Can Protect Against the Consequences of a Conviction

All the potential consequences of a conviction can affect nearly every part of your life, even after the official sentence ends. Understanding what is at stake can help you make informed decisions about your defense, plea offers, and future. A Fort Bend criminal defense lawyer can:

• Evaluate the direct and hidden risks of a conviction.
• Explain your legal options.
• Work toward an outcome that protects your rights, career, family, and ability to move forward.

What to Do If You’re Charged With a Crime in Fort Bend County?

Getting charged with a serious crime can be terrifying. The court will let you know what you are being accused of by either sending you a summons or by arresting you, depending on the circumstances.

If you are put in handcuffs and brought to jail, you might understandably start to panic and want to start talking to law enforcement officers. Try to remain calm and remember that it is in your interest to wait until you have an informed criminal defense attorney on your case to begin speaking. You have the legal right to remain silent and to hire an attorney.

Once you have an attorney, they can start going over your options in the case. Your lawyer can:

• Conduct in-depth research into what happened.
• Begin collecting evidence.
• Review how the case was handled.

With their detailed knowledge of the complex Texas legal system and their understanding of all the facts in your case, they can make an informed decision as to how to proceed.

Not all criminal cases go to trial. Often, your defense attorney can negotiate with prosecutors to effectively dismiss charges, or they may advocate for alternatives. If these initial efforts are not successful, you might have to go to trial.

Your lawyer can prepare a criminal defense strategy for this possibility from the beginning. They can also be ready to use strong evidence to defend your case in the courtroom.

FAQs

Can I Clear or Seal My Record After a Conviction in Texas?

It is possible to clear or seal your record after a criminal conviction, but eligibility depends on the case. Texas expunction generally destroys records, but most final convictions do not qualify unless an exception applies, such as a pardon. An order of nondisclosure may seal certain eligible misdemeanors or completed deferred adjudication cases from public view, although law enforcement agencies may still access them. Waiting periods and offense-based restrictions apply.

Will I Have to Go to Trial for a Criminal Case?

Whether you have to go to trial depends on several factors. Many criminal cases are resolved before a trial is necessary, often through dismissal, deferred adjudication, or a negotiated plea deal. Going to trial depends on:

• The evidence
• The available criminal defense strategies
• The prosecutor’s position
• Your goals

Your Fort Bend County criminal defense attorney can investigate the allegations, challenge unlawful evidence, and negotiate with prosecutors to resolve the case before going to trial.

Where Will My Criminal Case Be Heard in Fort Bend County?

Where your criminal case will be heard depends on the charge. Fort Bend County Courts at Law generally handle misdemeanor cases, while district courts hear felony cases. Most proceedings take place at the Fort Bend County Justice Center in Richmond. Fine-only misdemeanors may be handled by a justice or municipal court instead. Your charging documents or bond paperwork should identify the assigned court. Your criminal defense attorney can confirm the location.

When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

You should hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you are under investigation, have been arrested, or face criminal charges. Early involvement gives your attorney more time to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, protect your rights, and communicate with law enforcement or prosecutors. Do not wait until your first court date to find a lawyer, and avoid discussing the allegations without counsel. An attorney can also handle bail, upcoming hearings, and forming your defense.

Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fort Bend Today

You must consider your timeline when facing criminal charges. The sooner you hire a criminal defense lawyer to look at your case and begin working on a defense strategy, the better your chances are of walking away from this situation with an ideal outcome.

At Segura & Kiatta, LLP, we know how frightening it can be to face criminal charges, and our attorneys can guide you through everything that must be done to confront them.

Both of our lawyers are seasoned attorneys who have achieved proven results against criminal charges. If you are ready to have fierce lawyers with a positive record on your side, do not waste any more time. Reach out to our office today to consult about your case.