Houston Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal Lawyer in the City of Houston, TX Defends the Freedom and Reputation of Clients Facing Charges in Harris County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, and Throughout Texas

Have you been arrested or charged with a crime in Houston? You deserve experienced legal representation that can help you protect your freedom, reputation, and future from the devastating consequences of a criminal conviction. Let a Houston criminal defense attorney advocate on your behalf and protect your interests in the criminal justice system.

I am criminal defense attorney Ed Chernoff. I have been practicing in the criminal justice system here in Texas for over 35 years. I started out in law as a prosecutor with the Harris County DA’s office, where I developed a unique insight into how prosecutors prepare and try cases. Since 1991, I have been using my experience to advocate on behalf of criminal defendants throughout the Houston area. I have received Board Certification in Criminal Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and over the decades I have represented thousands of people charged with crimes and taken over 150 cases to trial, developing a national reputation as a tough advocate for my clients. 

Reach out to my criminal defense law firm for an initial case evaluation with a criminal lawyer in the city of Houston, TX, to discuss your legal options and the next steps we can take to pursue a favorable resolution to your criminal charges. 

Types of Criminal Cases Chernoff Law Represents Clients In

I have extensive experience as an advocate in the criminal justice system in the Greater Houston area. I can help you if you are facing criminal charges in state or federal courts, such as:

• DWI/DUI/Intoxicated driving
• Drug crimes, including possession, prescription drug fraud, distribution, trafficking, manufacture, drug conspiracy, and federal drug crimes
• Assault and aggravated assault
• Theft crimes, including shoplifting, aggravated robbery, burglary and robbery
• Weapons offenses, including federal firearms offenses
• Sex crimes, including sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, statutory rape, indecent, creation/possession/distribution of child pornography, and other child sex crimes
• Violent crimes, including murder and manslaughter
• White collar crimes
• Misdemeanors, including disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, trespassing, terroristic threats, stalking and harassment, and hit-and-run charges
• Domestic violence offenses, including family assault
• Juvenile crimes
• Probation and parole violations

I also assist clients with seeking expungement of their criminal records after they’ve had their criminal charges resolved in their favor. 

Criminal Penalties in Texas

Title 3, Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code sets forth the sentences that can be imposed for a conviction. Sentencing ranges are based on the grading of the offense. Offenses may be graded as a Class A, Class B, or Class C misdemeanor, or as a capital felony, first-degree felony, second-degree felony, third-degree felony, or state jail felony. Penalties for a conviction for a Texas state law criminal offense include:

• Class C misdemeanor: Fine of up to $500
• Class B misdemeanor: Jail term of up to 180 days, and/or a fine of up to $2,000
• Class A misdemeanor: Jail term of up to one year, and/or a fine of up to $4,000
• State jail felony: State jail term of 180 days to two years, and a potential fine of up to $10,000
• Third-degree felony: Imprisonment for two to 10 years, and a potential fine of up to $10,000
• Second-degree felony: Imprisonment for two to 20 years, and a potential fine of up to $10,000
• First-degree felony: Imprisonment for life, or a term of 5 to 99 years, and a potential fine of up to $10,000
• Capital felony: Imprisonment for life without parole, or the death penalty

How Will a Houston Criminal Defense Attorney from Chernoff Law Help You Pursue a Favorable Resolution to Your Charges?

After you have been arrested and charged with criminal offenses in Houston, reach out to Chernoff Law for the legal advice and advocacy you deserve from an experienced Houston criminal defense attorney. When you hire me for your case, you can expect that I will promptly go to work building an effective defense strategy for you by:

• Performing an independent investigation into your charges instead of simply relying on evidence turned over by the prosecution
• Reviewing the facts and circumstances of your case to identify potential defenses you can raise
• Sitting down with you to answer your questions and prepare you for what to expect during your prosecution
• Standing up for your rights by moving to exclude evidence or statements that were obtained from you in violation of your rights
• Testing the prosecution’s case against you by filing motions to reduce or dismiss your charges
• Negotiating with prosecutors to try to reach a plea agreement, if appropriate, that provides you with a fair resolution to your charges
• Advocating in your defense in court and at trial, if you choose to fight your charges and assert your innocence

Contact Chernoff Law to Speak with a Criminal Lawyer in the City of Houston, TX, to Discuss Your Legal Rights and Options

Contact my firm today for a confidential consultation after you have been arrested or charged with a crime. A Houston criminal defense lawyer can answer your questions and help give you peace of mind knowing that you and your case are in good hands with us. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Criminal Defense in Houston