First steps01
After an arrest in Houston
Understand magistration, requesting counsel, collecting arrest paperwork, and preparing for the next stage of a Harris County criminal case.
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Houston · Harris County · Texas
Criminal law.
A clearer
starting point.
When a criminal case raises difficult questions, understanding the next step matters.
Explore ten focused guides to the process, the paperwork, and finding qualified legal help.
Explore the guides
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The guide library
Start with the essentials.
Ten topics. Clear explanations.
Questions to take to your lawyer.
Finding counsel02
Choosing a defense lawyer
Prepare useful questions about licensing, Harris County court experience, representation fees, appointment of counsel, and case communication.
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Understand what comes next.
Guides 03–10Release & court03
Bail, bonds, and release conditions
Learn the difference between bond arrangements and court-ordered release conditions, and organize reporting duties and requests for changes.
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Charges & evidence04
DWI and driver-license hearings
Organize DWI paperwork, understand the separate ALR process, and identify time-sensitive questions about driving privileges and evidence.
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Charges & evidence05
Searches and digital evidence
Build a reliable record of a search, preserve original digital materials, and prepare useful questions about warrants and evidence.
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Orders & obligations06
Family violence and no-contact orders
Distinguish a criminal charge from bond conditions and protective orders, and prepare practical questions about communication, children, and property.
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Charges & evidence07
Preparing for a possession case
Understand why the precise statute, alleged substance, laboratory materials, search history, and possession evidence matter to a defense review.
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Decisions & outcomes08
Pleas and deferred adjudication
Compare the terms of a proposed criminal resolution, supervision duties, deferred adjudication, and possible consequences beyond the courtroom.
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Release & court09
Preparing for a court appearance
Confirm the correct court and appearance instructions, prepare for a setting, and keep an accurate record of the next date and obligations.
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Decisions & outcomes10
Expunction and nondisclosure
Understand the difference between expunction and nondisclosure, gather disposition records, and ask focused questions about eligibility and later disclosure.
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Before your consultation
A clear file makes
a better starting point.
Gather the charge information, court notices, release conditions, and a short timeline. Highlight the next deadline before the first conversation.
Prepare to speak with counsel