Criminal Defense
CRIMINAL LAW IN CONROE, TEXASFacing Criminal Charges?
Don’t go it alone. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys can help. With over 25 years of combined experience, including a former prosecutor, we know the ins and outs of the legal system. We have tried criminal cases on both sides of the aisle in literally every courtroom and in front of every criminal judge in Montgomery County. We’ll fight for your rights and help you get the best possible outcome.
Areas of Expertise
DWI/DUI
Being charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) can be serious consequences for your future. It’s easy to feel embarrassed or upset, especially if you’re facing serious accusations like driving intoxicated with a child or even intoxicated assault or manslaughter. However, remember that DWI is one of the most common charges brought against everyday citizens by the state.
Our team has handled hundreds of DWI cases in every criminal courtroom in Montgomery County and beyond. We are well-versed in Texas DWI laws and can provide the representation you need to navigate this difficult situation. We will diligently assess the evidence against you and explore potential defenses, aiming to minimize the impact on your life.
Assault & Family Violence
Assault and family violence cases in Texas require a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney due to the serious consequences and complexities involved. Simple assault, a Class A misdemeanor, occurs when someone knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly causes injury to another person. Many are surprised to be charged with this crime, especially when the other person did not suffer a visible or serious injury. However, under Texas law, the definition of injury includes any instance where the other person felt pain, making it easier to face charges.
Family violence cases carry even greater consequences than simple assault. These cases involve the same basic elements but occur between family members or individuals in the same household. A conviction can lead to future felony charges and affect your right to legally own firearms.
There are also more severe assault charges, such as those involving serious bodily injury or the use of a deadly weapon, which are felony offenses that can result in lengthy prison sentences. Given the seriousness of these charges, it’s essential to have a defense attorney experienced in handling various defenses like self-defense, protection of others, or mutual combat.
Computer Crimes
With the rise of technology, computer crimes have become more common and complicated. These crimes cover a wide range of offenses related to technology, including online harassment, identity theft, and possession of child pornography. It’s important to remember that these offenses are often labeled as computer crimes, even if the evidence comes from devices like cell phones or online accounts instead of just computers.
In many cases, the police may seize a physical device, like a phone, and search it for evidence, usually with a warrant. We carefully check these warrants to ensure that the police didn’t obtain any evidence illegally. If we find that your rights were violated during a search or seizure, we will fight to get that evidence thrown out in court.
Drug Crimes
Drug-related offenses are among the most common in the criminal justice system, both in Montgomery County and throughout Texas. Whether you’re charged with possession, distribution, or trafficking, having a strong defense is essential. Our team handles many drug cases every day and knows that each case needs a personalized approach.
Most drug charges start with a traffic stop, so one of the first things we do is check if that stop was legal. Many people think that officers must have a good reason to pull them over, but that’s not always true. We review the traffic stop video for every client to ensure the police acted properly. If we find that the stop was not justified, we will file a motion to suppress to ask the court to drop the charges.
Next, we look at whether the officer searched the vehicle legally. An officer usually needs probable cause to search a car, but what they think is probable cause may not match the law. If we believe the search was unlawful, we will file a motion to suppress the evidence, which could potentially end the case.
If everything was done correctly by the police, we will then work on the best strategy for you. This might involve seeking a time-served conviction, probation, or substance abuse treatment. We are dedicated to negotiating and fighting for the outcome you want in your case.
Marijuana/THC
As marijuana laws continue to change, being charged with marijuana or THC-related offenses can still lead to serious consequences. In fact, marijuana cases are among the most common in the criminal justice system, both in Montgomery County and across Texas. Many people have misconceptions about marijuana legality, especially as more states and cities work to decriminalize its use.
In Texas, possessing any amount of usable marijuana is still illegal, and these cases are prosecuted daily in Montgomery County. While many assume that marijuana offenses will always be classified as misdemeanors, this is not the case. For instance, charges involving edibles or THC wax can lead to felony charges, resulting in years of prison time, even if the substance is essentially marijuana.
It’s important not to underestimate these charges or assume they are minor simply because they involve marijuana. A drug conviction can have lasting effects on your life, and you should carefully consider your options before agreeing to any plea deal.
Expungements
An expungement is a legal process that allows a person to have certain criminal records erased or sealed so that they no longer appear on background checks or other public databases. In essence, it gives an individual a “clean slate” by removing or hiding certain past offenses from their criminal history.
An expungement can be a powerful tool for people who have made mistakes in the past but have turned their lives around. It allows individuals to move forward without the burden of a permanent criminal record affecting their personal and professional lives. If you’re considering seeking an expungement we would be happy to look into whether you qualify for one and if so we would love to help navigate you through this process.
Online Solicitation
In Texas, the crime of Online Solicitation of a Minor occurs when someone aged 17 or older intentionally communicates sexual content to a minor through electronic means. This includes emails, texts, or other messaging services. It’s crucial to note that a minor is defined as anyone under 17 or someone the accused believes is under 17. It doesn’t matter if the person is actually a minor; what matters is the defendant’s belief.
These cases often arise from law enforcement sting operations, where officers pose as minors online. If you’re facing allegations related to online solicitation, our skilled criminal defense attorneys at Crowl & Crowl are here to help. We will carefully examine the details of your case and identify key aspects that can aid in your defense.
Probation Revocation
If you’re facing probation revocation, having a strong defense is crucial. When a probation officer believes you’ve violated the terms of your probation, they can request the state to file a motion to revoke it. This means asking the court to end your probation and potentially send you to jail or prison. Often, this results in an arrest warrant, leading to your detention until the motion is resolved.
This situation can be incredibly stressful, as it feels like reliving your previous legal troubles. However, there are some key differences. You won’t have the right to a jury trial; instead, there will be a hearing before a judge focused solely on your conduct while on probation. The consequences for a violation can range from time served to significant prison time.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys have handled many revocation cases and hearings. We understand that each case is unique, and we take your individual concerns and needs into account as we guide you through the revocation process.
Sex Crimes
Allegations of sex crimes are extremely serious and can have devastating effects on your life. Being accused of such a crime can be embarrassing and often feels mortifying. These accusations come with a social stigma that few other crimes carry. Our attorneys understand the importance of maintaining the presumption of innocence that the United States Constitution guarantees, regardless of the nature of the charges.
In many instances, the evidence may boil down to one person’s word against another’s, yet the consequences can be life-altering for the accused. Our dedicated team is committed to providing a strong defense, carefully analyzing the evidence against you, and ensuring your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Thefts
Generally, you can be charged with theft if you are accused of intentionally taking someone else’s property without their permission. This can apply to anything from shoplifting a candy bar to committing a multimillion-dollar financial scam. The seriousness of the charge often depends on the value of the stolen items.
Having a theft conviction on your record can have lasting consequences, affecting your goals, reputation, and credibility. That’s why our skilled criminal defense attorneys take these cases seriously. We have extensive experience in handling theft cases and are committed to fighting for your rights. We will carefully assess the details of your case and work towards the best possible outcome, whether through negotiation or trial.
MOST Common Criminal Law Terms
Crimes against the person are offenses that directly harm or threaten someone’s safety. These include acts like assault, robbery, homicide, and domestic violence. The main point of these crimes is that they involve either physical harm or the threat of harm to a person.
Serious crimes, also called felonies, are offenses that come with heavy penalties, such as large fines or long prison sentences. Examples include murder, sexual assault, armed robbery, and major drug trafficking. These crimes are considered more harmful to individuals or society.
The burden of proof is the responsibility of one side in a legal case to prove their claims. In criminal cases, the prosecution has to provide enough evidence to prove the defendant’s guilt. The standard they must meet is “beyond a reasonable doubt,” meaning there should be no reasonable uncertainty about the defendant’s guilt.
An arraignment is a court hearing where the defendant is formally told what charges they face. At this hearing, the defendant enters a plea, usually choosing between guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This is an important step in the legal process, as it sets the direction for what happens next, like preparing for trial or working on a plea deal.
A plea bargain is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecutor where the defendant agrees to plead guilty, usually to a lesser charge, in exchange for a lighter sentence or other benefits. This helps avoid a long trial and often results in reduced penalties, but it also means giving up the right to a trial, making it a significant decision.
Questions about Criminal Law Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am arrested?
How can a criminal defense attorney help me?
What are my rights if I am facing criminal charges?
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
How does the plea bargaining process work?
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