Pearland Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are looking for a Pearland Criminal Defense Attorney that is experienced in successfully handling criminal matters, we can help you fight your charges.

If you’ve been arrested for a crime, the time to find an experienced criminal defense lawyer is now. The criminal defense attorneys at J.D. Silva & Associates understand there are few things more overwhelming than facing criminal charges. From the moment you come to us, you can trust that we will work tirelessly to build the best possible case on your behalf, serve as your advocates and, we will be there by your side every step of the way. An arrest is not a conviction, and there is still hope to secure your rights and freedom.

Conveniently located at 9307 Broadway St Suite 303, Pearland, TX 77584, J.D. Silva & Associates has experience successfully representing countless clients in a wide range of criminal defense cases in Pearland, Brazoria County, Houston, and Harris County. Send us a message today to setup a Free Consultation.

Types of Criminal Defense Cases We Handle in Pearland

We’ve represented clients in cases involving but not limited to juvenile crimes, criminal trespassing, prostitution, solicitation, assault, sexual assault or rape, violent crimes, arson, murder, and/or manslaughter.

DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED (DWI)

Texas law prohibits drivers from operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or more. A first-time offense for driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a Class B misdemeanor and could lead to a sentence of up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, alcohol assessments and treatment, and the suspension of your driver’s license for anywhere from 90 days to 12 months. A second offense is a Class A misdemeanor and could lead to a fine of up to $4,000 and a year in jail. Additional DWI convictions will be considered felonies and can result in much longer prison sentences, higher fines, longer license suspensions, and much stricter probation terms once the prison sentence has been served. We realize being pulled over by law enforcement and going through the process of a DWI arrest can be overwhelming and upsetting. Learn more how our Pearland DWI attorneys can assist you.

THEFT / ROBBERY / BURGLARY CHARGES

Theft is defined under Texas law as unlawfully taking property of any kind from its owner with the intent to deprive the owner of it. If an owner does not give consent or if an individual knowingly accepts stolen property, a charge of theft may apply. Theft charges vary based on the value of the stolen property, ranging from a Class C misdemeanor for theft of items valued less than $100 to a first-degree felony for items with a value over $300,000.

• Theft charges are elevated to robbery charges if an individual causes physical injury to another person or if an individual places another person in fear of physical injury or death while trying to steal from them. Robbery is a second-degree felony offense and could carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. If a serious physical injury occurs or a deadly weapon is shown, then it becomes aggravated robbery and a first-degree felony offense – with a conviction potentially resulting in up to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Burglary is an offense committed when an individual enters a habitation or building without the owner’s consent and with the intent of committing theft, assault, or a felony. Burglary charges are felonies that range in severity depending upon the type of structure entered. Incarceration can range from six months in state jail to 99 years (depending upon the degree), with all incurring a fine of up to $10,000.

DRUG CRIME CHARGES

Under Texas law, it is illegal to possess, distribute, manufacture, cultivate, or traffic illegal drugs, synthetic drugs, or controlled substances. In addition to being a state crime, some drug offenses also violate federal law. Additionally, the penalties for drug crimes vary greatly based on the type of drug, type of crime, and whether or not the crime is a federal or state crime. Our experienced and skilled drug crime attorneys in Pearland, TX will be able to guide you on your best course of action.

ASSAULT CHARGES

Assaults are never as simple as they seem. Charges can arise out of misunderstandings, acting in self defense, or from other circumstances that do not warrant criminal charges. Our experienced assault attorneys can help the accused set the record straight and resolve these issues as quickly and fairly as possible. An attorney may be able to reduce the charges, negotiate plea deals, or have the charges dropped completely. Learn more how the Pearland assault lawyers at J.D. Silva can help you with your criminal charges.

Why Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney for Your Case

Every defendant is entitled to legal representation in criminal court, where their case will be heard pursuant to the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. A criminal defense lawyer knows how to put forth the best possible legal defense offered for those who have been charged with a crime.

The resources available to government prosecutors and law enforcement are vast. Without sufficient defenses, the government would hold a disproportionate amount of authority inside the legal system. Your criminal defense lawyer has the responsibility to lawfully defend you as the defendant in the case against the state’s accusations. All of the state’s claims must be proven “beyond a reasonable doubt,” according to the law. Each defendant has the right to have a jury decide their case in the vast majority of serious criminal cases.

All of the state’s claims must be proven “beyond a reasonable doubt,” according to the law.

Texas Criminal Law and the Legal Process

When you’ve been criminally charged, it is critical that you hire a defense attorney to help you navigate your case through the criminal justice system.  You need a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer who isn’t learning on the job but has successfully resolved similar criminal matters.

Pretrial Detention

Everyone has heard the phrase “innocent until proven guilty.” Most people that have been arrested want to avoid jail until their trial. Regardless of guilt, until the state proves its charges, defendants should not have to sit in jail.

There are many disadvantages to being in jail before a trial. You cannot communicate with family, can no longer work, and it can be difficult to work with a criminal defense attorney when incarcerated. The defendant must post bail to be released from custody while the case is ongoing.

Bail is simply “good faith” money that the court accepts as collateral to guarantee the defendant will appear in court for all subsequent hearings in the case. The bail money is lost if the defendant does not appear at their court dates. A defendant who is unable to pay bail may engage a professional bond company or request that the judge lower the bail amount. If it can be demonstrated that the accused is deeply rooted in the neighborhood and does not pose a threat to others, judges may agree to lower bail or even a release on personal recognizance, if applicable.

Plea Bargains

According to recent statistics, roughly 95% of all criminal cases are resolved before trial through plea bargaining. During this process, the prosecution and defense agree to a deal where the defendant generally pleads guilty or no contest in exchange for reduced penalties. When a defendant admits guilt, they forfeit their right to trial.

Plea bargaining is a way for courts to resolve cases promptly and avoid additional court costs and legal fees. Due to the number of active cases, the criminal justice system relies on plea bargains to keep the volume of cases at a reasonable amount.

The main downfall of plea bargains is that they may cause innocent people to otherwise plead guilty to avoid trials and costs. Additionally, most people are unaware of their rights and what pleading guilty means. It is always wise to discuss any potential plea with a criminal defense lawyer before accepting it.

Winning a Criminal Defense Case at Trial

When a plea cannot be reached, or one party is not interested in discussing an agreement, then the case will go to trial. Throughout the trial, your criminal defense attorney will make appeals to the members of the jury about the case’s key issues. Your criminal defense lawyer will put forth the best theory and successfully communicate it to the court at trial.

Under Texas Criminal Code 1.051, before or after being detained, everyone has the right to counsel with a lawyer during any criminal investigation.

Contact the Pearland Criminal Defense Attorneys at J.D. Silva today for a Free Consultation

Experience Matters When You’re Facing Criminal Charges

We know just how stressful, frustrating, and upsetting this process can be and how easily it is to feel overwhelmed. The legal system can be frightening and the law confusing, but you don’t have to face it alone. In the time immediately following an arrest, you will likely have a lot of questions, concerns, and fears. As your attorneys, your interests are our main concerns, and we will answer any questions you have about criminal law and the legal process.

Managing Partner, Sharrard D. Owens
Mr. Owens has worked in the legal industry since 2013, at multiple noteworthy law firms in the Great Houston region. He is a trial lawyer who has experience at every stage of litigation, from filing lawsuits through appeals. Learn more about Attorney Sharrard Owens.

Founding Partner, Johnathan D. Silva
Mr. Silva founded J.D. Silva & Associates in 2018.  Learn more about Attorney Johnathan Silva.

Based in Pearland, Texas, we serve clients in the greater Houston area and Harris County, along with surrounding areas including Brazoria County, Galveston County, and Fort Bend County.

Contact an experienced Pearland criminal defense attorney today and schedule your free consultation.