Criminal Defense Lawyer in Manvel

Being arrested or charged in or around Manvel can turn your life upside down overnight. You may be worried about the court, your job, and what this will mean for your future. At Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez, we defend people facing serious criminal charges in Brazoria County and the surrounding area.

Our firm focuses on DWI and criminal defense cases across Texas, including matters that begin in the Manvel area and are often heard at the Brazoria County Courthouse in Angleton. With more than 32 years of combined experience, our attorneys understand how Texas criminal law is applied in real courtrooms and what is at stake for every client.

Don't let a mistake define your future; consult with a criminal defense lawyer in Manvel today. The Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez provides bilingual services in English and Spanish and the seasoned advocacy of a former prosecutor. Call (832) 900-9867 or contact us online to begin your criminal defense.

Common Cases We Handle in Manvel

People who contact a criminal defense attorney in Manvel often face charges that start with an arrest by a local agency and then move into the Brazoria County court. Our firm regularly represents clients in a wide range of criminal matters that arise from incidents in and around this community and across the counties we serve.

Examples of criminal cases we handle include:

• DWI and alcohol related driving offenses
• Drug possession and certain related charges
• Assault and family violence allegations
• Theft and property-related offenses
• Probation violations and motions to revoke

In each of these areas, our team draws on years of focused criminal practice and our understanding of how prosecutors in Brazoria County and nearby jurisdictions typically approach similar cases. We use that experience to help you understand what you are facing and how we can respond.

Understanding Criminal Defense Laws in Texas

Criminal offenses in Texas are categorized into two main tiers: misdemeanors and felonies. Navigating these requires a deep understanding of the Texas Penal Code and the specific procedures of the local courts in Manvel and Angleton (the county seat).

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are handled in both municipal and county courts. While they are less severe than felonies, they still carry significant penalties.

• Class C Misdemeanors: Handled at the Manvel Municipal Court, these are "fine-only" offenses such as traffic tickets, simple assault (offensive contact), or public intoxication. However, they still result in a criminal record.
• Class B Misdemeanors: These include first-offense DWI, possession of small amounts of marijuana, or criminal trespass. Conviction can result in up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
• Class A Misdemeanors: The most serious misdemeanors, such as burglary of a vehicle or assault causing bodily injury. These carry penalties of up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.

Felony Classifications

Felony cases are prosecuted in the District Courts of Brazoria County. These range from state jail felonies to capital offenses:

• State Jail Felony: Punishable by 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility (e.g., possession of less than one gram of a controlled substance).
• Third-Degree Felony: Carrying 2 to 10 years in prison (e.g., intoxication assault).
• Second-Degree Felony: Punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison (e.g., aggravated assault or robbery).
• First-Degree Felony: Carrying 5 to 99 years or life in prison (e.g., aggravated robbery or murder).

How Our Manvel Criminal Lawyers Build Your Defense

At Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez, our practice is centered on DWI and criminal defense in Brazoria, Galveston, Harris, and Fort Bend Counties. Our attorneys, led by Steve O. Gonzalez and Kristina King, bring more than three decades of combined experience to each case we accept. This background gives us a practical understanding of how cases are investigated, charged, and prosecuted in Texas courts.

When you hire our firm, we begin by carefully reviewing the charges, police reports, and any available evidence. In a DWI case, this may include the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, breath or blood results, and video. In other types of cases, we look at witness statements, physical evidence, and how law enforcement conducted the investigation. Our aim is to identify weaknesses and raise legitimate questions about the state’s version of events.

We then discuss what we find with you in clear language. We believe that informed clients can make better decisions about their cases. You can expect us to explain possible paths, such as negotiations, motions, or trial, and how each option may affect risk and potential outcomes. While we cannot promise results, we work to prepare thoroughly so we are ready to advocate for you in front of prosecutors and judges.

Your freedom is too important to leave to chance—hire a Manvel criminal defense attorney with +32 years representing the accused. We offer a dedicated approach and bilingual services (English/Spanish) for all criminal defense matters. Contact us online or call (832) 900-9867 now.