When facing a DWI charge in Texas, it is a grave mistake to focus only on the initial fine. Seeing a number like $2,000 for a first offense might seem manageable, but that figure is merely the tip of a massive financial iceberg. The true cost of a DWI conviction explodes once the full scope of court-mandated fees, state surcharges, and long-term penalties comes into view.

Facing a criminal charge is a terrifying experience, but in Texas, it does not always have to end with a conviction. For certain individuals, particularly first-time offenders, an alternative path called pretrial diversion exists. Consider it a critical off-ramp from the traditional justice system—an opportunity that requires immediate and strategic legal action to secure. This program is essentially an agreement with the prosecutor.

A DWI charge in Texas casts a long, persistent shadow over your life, impacting your career, housing, and financial stability. This single event does not have to define your future, but clearing your record is not a passive process. While true DWI expungement in Texas is a possibility, the path is incredibly specific and narrow, and any misstep can permanently close the door to a clean slate.

When facing criminal charges in Texas, the evidence presented by the prosecution can feel insurmountable. However, what law enforcement uncovers—or fails to uncover—is often only part of the story. A private investigator can be a crucial asset for your defense, but the pressing question is always: what is the cost to hire a private investigator? For most criminal defense investigations in the Houston area, you can expect to pay an hourly rate between…

Can a judge really order you to take a drug test in a Houston courtroom? It’s a question that many people facing the Texas justice system ask, and the answer is an unequivocal yes. While it’s not an automatic part of every case in Harris County, judges have the authority to order a drug test at nearly any stage—from your very first court appearance all the way through sentencing.

On the Path to Becoming a Lawyer-Scientist: My Experience at Axion Laboratories Forensic Chromatography Course Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Forensic Chromatography course at Axion Analytical Laboratories in Chicago, a nationally recognized training program for attorneys seeking to deepen their understanding of forensic science. This intensive, hands-on experience marks a significant step in my journey toward becoming a…

Facing a judge in a Houston courtroom can be one of the most nerve-wracking experiences of your life. How you conduct yourself, from your words to your attire, sends a powerful message. When your freedom is at stake, understanding how to address a judge boils down to one critical principle: respect. You demonstrate this through your language, your actions, and your appearance.

Honored to Be Named to The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 – Criminal Defense I am deeply honored to share that I have been selected for inclusion in The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 – Criminal Defense, a prestigious recognition that reflects both professional excellence and a commitment to justice. This distinction is not just a personal milestone—it’s a testament to the hard work, dedication, and unwavering advocacy that defines our approach to criminal defense.

Defending Internet Fraud Charges in Texas Being accused of internet fraud in Texas isn’t just a financial headache—it’s a life-changing legal crisis. With the growing sophistication of law enforcement and cyber forensic tools, prosecutors are aggressively pursuing charges for online scams, digital impersonation, unauthorized transactions, and more. But just because you've been accused doesn’t mean you're guilty. There are proven strategies to defend against financial cybercrime charges—especially if you act quickly and retain a skilled criminal defense attorney near you.

When facing a DWI charge in Texas, the first number that often comes to mind is the criminal fine. These are steep, starting at a maximum of $2,000 for a first offense and escalating to a staggering $10,000 for a third offense. However, as a criminal defense attorney in the Greater Houston area, I've seen firsthand that these court-ordered fines are merely the tip of the iceberg—the beginning of a potential financial nightmare.

A first-time probation violation in Texas is a critical moment that demands immediate and strategic action. While it doesn't automatically mean you are going to jail, the court has a wide range of options, from a simple warning to revoking your probation and imposing the original sentence. The steps you take right now are crucial and can significantly influence the final outcome of your case.

When you're facing a felony charge in the Houston area, the search for a felony defense lawyer near me becomes the single most urgent task on your to-do list. The decisions you make and the actions you take in the first 48 hours can set the entire foundation for your legal fight. The urgency cannot be overstated; failing to act decisively can define the outcome before your defense has even begun.

How Legal Representation Can Protect Your Immigration Status After Criminal Charges Facing criminal charges as a non-U.S. citizen introduces a complex intersection of criminal and immigration law, often referred to as “crimmigration.” The outcome of such charges can profoundly impact your ability to remain in the United States, potentially leading to deportation, inadmissibility, or denial of naturalization. Engaging experienced legal counsel adept in both criminal defense and immigration law is crucial to navigate these challenges effectively. 

Avoiding Immigration Consequences After Criminal Charges: Legal Strategies for Non-Citizens Navigating the intersection of criminal law and immigration regulations is crucial for non-citizens facing criminal charges. Certain offenses can lead to severe immigration consequences, including deportation, inadmissibility, and denial of naturalization. Implementing proactive legal strategies is essential to mitigate these risks. Understanding the Stakes Criminal convictions can have profound impacts on immigration status.

Immigration Consequences of Domestic Violence Charges: Advice for Non-U.S. Citizens Facing domestic violence charges is a serious matter for anyone, but for non-U.S. citizens, the stakes are particularly high. Such charges can lead to severe immigration consequences, including deportation, inadmissibility, and denial of naturalization. Understanding how these charges impact immigration status and exploring strategies to mitigate these risks is crucial.

In a city as dynamic and diverse as Houston, trust is everything—especially when your freedom, future, and reputation are on the line. That’s why the David Smith Law Firm, PLLC is proud to announce its recent recognition as a BBB Winner of Distinction in the Better Business Bureau’s Awards for Excellence. This prestigious honor reflects the firm’s unwavering commitment to integrity, client service, and legal excellence in the field of…

Featured in Show Me the Justice: Trial Setting Dismissal Secured for DWI with Alleged High BAC In a recent victory for criminal defense in Harris County, a DWI case involving an alleged high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was dismissed at trial setting—highlighting the critical importance of experienced legal representation when facing serious charges in Texas. The Allegations: High BAC and Harsh Penalties…

Understanding Immigration Consequences of Pleading Guilty: A Guide for Non-Citizens Navigating the U.S. criminal justice system is challenging for anyone, but for non-citizens, the stakes are particularly high. A decision as seemingly straightforward as accepting a plea deal can have profound and unintended immigration consequences, including deportation, inadmissibility, or denial of naturalization. This guide aims to shed light on how plea agreements in criminal cases can impact immigration status and offers strategies to mitigate these risks. 

How Criminal Charges Can Impact Your Immigration Status: What Non-Citizens Need to Know Navigating the complexities of the U.S. legal system can be daunting, especially for non-citizens. Facing criminal charges adds another layer of uncertainty, as such charges can have profound implications on one’s immigration status. Understanding the intersection between criminal law and immigration consequences is crucial for non-citizens to protect their rights and future in the United States.

Being arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in the Greater Houston area can feel like the end of the world. But a charge is not a conviction. Winning a DWI case isn’t about a magic bullet; it’s a deliberate process of dismantling the state’s case against you, piece by piece, with the help of a skilled legal professional. However, before you can focus on the criminal charge, you must deal with an immediate and time-sensitive threat: the automatic suspension of your driver's license.

A third DWI charge in Texas is not just another legal problem—it's a potential catastrophe. This is the moment when a serious situation escalates into a life-altering crisis, as the charge automatically jumps from a misdemeanor to a third-degree felony. The consequences you face are no longer just fines and weekend classes; they are years in state prison, financially crippling penalties, and the permanent stigma of being a convicted felon.

Facing a Class A misdemeanor charge in Texas is a serious legal crisis. Many people hear the word "misdemeanor" and mistakenly think of a minor issue, like a simple traffic ticket. This is a dangerous assumption. A Class A misdemeanor is not a slap on the wrist. It is the most severe non-felony criminal offense in the state. A conviction carries the threat of up to…

When you are facing criminal charges in Texas, the weight of the unknown can be overwhelming. It is crucial to understand one fundamental truth: an arrest is not a conviction. The Texas justice system provides several legal avenues that can lead to charges being dropped, from a prosecutor declining to file the case—a "no-file"—to a formal dismissal in court. Achieving such an outcome, however, is rarely a matter of luck.

If you're facing criminal charges in Houston, your world has been turned upside down. It’s a stressful, high-stakes situation, and the single most important decision you'll make in the next few hours is who you hire to defend you. Your choice of a criminal defense attorney will directly impact your freedom, your reputation, and your future. You have to act fast, but you also have to act smart.

Facing a criminal charge in the Greater Houston area is a terrifying experience, and finding the right lawyer can feel overwhelming. It’s a process that requires digging into local attorneys who genuinely specialize in criminal law, checking their standing with the State Bar of Texas, and sitting down with them to understand their strategy. But the single most critical thing you can do is act with urgency.