Houston Criminal Defense, Family Law & Immigration AttorneysFrequently Asked Questions

If you are arrested, remain calm, exercise your right to remain silent, and ask to speak with an attorney before answering any questions or signing any documents. Anything you say to law enforcement can be used against you, so it is important to avoid discussing the details of your case until you have legal representation.

Yes, involving an attorney before charges are filed can meaningfully affect the outcome of your case. Early legal guidance can help you avoid self-incriminating statements, understand your rights during questioning, and in some cases influence whether charges are filed at all.

Misdemeanors are generally less serious offenses punishable by fines, probation, or up to one year in county jail, while felonies are more serious crimes that carry the possibility of state prison time and long term consequences such as loss of certain civil rights. The classification of an offense significantly affects potential penalties, so understanding which category applies to your charge is an important first step.

At a bond hearing, a judge decides whether a person may be released from custody while their case is pending, and if so, under what conditions and at what amount. Factors considered typically include the severity of the charge, criminal history, community ties, and whether the person is considered a flight risk or danger to the community.

A Texas divorce begins with filing a petition, followed by a waiting period, exchange of information, and either a negotiated settlement or a trial if the parties cannot agree on issues such as property division, custody, or support. Texas is a community property state, meaning most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally subject to division between the spouses.

Texas courts determine custody, referred to as conservatorship, based on the best interest of the child, considering factors such as each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment, the child’s relationship with each parent, and, depending on age, the child’s own wishes. Courts generally favor arrangements that allow both parents to remain meaningfully involved unless there is evidence that would make that arrangement harmful to the child.

Yes, custody, visitation, and support orders can generally be modified if there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the original order, such as a parent relocating, a change in income, or concerns about a child’s wellbeing. Modifications typically require filing a request with the court rather than simply agreeing informally between the parties.

Adjustment of status allows an eligible immigrant already in the United States to apply for a green card without leaving the country, while consular processing requires the applicant to complete the immigrant visa process through a United States embassy or consulate abroad. Which process applies generally depends on the applicant’s current location, immigration history, and visa category.

Removal proceedings take place before an immigration judge, who determines whether a noncitizen should be removed from the United States or is eligible for a form of relief that would allow them to remain. Being placed into removal proceedings does not automatically mean deportation will occur, since many individuals qualify for legal defenses or relief.

Yes, certain criminal charges and convictions, including some misdemeanors, can trigger removal proceedings or make a person ineligible for immigration benefits they might otherwise qualify for. Because criminal and immigration law intersect closely, noncitizens facing criminal charges should understand the potential immigration consequences before resolving their case.

It is helpful to bring any relevant documents related to your case, such as court paperwork, police reports, immigration notices, or correspondence you have received, along with a list of questions you want answered. Even if you are unsure what is relevant, bringing what you have allows your attorney to review your situation more completely.

You should contact an attorney as soon as possible, since many legal matters involve strict deadlines for responding, filing paperwork, or requesting certain forms of relief. Early legal involvement generally provides more options than waiting until a deadline is approaching.

Yes, communications between you and your attorney are generally protected by attorney-client privilege, meaning they cannot be disclosed without your permission except in limited circumstances defined by law. This allows you to speak openly with your attorney about the facts of your case.

Not all cases go to trial. Many criminal, family, and immigration matters are resolved through negotiation, settlement, or administrative processes, though some cases do require litigation or a court hearing to reach a resolution. The right approach depends on the specific facts, goals, and risks involved in your case.