Houston, Texas Criminal Defense Practice Areas and Legal Definitions
Texas laws and procedures related to criminal defense
are complicated and require a skilled criminal defense lawyer to
properly navigate through the process. Houston criminal defense
lawyer John S. Cossum fights for the rights of alleged criminal
offenders in Houston, Texas, and surrounding Texas cities and
counties. Attorney John S. Cossum delivers personalized attention
to his clients by keeping case information detailed and accessible
and provides exceptional criminal defense legal solutions related
to the following matters:
Texas Serious Violent Crimes and Murder:
By definition, a violent crime is an action against persons or property that intentionally threatens, attempts, or inflicts physical harm. The seriousness of the injuries to the victim(s), whether or not guns or other weapons were used and/or whether or not the alleged perpetrator has a criminal record will determine the seriousness of the charge. Violent criminal charges can include: assault, aggravated assault, arson, domestic violence, hate crimes, homicide, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated robbery and vehicular homicide.
When the criminal charges against you are serious, call Houston, Texas violent crimes defense lawyer John S. Cossum as soon as you have been arrested.
High-tech professionals, corporate executives and clergy who are criminally charged for offenses such as corporate theft, counterfeiting, embezzlement, forgery, hacking, fraud, tax evasion, or bad checks are often referred to as "white collar" offenders and are prosecuted for white collar crimes. In some cases, first-time offenders are convicted and sent to prison, even with no prior criminal history. An arrest and conviction for one of these crimes can have a serious impact on your life. Call Houston, Texas white collar crime Attorney John S. Cossum today.
Internet crimes involve hacking, phishing, pharming, programming worms, viruses, Trojans and committing Identity theft, and can result in substantial criminal charges. Identity Theft in particular is a rising issue across America, and recent headline stories involving breaches of security at major financial institutions have caused widespread panic in the financial community and among consumers. The facts and the evidence in computer-based crime cases can be very complicated and may even require analysis from expert witnesses. If you have been charged with an internet or computer-based crime, call Houston, Texas internet crime defense Attorney John S. Cossum today.
"DWI" stands for Driving While Intoxicated and occurs when someone is operating, or is in actual physical control, of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other drug, to the extent that their mental or physical faculties are impaired and/or their Blood Alcohol Content or Breath Alcohol Content is above the legal limit, set at 0.08 in Texas and most other states. Even for a first offense, penalties can include license suspension, substantial fines, community service, mandatory attendance at a state approved alcohol program, and the required installation (at the offender's expense) of a car ignition locking device. In addition, a DWI conviction stays on your driving record indefinitely, results in three years of surcharges of $1,000 to $3,000 per year to maintain your driver's license, and typically results in higher insurance premiums. Additionally, DWI's jeopardize and often limit your employment opportunities and becomes a felony if it is the driver's third DWI offense. For more information, or to protect your rights, please contact Houston, Texas DWI lawyer John S. Cossum.
Texas Drugs and Narcotics Charges:
Texas drug and narcotic laws give different treatment to possession of different categories of drugs and also make a distinction in the offense charged as to whether a small amount of the drug was found with the defendant (personal use) or a larger amount (intent to sell or distribute, trafficking). A conviction on a drug charge of any magnitude, even a small amount of marijuana, can seriously affect your present and future employment chances, your education, your reputation, and could well result in the suspension of your driving privileges. That is why it is important to call Houston, Texas drug crime defense Attorney John S. Cossum as soon as you have been arrested for any drug crime, to stand up for your legal rights and defend you.
Family violence is any assault which takes place between people who are married, divorced, co-habitating, or who have a dating relationship. Family violence also includes violence against an offender's children or parents. Depending on the seriousness of the offense, it may be a felony crime or a misdemeanor offense. A second charge, if any court ordered supervision or conviction results from a prior charge, is a felony, regardless of the seriousness of the assault. Domestic violence charges can have a serious impact on your life. To protect your rights in court, contact Houston, Texas family violence defense lawyer John S. Cossum today.
Sex crimes include such charges as: Indecency with a child, enticing a minor, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, and failure to register as a sex offender. Virtually all sex crimes are considered felonies and require convicted defendants to continually register themselves as publicly recognized sex offenders with the local and state authorities where they live and work.
The long-term consequences of a conviction for a sex offense on your record can be devastating. When you are arrested, you still have legal rights in the court system. For a strong defense when you need it most, call Houston, Texas sex crimes defense lawyer John S. Cossum today.
Other felony crimes include evading arrest, assault on a public servant, pollution offenses, failing to stop and render aid following a motor vehicle accident, burglary, credit card abuse and felony theft. A felony conviction is a serious matter that can result in a substantial state prison sentence and the potential loss of certain privileges and Constitutional rights of U.S. citizenship, such as the right to possess a firearm or the right to vote. There is a lot at stake whenever you have been charged with a felony. Contact Houston, Texas felony defense Attorney John S. Cossum today to protect your rights.
Misdemeanors, while less serious than felonies, can still have a devastating impact on your life, and can effect job opportunities, driving privileges, and your right to carry a firearm. Misdemeanors, depending on which of three levels the particular offense falls into, can result in incarceration for up to one year and fines of up to $4,000.00. If a jail sentence is imposed, it is served at a local, city or county jail rather than a state or federal prison (penitentiary). No matter how unimportant a misdemeanor conviction may seem to you, it is vitally important that you consult with an attorney before entering any plea so you fully understand the impact a misdemeanor conviction can have on you.
If you have a concern about how a misdemeanor arrest can effect your life, call Houston, Texas misdemeanor defense Attorney John S. Cossum today for skilled and experienced representation.
Federal Crimes in Texas District Courts:
The federal criminal code (set forth mainly in Title 18 of the United States code) contains over 120 categories of crimes, organized by subject matter. Criminal laws have been increasingly "federalized" and more and more offenses are becoming subject to federal prosecution.
If the crime with which you are being charged violates federal law the case can be referred to the federal courts for prosecution. If the crime with which you are charged violates both state and federal laws, it could potentially be prosecuted in either (or both) jurisdictions without violating the constitutional prohibition against double jeopardy. If you have been charged with a federal crime, or if you have been contacted by the FBI or the DEA regarding a federal criminal investigation, contact Houston, Texas federal criminal defense attorney John S. Cossum today to protect your rights.
Take Action To Protect Your Rights:
If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a criminal offense within Harris County, Montgomery County, Galveston County, Liberty County, Houston, Kingwood or anywhere within the state of Texas, and you need the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer, call Houston, Texas felony criminal defense Attorney John S. Cossum today at 866-821-9966, or complete the contact form provided on this site to begin your consultation with a dedicated Texas Criminal trial lawyer. Your initial consultation on criminal matters is free.
