Criminal Defense Attorney in Houston

If you’ve been arrested for a crime in the state of Texas, you need to understand that Texas is notorious for its harsh criminal penalties. Even if this is your first offense, you could be facing jailtime, fines, loss of your license, and a criminal record. You need an attorney in your corner who will fight for your rights. Houston criminal defense lawyer Alan Cohen provides aggressive criminal defense for his clients. Call him immediately to discuss your case.

Providing cost effective legal services over 30 years for working people on a budget. Call 713-623-4828

Passionate about the Law & People

If you have been charged with a crime in Houston, hire an experienced and affordable criminal defense attorney. I have over 30 years of experience providing cost-effective criminal defense.

I provide each client an honest and straightforward evaluation of their case and am committed to offering my clients quality representation that is reasonably priced.

I personally handle each case. When necessary a private investigator, polygraph examiner and a forensic psychlogist are available to form a team defense.

Practice Areas

• Aggravated Sexual Assault • Indecency with a Child
• Aggravated Assault • Injury to a Child
• Assault - Family Member • Juvenile Offense
• Burglary • Manslaughter
• Capital Murder • Murder
• Criminal Mischief • Parole Violations
• DWLS • Probation
• Drug Crimes • Prohibited Weapons
• DWI • Robbery
• Injury to the Elderly • Sealing Your Record
• Record Expunction • Sex Offender Registration
• Forgery • Sex Offense
• Theft
• Weapons and Gun Charge

Levels of Crimes in Texas

It’s important to know what your legal exposure is for any crime. The following are the penalties for various tiers of crimes in the state of Texas:

Illegal Searches

You have a Fourth Amendment right to privacy. That means that you, your person, your vehicle, and home cannot be searched without a warrant unless the police have a legally valid exception. The warrant exceptions include:

Mistaken Identity

Eyewitness testimony is notoriously flawed and mistakes are often made. It’s very possible that the officer or other witness may not have correctly identified you. This could lead to an immediate dismissal of your charges.

Unlawful Arrest or Police Procedure

Unlawful police procedure is when the officer violates protocol. This could mean that the officer administered road sobriety exercises incorrectly or forgot to secure a piece of evidence. This may have been intentional or inadvertent. In either event, it can be used to raise doubt.

  • Consent – you’re allowed to give consent if it’s not coerced.
  • Search incident to arrest – the police can search you and your immediate area during anarrest to detect evidence of crimes or weapons.
  • Exigent circumstances – The police can search a house or vehicle if they believe that someone is in danger. However, they cannot search in spaces where it would be impossible for a person to be.
  • Vehicle tow inventory – The police can inventory a vehicle that they’re going to tow. However, they cannot search a locked trunk or glove compartment.
  • Safety patdown – The police can pat down the exterior of your clothing for weapons.

Plea Bargaining

There are times when Mr. Cohen will recommend that you accept a plea bargain. If the case doesn't look like it will result in your favor, he may negotiate with the prosecutor. A plea bargain is where the defendant agrees to plead guilty for a lesser sentence. The three approaches of plea bargaining are charge, count, and sentence. Charge negotiation involves the defendant pleading to a lesser charge. Sentence bargaining allows the defendant to plead for a reduced penalty.

Levels of Crimes in Texas

If you hire attorney Alan Cohen, he will listen to your version of events. Then he will examine the prosecutorial case against you, including officer statements, witness statements, and all other discovery evidence. Only after he has a full understanding of the charges against you will he begin to construct an ironclad criminal defense. Contact him today to discuss the details around your arrest.

What should I do

Request a Free Consultation