Attorney Alan Cohen has been in practice for over 35 years. Honest, Reliable No Bull Shit. We offer Reasonable Rates and Payment Plans. If you need help with your Sexual Assault, Indecency with Child or Robbery case, Call Attorney Cohen at 713-623-4828.
I provide each client with an honest and straightforward evaluation of their case and am committed to offering my clients the best representation. I personally handle each case. When necessary a private investigator, polygraph examiner and a forensic psychologist are available to form a team defense.
Being arrested and charged for a crime can be a terrifying experience. A felony will leave an indisputable stain on your life. This can be all the more frustrating if you are charged with a crime that you may not be guilty of in the first place.
Aggravated Sexual Assault
Aggravated Assault
Assault on a family member
Burglary
Capital Murder (Non-Death Penalty Only)
Criminal Mischief
Driving With a Suspended License
Drug Crimes
DWI
Forgery
Indecency with a Child
Injury to a Child
Injury to an Elderly
Juvenile Offense
Manslaughter
Murder
Parole Violations
Prohibited Weapons
Robbery
Sexual Offenses
Theft
Weapons and Gun Charge
The following aren’t criminal charges but a Houston criminal defense attorney will also be able to use their network and experience to help you with the following court issues as well:
Probation (Early Termination)
Record Expunction
Sealing Your Record
Sex Offender Registration
If you are facing sex crime charges in the Houston and Galveston areas, call Alan Cohen now. It doesn't matter if you're being charged with indecent exposure, sexual assault or rape--these are all serious allegations that can have long-lasting effects on your personal and professional life even if you're innocent.
A simple exchange of auto insurance involving a minor traffic accident evolved into a killing and charges of murder against my client.
Analysis of the 911 emergency call coupled with interviews of eye witnesses cleared my 21 year old client of wrong doing.
Christopher has regained his freedom. He has resumed life with his family and the woman
he loves.
Justice was served.
An 11 minute journey into hell and a 7 month ordeal out of it.
April 6, 2023 a minor traffic accident morphed from a peaceful exchange of insurance information into a deadly encounter resulting in my client being charged with murder. After submitting our findings to the Grand Jury the case was NO BILLED.
Photo of Christopher Santos with his mother and father at the court house.
In 2018 grandma was accused of molesting her grandchild. Facing 25 years to life. Super Aggravated Sexual Assault.
Granny stood firm that it was a false allegation linked to a custody battle for the kids.On the day of trial August 2022, the State dismissed the case.
Over the four years she was terminated from her job; her husband passed away Christmas 2021 and she was forbidden to be with the children. She lost everything.
Photo provided by family of her first reunion with the kids.
Granny is slowly regaining her life… free and clear of the most disturbing allegations that were made against her.
I didn't know where to start. I had so many questions and no answers available to me. Facing the possibility of a charge against me, I found Alan Cohen, a Houston criminal attorney. I found his web site to be informative and helpful and was generally a good overall starting point for my situation. His firm is well versed in several areas of the law and I found myself learning a lot more than I expected. It's hard to find a lawyer you can trust, but based on my experience, I can recommend him as someone who can be helpful to your case.
Alan Cohen is a highly experienced and professional lawyer of Houston. Many clients have benefited from his experience and have been highly satisfied with his services. Thanks to resolve my drunken driving case.
Alan knows his business. My Case was dismissed and on I go with my life! Thanks Alan!
I have worked with Mr. Cohen previously and have always been completely satisfied and impressed by his diligence, legal knowledge, and dedication to his clients. Should you choose to work with Mr. Cohen, you will get an honest lawyer who will do everything he can to get you the best possible results in your case.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for a criminal charge in Houston, please contact Alan immediately to discuss your case. Alan is committed to helping those who have been arrested defend their legal rights in the state of Texas. Here are some of the most common criminal charges and defenses in Houston, Texas.
Assault and Domestic Violence
The charges can vary from a Class A misdemeanor to a second-degree felony. Factors looked at are injuries to the victim and whether a weapon was used or displayed. Strict bond conditions limiting contact with your spouse or family member will be set including obtaining separate living arrangements while the case is pending if charged with domestic violence.
Drug Crimes
Texas has very strict drug laws, and possession of an illegal substance can range from a misdemeanor to a felony charge. A laboratory test of the substance is essential to determine the weight and confirmation of the contraband seized. New programs are available to eliminate the stigma of a criminal record.
Sex Crimes
Sex crimes are serious allegations, and the state of Texas imposes harsh penalties on those charged with such crimes. If you have been arrested for a sex crime, Alan can defend your case by fighting to get the charges dismissed or dropped so that your life is not permanently ruined.
Each crime carries its own set of penalties. Some of them can be harsher than others. That’s why criminal defense experts suggest speaking with a Houston criminal attorney about ways to have your charges dismissed or dropped.
In The News
Why was an Uber driver wrongly charged with rape? His attorney says police missed obvious clues.
If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Houston, hire an experienced and affordable criminal defense attorney. I have extensive experience providing cost effective criminal defense to people in Houston and the surrounding areas. I provide each client an honest and straight-forward evaluation of their case. I am committed to offering my clients quality representation that is reasonably priced. Call today to schedule your initial consultation. I accept Visa and MasterCard. Payment plans and financing are available.
Life Sentence for Suspected Texas Serial Rapist
September 13: Defendant Billy Joe Harris enters the Jackson County courtroom in handcuffs and leg shackles in Edna, Texas. (AP/The Victoria Advocate, Todd Krainin)
EDNA, Texas – A former Texas prison employee suspected of a being a serial rapist who targeted older women was sentenced Friday to life in prison for sexually assaulting a disabled woman.
Jurors who deliberated Billy Joe Harris' sentence for less than 10 minutes also fined him $10,000, The Victoria Advocate reported.
The jury also took less than 10 minutes last week to convict the former state prison worker of sexually assaulting a 59-year-old disabled woman in Edna, about 100 miles southwest of Houston.
Harris, 54, claimed he had been having an affair with the woman and pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. But jurors rejected claims that he suffered from multiple personality disorder.
Authorities say DNA samples also link Harris to five other assaults or attempted assaults involving women 65 to 91 years old over two years in central and Southeast Texas.
Investigators believe Harris is "The Twilight Rapist," so named because most of the attacks happened just before dawn. The attacks rattled so many women that older volunteers at a Yoakum library in Southeast Texas began locking the doors during business hours and organizers at one community meeting gave away pepper spray as door prizes.
Authorities found evidence of careful planning at the many crime scenes, including cut phone lines outside homes.
During the trial, Harris' body often trembled and twitched and he sat in the courtroom with paper stuffed in his ears. His attorney said Harris plugged his ears to "keep the voices from speaking to him."
Harris wore handcuffs and chains in the courtroom, as well as a belt that could shock him because of a history of disruptive behavior.
Testifying in his defense, Harris told jurors he had been sexually abused as a child, has three other personalities inside of him and has been visited by aliens several times.
But prosecutors told jurors Harris' assertions of mental illness were a con.
Harris had worked in several prisons around the state, mostly in food service. Background checks before his hiring revealed no prior criminal history, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
It’s important to know what your legal exposure is when you’re convicted for any crime. The following are the penalties for various tiers of crimes in the state of Texas:
First-degree felony – the defendant can serve 5-99 years (or life) and pay up to $10,000 in fines.
Second-degree felony – The defendant can serve 2-20 years and pay up to $10,000 in fines.
Third-degree felony – The defendant can serve 2-10 years in prison and pay up to $10,000 in fines.
State jail felony – The defendant can go to jail for 180 days up to 2 years and pay up to $10,000 in fines.
Class-A Misdemeanor – This can result in 1 year in jail and up to a $4,000 fine.
Class-B Misdemeanor – This can result in 180 days in county jail and up to a $2,000 fine.
Class-C Misdemeanor – This is the lowest level of state crime. While there is no jail time,the defendant may receive up to a $500 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Houston Criminal Attorneys
While your charges may seem overwhelming and unfair, you should never stop fighting for yourself. If you’ve been accused of a sex crime contact Alan Cohen immediately. He will carefully listen to the facts surrounding your arrest and formulate proper legal representation designed specifically with you in mind.
The stakes couldn't be higher than when you face a criminal charge, which is why you should be wise in selecting a criminal defense attorney with the right experience, knowledge, and background in resolving cases just like yours. Here is some additional information to help you decide the best Houston Criminal Defense Attorney for your case:
There are two main types of criminal lawyers: prosecuting attorneys (also known as district attorneys), and criminal defense lawyers. Prosecuting attorneys represent the local, state, or federal government against which an alleged crime was committed. Houston criminal defense attorneys represent the defendant accused of a crime in Houston, Harris County, or Galveston, Texas.
It’s ideal to have an attorney from the moment you get arrested. You should attempt to speak to a criminal defense attorney in your area as soon as possible after being arrested and charged.
If you are concerned that you may be accused of a crime or that a warrant has been issued, immediately contact Mr. Cohen. Do not speak with the police. During this sensitive time period, direct any inquiries the police have to Mr. Cohen.
This has a very simple answer: a well-qualified attorney capable of understanding the facts and its application to the law. Alan has over 30 years of experience. His entire practice is devoted to criminal defense.
Each Texas criminal procedure will consist of a:
Booking is when an administrative procedure in which your information is gathered and recorded.
Arraignment happens when you appear in court, are advised of the charges against you, and are given the police report dealing with the facts of your involvement in the crime. The last step in arraignment is entering a plea.
Bail is money paid to the court to ensure that you show up for your required court appearances.
A preliminary hearing occurs when a judge determines whether your case should be tried in court.
The trial consists of opening statements by your Houston criminal attorney and the prosecutor. Witnesses are called and questioned, and evidence is presented. Your attorney and the prosecutor make closing statements, and the judge then gives the jury instructions. After deliberating, the jury announces the verdict, which may be guilty, guilty of a less serious or related charge, or not guilty. Once the verdict is rendered, your defense attorney can attempt a post-trial motion, such as a motion for a new trial.
Sentencing can be different depending on the circumstances of your case. Your sentence may consist of time in jail, a fine, or both.
Probation is the suspension of a jail sentence. If you are given probation, you are released, and rather than serving time in jail, you are returned to the community and have to abide by conditions set by the court and are under the supervision of a probation officer for a specific amount of time.
Alan is not afraid to think outside the box when it comes to the best possible representation for his clients. Being arrested and potentially charged for a crime can be a terrifying experience, and a criminal felony charge can have an indisputable impact on someone’s life.
Alan provides exceptional representation to those requiring an experienced, knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer and will work to get you the best possible outcome.
If you hire attorney Alan Cohen, he will listen closely to your version of the events. He will examine the prosecutorial case against you, including officer statements, witness statements, and all other discovery evidence. Only after he fully understands the charges against you will he begin to construct your defense. Contact him today to discuss the details of your arrest.
The first thing you should do when being arrested, is to remain calm while the officer is reading to you your rights. You might be arrested for the wrong reasons, which is why it is important to stay composed. Panicking won’t help the situation in any way. Do not attempt to resist in any way and comply with the instructions of the officers.
You have the right to exercise your rights. You can choose to remain silent and ask for your lawyer. However, when asked about any identification details, give that and not anything more than that. You can say “I choose to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer.” Anything that you say here may be wrongly used in the court later.
Another important thing that you need to do is document or remember the details of your arrest. It may be difficult, but try to remember the officers names, the time, any possible witnesses present in the situation. This may help you defend yourself in the court later.
As soon as possible after your arrest, contact your lawyer who specializes in criminal defense. If you cannot afford one, you have the right to have one appointed by the court. A lawyer will be able to advise you on your legal rights, represent you in the court sessions as well as help you navigate the criminal justice system.
Overall, the key is to remain calm, assert your rights, and seek legal advice as soon as possible. When you follow these mentioned steps, you can increase the livelihood of a positive outcome in your case.
If you are charged with a crime, you still have rights protected under the law. Firstly, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Listed below are important rights to be aware of if you are charged with a crime:
Right to Remain Silent: Under the 5th Amendment, you have the right to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination. In other words, this means that you cannot be forced to provide testimony or statements that could be used to prove your guilt. However, you have to clearly express that you choose to remain silent in a calm manner.
Right to Counsel:This is a very important right that can be exercised by you. According to the 6th Amendment, you can ask for the calling of your lawyer if it's affordable or the court will have to assign you one themselves free of cost.
Right to be Informed of Charges: This means that you also have the right to be informed of the nature and the cause of the accusations against you, which allows you to prepare an effective defense.
Right to Compulsory Process: This right ensures that the person accused of the crime has the ability to present witnesses and evidence in their defense. It prevents the prosecution from presenting witnesses or evidence that the defense cannot challenge.
Right to Due Process: This right under the 5th and 14th amendment, guarantees fair legal proceedings, including notice, a hearing, and the opportunity to present a defense, ensuring justice and protecting individual rights under the law.
The decision to plead guilty to criminal charges is a significant one that carries profound implications for your future. While some people might believe that admitting guilt and accepting the consequences is a straightforward process, seeking legal counsel is essential, even if you plan to plead guilty.
First and foremost, having a lawyer ensures that your rights are protected throughout the legal proceedings. The U.S. Constitution guarantees various rights to individuals accused of crimes, including the right to legal representation. A lawyer can advise you on these rights and ensure that they are upheld, even if you choose to plead guilty. They can also explain the potential consequences of your plea, including the impact on your criminal record, employment opportunities, and personal freedoms.
Also, a lawyer can advocate for a fair and just outcome, even in cases where you plan to plead guilty. They can argue for leniency in sentencing, present mitigating factors to the judge, and explore alternative sentencing options that may be available to you. Without legal representation, you may not fully understand your rights or have the ability to effectively advocate for yourself in court.
In conclusion, while the decision to plead guilty is a personal one, seeking the assistance of a lawyer is essential. They can ensure that your rights are protected, your interests are represented, and you receive fair treatment under the law, even if you choose to admit guilt.
In the realm of criminal law, offenses are categorized primarily into misdemeanors and felonies, each distinguished by the severity of the crime and the associated penalties. It is crucial to understand the differences between these two classifications for grasping the implications of criminal behavior.
Misdemeanors are considered less offensive than felonies. They comprise actions that do not inflict severe harm or pose a significant threat to public safety. These include petty theft, vandalism, public intoxication, simple assault and certain traffic violations. The punishment for a misdemeanor is usually penalties such as fines, probation, community service or less jail time.
On the other hand felonies are considered on the severe side. Crimes involved with felonies usually pose a greater harm or threat to the individual and society. Crimes under felony include murder, rape, armed robbery and burglary. Hence, the penalties for a committed felony are harsher, including long time imprisonment, hefty fines and probation. In extreme cases of murder, even a death penalty can be imposed.
Misdemeanors, characterized by lesser severity and lighter penalties, differ significantly from felonies, which involve serious offenses warranting substantial punishment and long-term consequences. Thus, it becomes very important to understand these differences for learning about the legal formalities and responses to criminal behaviors and their impact on the individual and the society.
Yes you can, and the process of being released from a trial is called a pretrial release. This process involves various mechanisms and is governed by the principles of the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits excessive bail.
Firstly, one way is by paying a bail which is a monetary amount set by the court that the defendant has to pay to be released from custody. The bail amount is determined by a judge who considers factors like the severity of the crime, criminal history, etc.
Secondly, a conditional release that allows the defendant to be released under a certain level of security, travel restrictions, and regular check-ins. This approach aims to balance the defendant's liberty with the need to ensure their appearance at trial and protect the community.
Thirdly, a property bond is also a type of bail bond that involves using real property, such as a house or land, as collateral to secure a defendant's release from jail while awaiting trial. This method is typically utilized, when the defendant or their family does not have the cash available to post bail but owns valuable real estate.
Lastly, a surety bond is another type of bail bond that involves a third party, typically a bail bondsman, who posts bail on behalf of the defendant. The defendant or their family pays a non-refundable fee to the bail bondsman. The bondsman then provides a surety bond to the court, guaranteeing the defendant’s appearance at future court dates.
Thus, these were some common ways.
Once a person has been arrested for a crime, the first step of the long criminal process is a court hearing which is called an arraignment. Here, the defendant appears before a judge to hear the charges brought against them and to enter a plea.
In the beginning, the judge articulates the nature of the accusations, ensuring the defendant understands the specific offenses they are facing. Simultaneously, the defendant is made aware of their rights during the arraignment. These rights typically include the right to legal representation, the right to remain silent, and the right to a fair trial.
Followed by the reading of charges and explanation of rights, the defendant is afforded the opportunity to enter a plea. This plea can be one of three options: guilty, not guilty, or no contest. A plea of guilty signifies the defendant's acknowledgment of responsibility for the charges. Conversely, a plea of not guilty indicates the defendant's assertion of innocence and refusal to accept the charges. The plea of no contest, while not an admission of guilt, does not contest the charges and has the same legal effect as a guilty plea.
In conclusion, an arraignment provides the defendant with essential information regarding the charges, their rights, and the opportunity to enter a plea. By upholding principles of due process and fairness, the arraignment lays the groundwork for subsequent legal proceedings, ensuring a just and equitable resolution to the case.
Attorney Alan Cohen has been in practice for over 35 years. Honest, Reliable No Bull Shit. We offer Reasonable Rates and Payment Plans. If you need help with your Sexual Assault, Indecency with Child or Robbery case, Call Attorney Cohen at 713-623-4828.
