Criminal Defense Areas of Practice
Criminal defense representation for felony and misdemeanor charges in Houston and Harris County. Brad Haggard Law handles DWI, assault, drug charges, sex crimes, and related offenses.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Criminal Defense Representation in Houston, Texas
Facing criminal charges can change everything in an instant. Your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line from the moment an arrest occurs. Brad Haggard Law provides focused criminal defense representation for individuals charged with misdemeanors and felonies in Houston and throughout Harris County.
Defense strategies are built around the facts of the case, the applicable law, and the realities of the Harris County courts, with the objective of protecting clients’ rights and positioning each case for the strongest possible outcome.
Full-Scope Criminal Defense Services
Brad Haggard Law represents clients at all stages of the criminal process, including pre-charge investigations, arraignments, motions hearings, trial, and post-trial matters. Defense strategies are built through careful case review, evidence analysis, and direct preparation for court. The firm handles a wide range of criminal charges, including but not limited to the following.
Felony Criminal Charges
Felony charges carry the most severe penalties under Texas law, including lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and permanent criminal records. Early defense is critical. Brad Haggard Law defends clients charged with felony offenses such as:
- Assault and aggravated assault
- Sexual assault and sex-related offenses
- Drug possession, manufacturing, and delivery
- Theft, robbery, and burglary
- Weapons charges
- White collar and financial crimes
- Repeat or enhanced felony allegations
With experience handling serious felony cases as a former Harris County Public Defender, Brad Haggard understands how prosecutors build cases and how to challenge them effectively in court.
Misdemeanor Criminal Defense
Misdemeanor charges are often underestimated, but they can still result in jail time, fines, probation, and long-term consequences for employment and housing.
Brad Haggard Law represents clients charged with:
- Class A, B, and C misdemeanors
- Simple assault and family violence allegations
- Theft and shoplifting
- Criminal trespass
- Disorderly conduct
- Minor drug possession
- Traffic-related criminal offenses
The objective in misdemeanor cases is often dismissal, reduction of charges, or alternative resolutions that minimize long-term impact.
DWI and DUI Defense
Driving While Intoxicated charges in Texas are aggressively prosecuted and can lead to license suspension, jail time, fines, and increased insurance costs. Even a first offense can have lasting consequences.
Brad Haggard Law defends clients facing:
- First-time DWI charges
- Repeat DWI offenses
- Felony DWI
- DUI charges involving minors
- Intoxication assault or intoxication manslaughter
Defense strategies may include challenging the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, breath or blood testing procedures, and constitutional violations.
Sexual Assault and Sex Crime Defense
Sex-related criminal charges are among the most serious accusations a person can face. These cases are highly sensitive and often rely on complex evidence and credibility assessments.
Brad Haggard Law provides defense for individuals accused of:
- Sexual assault
- Indecency with a child
- Online solicitation allegations
- Sexual misconduct-related offenses
These cases require discretion, thorough investigation, and aggressive advocacy at every stage.
Pre-Charge Investigations & Arrest Representation
In some cases, individuals learn they are under investigation before formal charges are filed. Early legal representation can make a significant difference.
Brad Haggard Law assists clients during:
- Police investigations
- Requests for interviews or statements
- Search warrant execution
- Arrest and booking procedures
Intervening early may prevent charges from being filed or limit exposure before a case progresses.
Felony and Misdemeanor
Felony and Misdemeanor Offense Classifications in Texas
Criminal charges in Texas are categorized by offense classification, which determines the potential range of penalties, including incarceration, fines, and long-term legal consequences. The same type of offense may be charged at different levels depending on the facts of the case, prior criminal history, and any aggravating or mitigating factors. Below is an overview of the felony and misdemeanor classifications recognized under Texas law.
Felony Offense:
First-Degree Felony
A first-degree felony is among the most serious criminal charges under Texas law, second only to capital offenses. Convictions at this level carry substantial prison exposure and lifelong consequences.
Under Texas Penal Code § 12.32, a first-degree felony is punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison, along with fines of up to $10,000.
Examples of first-degree felonies include murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping, and certain sexual offenses involving children. Sentencing outcomes may vary based on the circumstances of the alleged offense, prior convictions, and evidence presented in court.
Second-Degree Felony
Second-degree felonies are serious offenses that still carry significant prison sentences and financial penalties, even though they are classified below first-degree felonies.
Under Texas Penal Code § 12.33, punishment for a second-degree felony includes 2 to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Common examples include aggravated assault, robbery, manslaughter, sexual assault, burglary of a habitation, and certain drug possession offenses based on quantity and substance type.
Third-Degree Felony
A third-degree felony carries lower sentencing exposure than higher felony levels but remains a serious criminal charge with lasting consequences.
Texas Penal Code § 12.34 provides for penalties ranging from 2 to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Examples include assault involving family violence with prior convictions, assault impeding breathing, deadly conduct involving a firearm, intoxication assault, possession of a controlled substance in certain amounts, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
State Jail Felony
A state jail felony is the lowest felony classification in Texas but is still more serious than a misdemeanor offense.
Under Texas Penal Code § 12.35, state jail felonies are punishable by 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility and fines of up to $10,000. In some cases, probation may be available depending on the offense and the defendant’s history.
Examples include theft of property within specified value ranges, possession of small amounts of controlled substances, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and burglary of a building. Sentences for state jail felonies are typically served in state jail facilities rather than traditional prison units.
Misdemeanor Offense:
Class A Misdemeanor
A Class A misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor classification in Texas and may result in jail time.
Under Texas Penal Code § 12.21, penalties include up to one year in county jail and fines of up to $4,000.
Examples of Class A misdemeanors include assault causing bodily injury, second-offense DWI, resisting arrest, unlawful carrying of a weapon, and theft involving higher property values within the misdemeanor range.
Class B Misdemeanor
Class B misdemeanors carry lesser penalties than Class A offenses but may still involve incarceration.
Punishment for a Class B misdemeanor includes up to 180 days in county jail and fines of up to $2,000.
Common examples include first-offense DWI, criminal trespass, possession of small amounts of marijuana, and theft involving lower property values.
Class C Misdemeanor
A Class C misdemeanor is the lowest criminal offense classification in Texas and is punishable by fine only, with no jail time.
Fines may be assessed up to $500. Examples include many traffic violations, public intoxication, disorderly conduct, minor in possession of alcohol, and theft of property under minimal value thresholds.
Why Classification Matters
The classification of a criminal charge directly affects potential penalties, defense strategy, and long-term consequences. Charges may be enhanced or reduced based on prior convictions, alleged conduct, or procedural issues in the case. Understanding how an offense is classified is an essential part of evaluating legal options and preparing an effective defense.
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Schedule a Confidential Consultation
If you are facing criminal charges or believe you may be under investigation, speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Brad Haggard Law offers confidential consultations to review your case and explain your options under Texas law.
Call
(281) 785-5472 or contact the firm online to get started.
