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Houston Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal Lawyer in the City of Houston, TX Defends the Freedom and Reputation of Clients Facing Charges in Harris County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, and Throughout Texas

Have you been arrested or charged with a crime in Houston? You deserve experienced legal representation that can help you protect your freedom, reputation, and future from the devastating consequences of a criminal conviction. Let a Houston criminal defense attorney advocate on your behalf and protect your interests in the criminal justice system.

I am criminal defense attorney Ed Chernoff. I have been practicing in the criminal justice system here in Texas for over 35 years. I started out in law as a prosecutor with the Harris County DA’s office, where I developed a unique insight into how prosecutors prepare and try cases. Since 1991, I have been using my experience to advocate on behalf of criminal defendants throughout the Houston area. I have received Board Certification in Criminal Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and over the decades I have represented thousands of people charged with crimes and taken over 150 cases to trial, developing a national reputation as a tough advocate for my clients. 

Reach out to my criminal defense law firm for an initial case evaluation with a criminal lawyer in the city of Houston, TX, to discuss your legal options and the next steps we can take to pursue a favorable resolution to your criminal charges. 

Facing Criminal Charges in Texas and Have Questions? I’m Houston Criminal Defense Attorney Ed Chernoff, And I Can Protect You. Call My Office Today at 713-222-9141 or Fill Out My Online Contact Form For a Free Consultation About Your Case.

Types of Criminal Cases Chernoff Law Represents Clients In

I have extensive experience as an advocate in the criminal justice system in the Greater Houston area. I can help you if you are facing criminal charges in state or federal courts, such as:

I also assist clients with seeking expungement of their criminal records after they’ve had their criminal charges resolved in their favor. 

Criminal Penalties in Texas

Houston Criminal Defense Attorney

Title 3, Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code sets forth the sentences that can be imposed for a conviction. Sentencing ranges are based on the grading of the offense. Offenses may be graded as a Class A, Class B, or Class C misdemeanor, or as a capital felony, first-degree felony, second-degree felony, third-degree felony, or state jail felony. Penalties for a conviction for a Texas state law criminal offense include:

  • Class C misdemeanor: Fine of up to $500
  • Class B misdemeanor: Jail term of up to 180 days, and/or a fine of up to $2,000
  • Class A misdemeanor: Jail term of up to one year, and/or a fine of up to $4,000
  • State jail felony: State jail term of 180 days to two years, and a potential fine of up to $10,000
  • Third-degree felony: Imprisonment for two to 10 years, and a potential fine of up to $10,000
  • Second-degree felony: Imprisonment for two to 20 years, and a potential fine of up to $10,000
  • First-degree felony: Imprisonment for life, or a term of 5 to 99 years, and a potential fine of up to $10,000
  • Capital felony: Imprisonment for life without parole, or the death penalty

How Will a Houston Criminal Defense Attorney from Chernoff Law Help You Pursue a Favorable Resolution to Your Charges?

After you have been arrested and charged with criminal offenses in Houston, reach out to Chernoff Law for the legal advice and advocacy you deserve from an experienced Houston criminal defense attorney. When you hire me for your case, you can expect that I will promptly go to work building an effective defense strategy for you by:

  • Performing an independent investigation into your charges instead of simply relying on evidence turned over by the prosecution
  • Reviewing the facts and circumstances of your case to identify potential defenses you can raise
  • Sitting down with you to answer your questions and prepare you for what to expect during your prosecution
  • Standing up for your rights by moving to exclude evidence or statements that were obtained from you in violation of your rights
  • Testing the prosecution’s case against you by filing motions to reduce or dismiss your charges
  • Negotiating with prosecutors to try to reach a plea agreement, if appropriate, that provides you with a fair resolution to your charges
  • Advocating in your defense in court and at trial, if you choose to fight your charges and assert your innocence

Chernoff Law is Committed to Answering Your Questions. I Offer a Free Consultation and I’ll Gladly Discuss Your Case With You at Your Convenience. Contact Me Today to Schedule an Appointment.

Contact Chernoff Law to Speak with a Criminal Lawyer in the City of Houston, TX, to Discuss Your Legal Rights and Options

Contact my firm today for a confidential consultation after you have been arrested or charged with a crime. A Houston criminal defense lawyer can answer your questions and help give you peace of mind knowing that you and your case are in good hands with us. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Criminal Defense in Houston

Do I need a lawyer for my case?

You should never face criminal charges without the assistance of an experienced Houston criminal defense attorney. A lawyer can help you understand the details of the charges against you and the potential outcomes in your case. An attorney can also protect your rights and interests, including advising you on the actions you should take at each stage of your case. Your attorney can also independently investigate your case to recover evidence and identify potential strategies aimed at securing a favorable result

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?

The cost of hiring a criminal defense attorney will depend on multiple factors, including the lawyer’s experience and training, the severity of the charges you are facing, and the complexity of the evidence involved. If you spend more for a lawyer with substantial criminal law and courtroom experience, it can impact the outcome of your case. However, you can always contact multiple lawyers to get an idea of how much they charge and what payment options they offer, such as taking credit cards or being willing to accept a payment plan.

Reviews Matter

"Ed Chernoff is truly an amazing lawyer and person. He was able to get my felony charge DISMISSED by the Grand Jury in only 2 weeks! Thank you Mr. Chernoff for being the very best you could be and for helping so many others like me. You are a blessing."
- Reggie Kerr

"Mr. Chernoff was adamant about not having me plead guilty to my case and was able to completely wipe my record of the incident. Ed was very prompt, professional, and excellent at explaining where we were in the process and what to expect. I highly recommend him. He is an excellent lawyer."
- Jeff Stautner

"I could not have made a better decision in hiring Ed. He put my fears at ease and helped me get my case dismissed and my life back on track. I would highly recommend hiring Ed and letting him do the same for you."
- Jordan Charles

"I don’t have the words to express how grateful we are for Mr. Chernoff and his team. They always kept us updated and were available for any questions we had. They were able to obtain the best possible outcome. I would definitely use him again and highly recommend him."
- Susan Purdy
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