Criminal Defense Lawyer
When you or someone you love is arrested in Texas, finding the right criminal defense lawyer is the single most important decision you will make. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can mean the difference between a conviction that follows you for life and a dismissed case that lets you move forward. Gordon Law PLLC has represented hundreds of Texans as their trusted criminal defense lawyer — from first-time misdemeanor charges to serious felony accusations. Whether you need a criminal defense lawyer for a DWI, drug charge, assault, or theft case, the quality of your legal representation directly shapes your outcome. Choosing the wrong criminal defense lawyer — or no lawyer at all — leaves you at the mercy of a system designed to prosecute. As your criminal defense lawyer in Austin and across Central Texas, Gordon Law PLLC fights from day one to protect your rights, your record, and your future. This guide explains exactly what to look for in a criminal defense lawyer and the most important questions to ask at your first consultation.
What Happens After an Arrest in Texas
The Texas criminal justice process moves fast. Understanding the timeline helps you see why hiring a criminal defense lawyer immediately — not days later — gives you the best chance of a favorable outcome.
The First 48 Hours
After an arrest, you will be booked into county jail and typically see a magistrate judge within 24–48 hours for an arraignment or bail hearing. This is where bail is set. A criminal defense lawyer who is retained before or shortly after arrest can appear at this hearing and argue for lower bail or personal recognizance release, getting you home faster.
Pre-Trial Phase: Weeks to Months
After arraignment, your case enters the pre-trial phase. This is where a criminal defense lawyer does the most critical work — filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, reviewing police reports for procedural errors, and building your defense strategy. In Travis County and surrounding counties, misdemeanor cases typically resolve within 3–9 months; felony cases often take 6–18 months or longer.
Resolution: Dismissal, Plea, or Trial
Most criminal cases in Texas resolve through a plea agreement, not a jury trial. However, having a criminal defense lawyer who is fully prepared to take your case to trial gives you significantly more leverage in plea negotiations. Prosecutors offer better deals when they know your attorney will fight.
Misdemeanor vs. Felony Defense in Texas: Key Differences
Texas divides criminal offenses into two broad categories, and the stakes — and defense strategy — differ significantly.
Misdemeanor Charges
Misdemeanors are Class A, Class B, or Class C offenses. Examples include first-offense DWI, simple assault, minor drug possession, and theft under $2,500. Penalties range from a small fine up to one year in county jail. While misdemeanors carry lighter sentences, a conviction still creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing. Many misdemeanors are eligible for expunction or non-disclosure in Texas — an experienced criminal defense lawyer will evaluate your eligibility from the start.
Felony Charges
Felonies carry far more serious consequences: state prison time, loss of voting rights, loss of the right to own a firearm, and a record that is extremely difficult to clear. Texas felonies range from State Jail Felonies (180 days to 2 years) up to First Degree Felonies (5 to 99 years or life). If you are facing a felony, you need an aggressive criminal defense lawyer immediately — do not speak to police, do not post on social media, and do not wait.
Common Criminal Defense Cases at Gordon Law PLLC
DWI Defense
Driving While Intoxicated is one of the most frequently charged offenses in Austin and Travis County. A first-offense DWI in Texas is a Class B misdemeanor carrying up to 180 days in jail, a fine up to $2,000, and a driver’s license suspension. Effective DWI defenses include challenging the legality of the traffic stop, questioning the calibration and administration of field sobriety tests, attacking breathalyzer accuracy, and disputing officer testimony. Gordon Law PLLC has handled hundreds of DWI cases and knows exactly how Travis County prosecutors build — and where they overreach.
Drug Charge Defense
Texas drug laws are among the strictest in the country. Possession of even small amounts of a controlled substance can result in felony charges depending on the substance and quantity. Key defenses include illegal search and seizure (Fourth Amendment violations are common in drug cases), chain of custody issues with evidence, lab testing errors, and lack of knowing possession. A criminal defense lawyer who thoroughly investigates the arrest circumstances can often find grounds for dismissal or significant charge reduction.
Assault Defense
Assault charges in Texas range from Class C misdemeanor (threat of bodily harm) to first-degree felony (aggravated assault with a deadly weapon). Defenses frequently involve self-defense, defense of others, mutual combat, false accusations, and lack of intent. Gordon Law PLLC carefully reviews witness statements, surveillance footage, medical records, and the arresting officer’s report to build a defense that reflects what actually happened.
Questions to Ask at Your First Criminal Defense Consultation
Your initial consultation is your opportunity to evaluate whether an attorney is the right fit for your case. Here are the most important questions to ask:
1. How many cases like mine have you handled?
Experience in your specific charge type matters. A lawyer who handles mostly DWI cases will know the local prosecutors, judges, and the nuances of DWI law far better than a general practice attorney.
2. Who will actually work on my case?
At larger firms, the attorney you meet may hand your case to a junior associate. At Gordon Law PLLC, you work directly with your attorney throughout the entire process — not a paralegal or a rotating staff member.
3. What is your honest assessment of my case?
Beware any attorney who guarantees a specific outcome. A trustworthy criminal defense lawyer will give you a realistic picture of your options — potential risks, likely outcomes, and the strongest path forward.
4. What is your approach — negotiation or trial?
You want an attorney who prepares every case as if it will go to trial, even if most resolve through negotiation. This preparation is what drives better plea offers.
5. What are your fees and how are they structured?
Most criminal defense attorneys charge a flat fee for representation through a specific stage (arraignment, pre-trial, or trial). Get this in writing and understand exactly what is and is not included.
6. What is the likely timeline for my case?
Understanding the timeline helps you plan your work, family, and finances around the case. An experienced attorney will give you a realistic range based on the charge and county.
7. Are there any opportunities for expunction or record sealing?
Texas law allows expunction of certain charges and non-disclosure of others. A forward-thinking criminal defense lawyer thinks about your record from day one — not just the immediate outcome.
What Sets Gordon Law PLLC Apart
Gordon Law PLLC has defended clients across Austin, Travis County, Williamson County, Hays County, and throughout Central Texas. Our team brings courtroom experience, deep knowledge of local courts and prosecutors, and a genuine commitment to every client’s outcome.
A few results our clients have seen (identifying details changed to protect privacy):
- DWI charge dismissed after motion to suppress breathalyzer results granted — client kept clean record and driver’s license.
- Felony drug possession reduced to Class A misdemeanor through pre-trial diversion — client avoided prison and became expunction-eligible.
- Aggravated assault charge reduced to simple assault with probation — client avoided a felony conviction that would have cost his professional license.
We know what it takes to win in Austin courts. We know which arguments move prosecutors, which motions are worth filing, and when going to trial is the right call. That knowledge comes from years of focused criminal defense work — not a generalist practice that handles everything from divorces to personal injury.
Your Next Steps If You Have Been Arrested in Texas
If you or a family member has been arrested, take these steps immediately:
- Stay silent. Exercise your right to remain silent. Do not explain, justify, or argue with police. Anything you say will be used against you.
- Do not consent to searches. Politely but clearly decline any request to search your vehicle, home, or belongings.
- Call a criminal defense lawyer before posting bail. An attorney can sometimes appear at your bail hearing and argue for lower bail or release on your own recognizance.
- Avoid social media. Posts, photos, and even likes can be used as evidence. Say nothing about your case online.
- Write down everything you remember. Details fade quickly. Write down exactly what happened, what was said, and what officers did — your attorney will use this to identify any procedural violations.
Get Your Free Consultation With a Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
You do not have to face Texas criminal charges alone. Gordon Law PLLC offers a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case, explain your options, and give you an honest assessment of where you stand. There is no obligation and no pressure — just straightforward answers from a criminal defense lawyer who has fought these cases and knows how to win.
Call Gordon Law PLLC now or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation. The sooner you have a criminal defense lawyer on your side, the more we can do to protect your future.
