At my law firm, I prioritize excellent, personalized customer service and direct communication. You won't be passed around or left wondering about the status of your case. Too many times I'll see other clients sitting in court wondering where on earth their attorney is who they paid thousands of dollars to represent them. Worst example of this I've ever seen was a man sitting in court on the day his case was set for jury trial. Not only had his attorney not shown up, he wouldn't even take his calls.
Every case is different depending on the severity of the allegations, the complexity of your case, the backlog from the District Attorney's Office, and how quickly you hire an attorney. While the jury trial is a popular staple of criminal defense law in TV shows and movies, in reality 95% of cases are resolved during plea negotiations between a prosecutor and a defense attorney.
Cases can remain un-filed for over a year (and sometimes even longer) from your arrest date. Most attorneys will take your money and then sit on your case until it becomes filed. This draws your case out way longer than necessary and can become costly, especially if you're paying for alcohol-detecting interlock devices every month.
When you hire me, I get my hands on the evidence the cops have on your case, analyze their strengthens and weaknesses, and let you know what we're up against. I don't wait around for your case to get filed a year from now. I go up to the prosecutors and advocate on your behalf to get you the best deal possible. And if there's a deal we can't take, then we go to trial.
Too many attorneys don't bother to consider that you have to take off work, drive downtown to the courthouse, find and pay for parking, and sit for 3+ hours just to be told to come back again in a month. That's a waste of everyone's time.
When you hire me, I make sure you only have to go to court if it's absolutely necessary.
It absolutely can. Certain plea deals that a U.S. citizen could take without issue can permanently bar a non-citizen from seeking immigration relief in the future. U.S. immigration law is constantly updating and courts are constantly ruling on which criminal convictions run afoul of our immigration law.
If this a concern for you or a loved one, you need an attorney like me who keeps up to date with the law and can guide you to the best outcome.
Not necessarily. When a non-citizen is arrested their information is run through a database which then notifies the jail as to whether there should be an ICE Hold. That basically means that as soon as a person posts bail or has their case resolved while in jail, ICE will have a 48-Hour Window to pick that person up and transfer them to a detention center.
I've seen clients who have been deported three times get re-arrested for the fifth time and not get an ICE Hold. I've also seen clients who have been in the U.S. for more than 20 years who never had any problems with the law get ICE Holds. Bottom line: it can happen to any non-citizen whether they have legal status or not.
If you or a loved one gets arrested and are worried about deportation, contact me as soon as possible so I can help you navigate through that process.
It depends on the alleged charges, the complexity of your case, and your criminal history. In this economy people are struggling to get by so I offer competitive prices and flexible payment plans.
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The Harris County Criminal Courthouse (1201 Franklin St., Houston, TX 77002) handles felony criminal cases, including DWI, drug offenses, assault, and theft. Misdemeanor cases are generally heard in the Harris County Annex at 201 Caroline St. A skilled criminal defense attorney can advise which courthouse your case will appear in and prepare you accordingly.
The main Criminal Courthouse sits at 1201 Franklin Street in downtown Houston. Court hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding state holidays). Security screening opens at 7:00 AM. If you’re unsure which courtroom to report to, your defense attorney can guide you to the correct wing and division.
You can search for inmates held in Harris County online using the Harris County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup Tool. It shows real-time booking information, charges, and bond amounts.
After an arrest in Harris County, a judge may set a bond amount. You can pay the full cash bond or work with a licensed Harris County bail bondsman. In some cases, your defense attorney may request a bond reduction hearing or argue for a personal recognizance (PR) bond.
Misdemeanor convictions in Harris County can result in jail time (up to one year), fines up to $4,000, and probation. Class A misdemeanors (like DWI or assault) carry the harshest penalties. A skilled criminal defense attorney can often negotiate to reduce or dismiss the charges.
Yes, in most cases you must appear in person for all court dates unless your attorney tells you otherwise or obtains a waiver of appearance. Failing to appear may result in a warrant for your arrest. If your case is in County Criminal Court or District Court, follow your lawyer’s instructions carefully.
Criminal cases in Harris County vary depending on complexity, but many misdemeanors can be resolved in 3–6 months, while felonies may take 6–12 months or more. Delays are common due to court backlogs, especially in Harris County District Courts.
Yes, under certain conditions. Dismissals may happen due to lack of evidence, constitutional violations, or successful pretrial diversion programs. An experienced Harris County criminal defense attorney will review all facts and fight to get charges dismissed or reduced whenever possible.
Harris County offers diversion programs for eligible first-time offenders, including DWI Pretrial Intervention, mental health court, and veterans court. These programs allow you to avoid a conviction if completed successfully. Your attorney can help determine if you're eligible.
Most arrested individuals in Harris County are held at one of these locations:
These are operated by the Harris County Sheriff's Office. Your location may depend on availability, gender, and the nature of the charge.
Bail in Harris County is typically set by a magistrate within 48 hours of arrest. The amount is influenced by the nature of the charge, prior criminal history, flight risk, and other factors. A defense attorney can request a bond reduction hearing or file a writ of habeas corpus if bail is unreasonably high.
Yes, some defendants in Harris County may qualify for a PR bond, which allows release without paying money up front. Eligibility depends on the charge, risk assessment, and prior record. A criminal defense attorney can advocate for a PR bond and present evidence to support your release.
If you can’t afford to pay cash bail, options include using a bail bondsman (who charges a fee, usually 10% of the total bail) or asking the court for a bond reduction or PR bond. A knowledgeable Harris County criminal defense attorney can file the appropriate motions and argue for lower bail based on your circumstances.
Your attorney can file a Motion to Reduce Bond and request a hearing before the court. Factors like family ties, employment, lack of prior record, and medical issues may persuade the judge to lower the amount. Bond hearings are typically held at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse.
Once bond is posted, it generally takes 6 to 12 hours for release, though it can vary depending on jail processing times and time of day. A criminal defense lawyer can follow up with the jail or sheriff’s office to help ensure timely release.
A cash bond means the full bail amount must be paid in cash at the Harris County Joint Processing Center (701 N. San Jacinto). After the case concludes, the money is refunded (minus fees) if all court appearances are met. An attorney can confirm the exact amount and procedure for your specific case.
Yes. A criminal defense attorney can request emergency bond hearings, argue for PR release, and expedite paperwork. Attorneys often have direct access to court coordinators and bond officers, helping speed up the release process.
Most charges in Harris County are bond-eligible. However, capital murder, certain repeat violent felonies, and probation violations may lead to a no-bond status. A defense attorney can petition the court for bond eligibility or file a habeas corpus if denied.
Violating bond conditions—such as missing court, contacting alleged victims, or failing drug tests—can result in bond revocation and a new warrant for your arrest. A Harris County criminal defense attorney can often negotiate to reinstate your bond or mitigate penalties if action is taken quickly.
Harris County typically accepts:
If you're unsure whether your ID will work, call the jail ahead of time or contact a criminal defense attorney for help.
Harris County has multiple jail facilities. The three main ones are:
All are in downtown Houston. Parking is available nearby, but be sure to check the specific location your loved one is housed in before visiting.
To schedule a visit at a Harris County jail:
Visits must often be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance, and same-day visits are rarely available.
Yes. Harris County offers remote video visitation, which can be done from home. This is a good option for people who are undocumented or worried about visiting in person. All you need is a smartphone or computer with internet access. Register at securustech.net.
Visitors should dress modestly. Avoid:
Failure to follow dress code guidelines may result in denied visitation. Always bring your ID and arrive early.
Yes, but children under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. You may be asked to show proof of guardianship. Children must be supervised at all times and must also follow the jail’s dress code.
Use the Harris County Inmate Search Tool. You’ll need the person’s first and last name or SPN (System Person Number). If you're unsure, an attorney can help locate them quickly.
After a car accident in Harris County, your first step should be to check for injuries and call 911. If safe, move vehicles out of traffic and exchange insurance information. Take photos of the scene and contact a personal injury lawyer before speaking with the other driver’s insurance company.
Yes. In Harris County, Texas law requires you to file a police report if the accident causes injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Call HPD or HCSO at the scene. A crash report helps establish liability and strengthens your injury claim.
You can obtain your crash report online through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) website or directly from the Houston Police Department (HPD) or Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Your attorney can also retrieve this report on your behalf.
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning the at-fault party is responsible for damages, but your compensation can be reduced if you're partially at fault. If you're more than 50% responsible, you may not recover damages. A skilled Harris County car accident attorney can investigate and prove fault.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim from a motor vehicle accident is 2 years from the date of the crash. Don’t wait—delay can hurt your chances of recovering compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you were hit by a driver without insurance, you can file a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. These claims can still be denied or undervalued, so it's important to speak with a personal injury lawyer familiar with Harris County accident cases.
The value of your car accident case depends on factors like medical costs, lost income, vehicle damage, pain and suffering, and long-term effects. Every case is different, but a qualified attorney can estimate your damages and fight for full compensation.
Yes, especially if you were injured or fault is disputed. Insurance companies often try to settle for less than what your case is worth. A Harris County car accident attorney can negotiate on your behalf and take your case to trial if needed.
Texas law allows you to recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages. This is called proportionate responsibility.
High-traffic areas like I-45, I-10, the 610 Loop, and Highway 59 are common crash zones in Houston. Harris County consistently ranks among the highest in Texas for serious injury and fatal crashes, especially in urban areas. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, get legal help immediately.
It's common for injuries like whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue damage to appear hours or even days after a crash. Seek medical treatment immediately and document your symptoms. Insurance companies often dispute delayed injuries, so it's critical to have a personal injury attorney protect your claim.
No. The other driver's insurance adjuster is not on your side. Anything you say can be used to deny or reduce your claim. Always speak with a Harris County car accident lawyer before giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement.
It depends on the severity of your injuries, whether liability is disputed, and the insurance company’s response. Some cases resolve in a few months, others take over a year—especially if litigation is required. An attorney can push for faster results without compromising the value of your case.
As a passenger, you may be entitled to compensation regardless of who was at fault. You can file a claim against the at-fault driver, even if they were a friend or family member. Your attorney will handle the claim tactfully while protecting your relationship.
Yes. If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to lost wages and loss of future earning capacity. You’ll need to provide documentation from your employer and doctor. A lawyer can help calculate and prove these damages.
If the at-fault driver was on the clock or driving a commercial vehicle, their employer may also be liable. These cases often involve corporate insurance policies with higher limits. Let a personal injury lawyer investigate whether vicarious liability applies.
Some of the most common injuries include:
Even minor crashes can cause serious injuries. Always get medical attention and follow up on treatment.
Yes. You can bring a claim on behalf of your child for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In serious cases, long-term care or future earnings may also be considered. A skilled Houston injury lawyer will advocate for your child’s full recovery.
Most personal injury lawyers, including Salinas Defense, work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. The fee is typically a percentage of your recovery, with no upfront costs for consultations or legal work.
If the other driver fled the scene, you may still have options through your uninsured motorist coverage (UM). These cases require strong investigation and legal experience to recover compensation. Contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights.
Workplace harassment occurs when unwelcome conduct based on race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or other protected characteristics creates a hostile work environment or leads to adverse job consequences (e.g., demotion, termination). Sexual harassment—such as unwanted advances or inappropriate comments—is also covered.
Yes. Sexual harassment is prohibited under both federal law (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act) and Texas Labor Code § 21.141. It includes unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that affects a person’s job or creates a hostile work environment.
In most cases, yes. You must typically report the harassment through your employer’s internal complaint procedure (often HR or management) to give them a chance to address it. If they ignore your complaint, retaliate, or fail to fix the problem, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
Keep detailed notes of:
Documentation strengthens your case and helps your attorney prove unlawful conduct.
If a supervisor is the harasser, the employer is often strictly liable—especially if the harassment leads to a tangible job loss (like firing or demotion). You may be entitled to compensation even if no one else witnessed the behavior.
No. It is illegal under both Texas and federal law for an employer to retaliate against you for filing a harassment or discrimination complaint. If you’re fired, demoted, harassed further, or otherwise punished for speaking up, you may also have a retaliation claim.
You typically have 300 days from the date of the harassment to file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division (TWC-CRD). Speaking with an employment attorney early helps ensure deadlines aren’t missed.
Yes. In some cases, victims of workplace harassment may recover emotional distress damages, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, or loss of enjoyment of life. These damages are part of a broader lawsuit for harassment and hostile work environment.
Employers can still be liable for harassment by non-supervisory coworkers if they knew or should have known about the behavior and failed to take prompt corrective action. Always report the behavior and keep records of your complaints.
The value depends on factors like:
A strong case can lead to compensation through settlement or trial. Consult a Texas workplace harassment attorney to evaluate your specific situation.
Police brutality occurs when law enforcement uses excessive force beyond what is reasonably necessary to make an arrest or protect public safety. This includes unjustified shootings, beatings, chokeholds, Taser misuse, and unlawful takedowns, especially when the person is already restrained or not resisting.
Yes. If an officer used unreasonable or excessive force, you may be able to file a civil rights lawsuit under 42 U.S. Code § 1983 for violations of your Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights. In Texas, you can also pursue state tort claims in certain situations.
A civil rights attorney can launch an independent investigation, request body cam footage, and protect your rights.
Video helps—but it’s not required. Police brutality cases can be built on:
A skilled attorney can file subpoenas for body cam, dash cam, or surveillance footage and expose inconsistencies in the police version of events.
Yes. If officers used unlawful force, falsely arrested you, or violated your rights—even if no charges were filed or charges were dropped—you may still have a valid case. Your civil rights are protected regardless of whether you’re convicted.
You typically have 2 years from the date of the incident to file a civil rights lawsuit in Texas. But if your case involves a government entity, you may need to file a Notice of Claim within 6 months under the Texas Tort Claims Act. Don’t wait—consult a civil rights attorney immediately.
You may be entitled to:
The amount depends on the severity of the abuse and the impact on your life.
Qualified immunity is a legal defense that protects officers from being sued unless they violated a “clearly established” constitutional right. It’s a major hurdle in civil rights cases, but an experienced attorney can challenge it by showing the officer’s actions were clearly unlawful.
You may be able to sue:
Each case is different, and your attorney will evaluate who to name as a defendant.
Look for a civil rights attorney with experience handling police misconduct cases, especially in Harris County or Houston. Ask about trial experience, success in overcoming qualified immunity, and familiarity with federal courts. At Salinas Defense, we fight for justice when the system fails the people it’s meant to protect.
