Houston Criminal Defense Attorney – Remember: You’re Innocent Until Proven Guilty.
When you are facing criminal charges, it may seem like the world is against you. Sometimes, law enforcement and criminal prosecutors will even use unlawful means to try to prove your guilt. With a criminal defense lawyer by your side, you can make sure you receive a fair outcome in your case.
My law firm, the Law Offices of Charles T. Ganz, is dedicated to standing up for upstanding citizens who may have found themselves in trouble with the law. Everybody deserves a criminal defense attorney they can trust, and Houston trusts the Law Offices of Charles T. Ganz.
A Strong Houston Criminal Defense Attorney
Accused citizens are often scared into thinking a plea deal is the best they can do. My firm is often able to reduce or eliminate charges by keeping the client informed and confident in their defense. I am able to defend against a range of charges in Texas, including:
- DUI/DWI involving drunk or drugged driving: Driving under the influence (DUI/DWI) refers to operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. A conviction can result in steep fines, jail time, loss of your driver’s license, increased insurance premiums and other harsh consequences.
- Boating while intoxicated (BWI): Similar to DUI/DWI, boating while intoxicated involves operating a watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You may face fines, jail time, and loss or suspension of your driver’s license, even though you weren’t driving a car.
- Drug-related charges: Charges such as possession, manufacturing and trafficking can range from minor to severe, depending on the type and amount of drug involved. Possession charges involve carrying illegal substances while manufacturing and trafficking are related to the creation and distribution of drugs.
- Assault and battery charges: Assault and battery involve intentional harm or threat of harm to another person. These crimes can carry severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment, especially when they result in serious injury or involve the use of weapons.
- Sexual assault, rape and other sex crimes: These serious offenses involve non-consensual sexual activities and can carry a significant social stigma as well as severe legal consequences. Penalties can include lengthy prison sentences and mandatory registration as a sex offender. These charges require a sensitive and vigorous defense.
- Juvenile offenses: Alleged crimes committed by individuals under the age of 18 fall into this category. The juvenile justice system focuses more on rehabilitation than punishment, but it can still result in serious consequences and a long-term impact on the minor’s future.
- Homicide and manslaughter charges: These charges involve the unlawful killing of another person. Homicide includes both murder (intentional killing) and manslaughter (unintentional killing due to recklessness or criminal negligence). The penalties depend on the degree and circumstances of the crime.
Working previously at a large law firm, I started my own practice to give each client the focus they deserve. As a result, I am your dedicated ally and am available to provide honest and actionable legal advice when you need it most.
Criminal Defense FAQ
Below, you’ll find straightforward answers to frequently asked questions about criminal charges, penalties and other aspects of criminal cases in Texas. Understanding the types of charges and potential penalties that you’re facing can go a long way toward preparing you for the road ahead. You can reach out to me for additional guidance tailored to your unique situation.
Why am I on probation when I just got arrested? Am I not presumed Innocent?
The law requires that a jury presume your innocence, as well as the court. However, organizations such as MADD have agendas that have begun to erode our constitutional protections. Lobbying for safety, the legislature has passed several statutes that allow a court to impose bond conditions, such as requiring an Ignition Interlock be placed on the vehicle of someone accused of DWI. The purpose of bail is simply to secure the appearance of the accused in court. Over 30 years ago, the US Supreme Court held that preventive detention measures do not violate the 8th or 14th Amendments. At one time, it was the safety of a victim and/or alleged crimes of violence that the courts were concerned about. Today, nonviolent crimes, first offenders, and all people accused of a crime can be subjected to pretrial bond conditions under the safety of the community reasoning. Statutes are now codified, giving the court express power to supervise an accused at the cost of the accused. Many times, it is not fair, but pretrial courtesy supervision, as it is so eloquently phrased, is here to stay. In fact, the requirements of supervision are becoming more common, more routine, and more stringent every day. There are times when a court goes too far and your lawyer should fight to make the conditions or cost of bond reasonable.
Can I choose my judge in a criminal trial?
This is possible in some criminal trials, but must be done in a way that follows Texas rules. When you work with attorney Charles Ganz, you are working with a defense attorney who understands the Texas criminal justice network of judges and administrators. This is essential to know what defense strategies are most likely to be effective at helping you prove your innocence in court.
The police took my car, money and property, can they do that?
Yes, they can and they often do. The state of Texas and local law enforcement agencies make millions of dollars by seizing people’s assets. The state can seek forfeiture of any property that falls into the definition of contraband. In Texas, contraband is defined as property of any nature, including real, personal, tangible, or intangible, that is, used in the commission of any first or second-degree felony under the Penal Code or falls under the laundry list of criminal offenses subject to forfeiture in Chapter 59 of Code of Criminal Procedure. Do not waste time! Call an experienced lawyer immediately. Time is critical in defending yourself against forfeiture. In fact, the state proceeds with so many forfeitures initially because too many people choose not to fight the state or have an inexperienced lawyer who does not advise the client to fight or does not know how to fight.
What is the punishment range for a misdemeanor?
| CLASS | CONFINEMENT | OPTIONAL FINE | |
| 1 | Class A misdemeanor Pen §12.21 | Up to 1 year in county jail | $4,000 max |
| 2 | Class B misdemeanor Pen §12.22 | Up to 180 days in county jail | $2,000 max |
| 3 | Class C misdemeanor Pen §12.23 | None | $500 max |
What is the punishment range for a felony?
| 1 | DEGREE | CONFINEMENT | OPTIONAL FINE |
| 2 | Capital Felony Pen §§8.07 (c), 12.31 (a) (1), (b) (1) [younger than 18] | Life in Prison | NONE |
| 3 | 1st-degree felony Pen §12.32 | 5 to 99 years or life in prison | $10,000 maximum |
| 3 | Class C misdemeanor Pen §12.23 | None | $500 maximum |
| 4 | 2nd-degree felony Pen §12.33 | 2 to 20 years in prison | $10,000 maximum |
| 5 | 3rd-degree felony Pen §12.34 | 2 to 10 years in prison | $10,000 maximum |
| 6 | State-jail felony Pen §12.35 | 180 days to 2 years in state jail | $10,000 maximum |
Don’t Waste Another Moment – Call 713-364-0953 Today
My record of success speaks for itself. But the longer you wait, the harder it may be to defend yourself. DUIs, for instance, require you to request a hearing within 15 days of your arrest. For other crimes, your time may be even shorter.
Call my office at 713-364-0953 to discuss your individual case and begin exploring a path forward or reach out online to get started.