An arrest in Galveston can feel like the beginning of the end. But remember, an arrest is not a conviction. You have Jay Blass Cohen and the Blass Law team on your side. And since we are dedicated to Keeping Innocent People Innocent, you can be sure we’ll be fighting for the best possible result for you.
Call today to get help from a Galveston criminal defense lawyer today. The consultation is confidential.
Cases We Handle in Galveston, TX
Our criminal defense lawyer serving Galveston is equipped to handle all types of criminal defense cases in Galveston. We focus on:
DWI and BWI
A DWI or BWI charge starts as a Class B misdemeanor but can be elevated if certain factors are present (e.g., a high blood alcohol concentration, previous convictions, a child passenger).
If you cause an injury accident while intoxicated, you could be charged with intoxication assault. If you cause a fatal accident while intoxicated, you could be charged with intoxication manslaughter. These offenses are felonies. When a DWI results in serious bodily injury, the charge can escalate to intoxication assault—a felony with severe legal consequences. A Galveston intoxication assault lawyer can help you fight the allegations and work to protect your rights and freedom.
Sex Crimes
Sex crimes are often felonies, but the category depends on the type of offense and whether any aggravating factors were present. We defend against sexual assault, sexual assault of a minor, child pornography, and indecency with a minor charges. A Galveston sexual assault lawyer can help you navigate these serious accusations, build a strong defense, and work to protect your future.
We also take prostitution and solicitation charges which are typically a class B misdemeanor unless certain factors are present. If that is the case, you may face felony charges.
White Collar Crimes
White collar offenses like theft, embezzlement, credit card fraud, and identity theft can be misdemeanors or felonies. They can also be federal crimes. The amount you allegedly stole will be a determining factor in whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony.
Violent Crimes
Charges for violent crimes like assault, aggravated assault, or assault on a family member can be a misdemeanor or felony. Manslaughter and murder are felonies.
Our Galveston drug charges lawyer can also help you with drug charges and probation violations.
Your Potential Penalties Depend on the Type of Charge You Face in Galveston County
Criminal offenses are broken down into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors have less severe legal consequences.
Misdemeanors
Depending on the offense, you could be charged with a:
- Class C misdemeanor: This conviction comes with a $500 fine.
- Class B misdemeanor: A conviction means a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail.
- Class A misdemeanor: You face a fine of up to $4,000 and/or up to one year in jail.
Felonies
There are five types of felonies under Texas law. Their penalties include:
- State jail felony: You could spend between 180 days and two years in a state jail facility and possibly owe a fine of up to $10,000.
- Third-degree felony: A conviction comes with two to 10 years in prison and the possibility of a fine up to $10,000.
- Second-degree felony: You could end up behind bars for two to 20 years and possibly pay a fine of up to $10,000.
- First-degree felony: You face between five and 99 years in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000.
- Capital felony: You can face life imprisonment (if you were under 18 when you allegedly committed the offense), life imprisonment without the possibility of parole (if you were over 18), or the death penalty.
Penalties Go Beyond Fines and Imprisonment
While years beyond bars and thousands of dollars in fines can overshadow everything, there are other consequences that can affect every aspect of your life.
Humiliation: Criminal charges are embarrassing for many. You may feel humiliated in social circles even if you maintain your innocence.
- Social stigma: You may be forced out of your circle by friends, depending on the charges you face.
- Loss of job: Your employer may fire you if you are arrested or convicted.
- Loss of home: If you have to register as a sex offender, you may be required to move out of your home.
- Loss of your right to vote or own a firearm: A conviction may leave you unable to participate in your civic duties or go hunting with friends.
- Revoked school admission: You may lose your place at your dream school if you are arrested or convicted.
What Our Team Does for You in Galveston
Jay Blass Cohen and the Blass Law team are dedicated to ensuring that Texas residents have a robust defense against all types of criminal charges. Our dedication to that is shown through our case results and our founder’s dedication to continuing education and certification. Since Jay founded Blass Law, he has not stopped seeking certifications to better represent his clients. Jay is an ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist, certified in forensic chromatography for drugs and alcohol.
He is also a certified instructor and practitioner in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and has been trained in forensic drug analysis and driving under the influence of drugs.
He uses this knowledge, experience, and his reputation in the justice system to fight for the result you deserve. Depending on your case, this may include:
- Getting your charges dismissed
- Convincing the prosecutor to forgo filing charges
- Getting your case no-billed
- Getting your charges dismissed during trial
- Getting your charges and penalties reduced
- Getting a not-guilty verdict
While we can’t promise results, we can promise we’ll fight tooth and nail for you—just like we did for a client in Galveston County who failed all field sobriety tests and blew a .182 after being pulled over for doing 86 in a 65 mph zone. We got that charge dismissed.
Get Help from Our Criminal Defense Attorney in Galveston
You are innocent unless proven guilty; our law firm makes sure of that. We will ensure that your rights are protected and that you have someone in your corner through this entire process. Call Blass Law today for a confidential consultation. We’ll listen to your story and determine how we can help you.