By Nathaniel Pitoniak on August 9th, 2018 in Criminal Defense
Every year, thousands of Americans are wrongfully accused of crimes they did not commit. Many of these people are tragically and wrongfully convicted. According to the National Registry of Exonerations, 2016 represented a record year for exonerations nationwide. An incredible 166 wrongfully convicted people were declared innocent that year and more than three people continue to be exonerated every week. Tragically, many of those people spent decades in prison before ultimately being granted release.
In Harris County alone, we have seen approximately 128 exonerations since 2010. That total represents an alarming 15% of all exonerations nationwide. If you have been accused of a crime, you will want to do everything you can to avoid being another one of these statistics. That is why it is paramount to work with a competent and experienced criminal defense attorney.
Choosing a Defense Attorney
Choosing a criminal defense attorney can be a truly difficult decision. When deciding who you want to represent in court, there are a number of important dynamics to consider.
The most important aspect of any attorney-client relationship is trust. Meet with prospective attorneys before you hire one and find someone that makes you comfortable and you feel comfortable working with. You will spend extensive amounts of time working together with your attorney to find the best possible legal outcome for your case, so you want to be sure they will be someone you believe has your best interests at heart.
When hiring a defense attorney, it is also of the utmost importance that you feel confident in their ability in the courtroom. The ideal defense attorney should have experience working on cases like yours, and they should have a proven track record in the courtroom. Doing your homework before hiring your defense attorney may save you stress, money, and even jail time.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Hiring a quality defense attorney can be the ultimate difference in finding the optimal resolution to your criminal case. A quality attorney can obtain dismissals in felony or misdemeanor cases, negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges, and in severe cases, help you avoid or reduce jail time.
While prior success in the courtroom is no guarantee of results in the future, Nathaniel Pitoniak has a proven and distinguished record of success. From assault charges to drug crimes, Nathaniel Pitoniak has tried more than thirty felony and misdemeanor charges in Texas Courtrooms. At The Pitoniak Law Firm, we can promise thorough preparation and aggressive representation for each and every one of our clients. To set up a consultation with a Houston criminal defense lawyer, call us today at (832) 315-6283 .
Sources:
https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/10944996
Verified By: Nathaniel Pitoniak, Criminal Defense Lawyer & Former Prosecutor
Last Modified: August 5, 2026
Nathaniel Pitoniak is an experienced criminal defense attorney and former Harris County prosecutor based in Houston, Texas. With nearly two decades of legal practice, he has tried over thirty jury trials, ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, and dedicated his career to fighting for the rights of individuals facing criminal charges.
Experience
- Proven Results: Has successfully tried more than 30 felony and misdemeanor jury trials and obtained hundreds of case dismissals. Secured notable outcomes, including a Not Guilty verdict in a serious felony trial carrying up to 99 years in prison, and substantial charge reductions in complex homicide matters.
- Prosecutorial Perspective: Served as a former Assistant District Attorney, felony prosecutor, and chief prosecutor in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, gaining firsthand insight into how cases are built, evidence is evaluated, and risk is assessed by the state.
- Client-Centered Resolution: Skilled in positioning cases for trial while actively seeking pre-trial intervention agreements and charge dismissals to help clients avoid conviction, preserve professional licenses, and protect immigration status.
Education & Academic Leadership
- Education: Earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from The University of Houston Law Center.
- Academic & Professional Foundation: Trained extensively at the University of Houston Law Center and honed his trial advocacy during his tenure at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
Credentials & Recognition
- Courtroom Credibility: Earned praise from opposing prosecutors for trial advocacy, as well as high acclaim from clients for steady, honest, and persuasive representation in high-stakes criminal matters.
- Broad Legal Expertise: Represents clients facing a wide range of state and federal charges, including drug offenses, violent crimes, domestic violence, sex crimes, and white-collar offenses.
Connect with Nathaniel: Bio | Firm Office: (346) 589-7074
