Kingwood Criminal Attorney Ready to Help
Sometimes referred to as the Livable Forest, Kingwood is Harris County’s largest master-planned community and one of Houston’s safest neighborhoods. However, there is still crime in Kingwood and arrests regularly occur. If you have been arrested in Kingwood and are looking for more information on your legal rights, consider contacting our experienced and compassionate attorneys today. Kingwood criminal lawyer Nathaniel Pitoniak has represented defendants in a variety of cases throughout Harris County. Contact the Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak today at (832) 315-6283 to discuss your case in a consultation.
Kingwood Criminal Lawyer – Types of Criminal Cases
Individuals who have been charged with crimes should consider seeking legal representation, whether or not they are guilty. Constructing a sound legal defense may benefit from the experience and the professional services of an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Kingwood criminal attorney and former Harris County felony prosecutor Nathaniel Pitoniak offers legal guidance to individuals charged with the following types of crimes:
Violent Crimes
Individuals who have been charged with violent crimes must be aware of their legal rights, as the penalties for a conviction are often severe. A local violent crime defense lawyer can help a person understand all of their legal options and rights under the law.
Assault Offenses
There are several types of assault charges that can be filed in Kingwood. The circumstances of the alleged crime often determine the severity of the criminal charges, which can be class A misdemeanors or felonies. The following represents some different assault charges found in the Texas Penal Code:
- Misdemeanor assault – An assault charge can be filed if police believe the suspect has threatened, injured, or offensively contacted another person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly – this is also known as simple assault.
- 3rd-degree felony assault – A misdemeanor assault charge can be upgraded to a felony if the accused knew the alleged victim was one of the following:
- A family member or partner in cases involving choking or a previous conviction for domestic violence.
- A first responder for emergency services who was on duty at the time.
- A security officer who was on duty during the alleged assault.
- A public sector employee on official duty
- A government worker who was providing family services
- 2nd-degree felony assault – This charge can be filed if the alleged victim was a judge or peace officer on official duty at the time, or if the offender was allegedly retaliating due to the alleged victim’s position as a judge or peace officer.
- Aggravated assault – A charge for aggravated assault meets the definition of assault and also involves either a serious bodily injury or the use or display of a deadly weapon during the alleged assault.
Murder
As one of the most serious criminal offenses with possible penalties of life in prison or the death penalty, most murder defendants should prioritize their legal defense. The charge of murder is serious and can completely change the trajectory of a person’s life depending on the outcome of the case. Consider contacting an attorney with experience in murder cases in order to ensure your legal rights remain protected throughout the process.
Drug Crimes
Texas drug laws are strict, as the most serious drug offenses can potentially carry a penalty of life in prison. Here is a summary of the different drug penalty groups under the Texas Controlled Substances Act:
- Group 1 – Sentences range from two years in jail for possession of small amounts to life in prison and possession of over 400 grams. Drugs in this category include cocaine, heroin, opioids, methamphetamine, mescaline, ketamine, psilocybin, and other hallucinogenic drugs.
- Group 2 – Includes cannabinoids produced from marijuana, such as hashish, and also Ecstasy (MDMA), and PCP. Sentences also range from 2 years to life in prison.
- Group 3 – Prescription drugs like Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, and Valium are in this category, as well as anabolic steroids, Tramadol, phenobarbital, peyote, and other drugs. Punishable by 1-20 years in prison, depending on the quantity of the drug.
- Group 4 – Certain opiates and opioids that are not covered by other penalty groups, and also chemical compounds, and certain prescription drugs that are commonly abused. Similar penalties as Group 3.
Marijuana has its own category under Texas law. Possession of 2 ounces or less is usually charged as a class B misdemeanor, while possession of extremely large quantities can result in felony charges and a life sentence.
Sex Crimes
A strong defense to sex crime charges is paramount, as a convicted sex offender may face jail time, fines, required registration on the sex offender list, and other legal and social difficulties. Former felony prosecutor Nathaniel Pitoniak represents defendants accused of various sex crimes, including:
- Child pornography
- Indecency with a child
- Sexual assault of a child
- Sexual assault
- Statutory rape
- Indecent exposure
- Prostitution
- Public lewdness
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
The penalties for a DWI in Kingwood often depend on how many prior DWI offenses the defendant has. An experienced Kingwood DWI lawyer can investigate the case for possible defenses, or possibly negotiate a plea agreement in order to minimize penalties for the defendant.
Child Endangerment
Child endangerment and abandonment are two separate but equally serious criminal offenses. An experienced Kingwood criminal attorney can evaluate these charges and provide legal advice on all viable options available given the specific facts and circumstances.
White Collar Crimes
Some of the most serious white-collar crimes can carry long prison sentences comparable with violent crimes. Consider seeking legal guidance if you have been charged with money laundering, embezzlement, securities fraud, or other financial crimes.
Fraud
Fraud charges vary in severity, depending on the financial impact, the specific type of fraud, whether the defendant was aware of criminal conduct, and other factors.
Contact a Kingwood Criminal Lawyer
Most individuals who are arrested and charged with a crime do not understand how the criminal justice system functions. This is the reasoning behind the Constitutional guarantee to legal representation in criminal cases. If you or a loved one has recently been arrested, it is important to be aware of your legal rights and explore your legal options for defending against the charges. Contact Kingwood criminal lawyer Nathaniel Pitoniak today at (832) 315-6283 to learn more about your case from a former Harris County prosecutor.
