Has a Houston police officer or detective contacted you? Do you think you might be under investigation?
What you do right now can decide whether you are ever charged with a crime. Pre-charge legal advice means talking to a criminal defense lawyer before any charge is filed. There may still be time to change what happens next.
Nathaniel Pitoniak can help:
- He spent over ten years as a Harris County prosecutor, including as Chief Prosecutor.
- He knows how the state builds cases, because he used to build them himself.
- His experience can work to protect your record, your job, and even your immigration status before any charge is filed.
Call 832-315-6283 to speak with Nathaniel directly, any day of the week.
“Our system is designed to punish people for speaking. Anything you say can and will be used against you at trial, but nothing that you say which is helpful to your defense is admissible at trial. So you need to have somebody else speak for you.”
Nathaniel Pitoniak, Criminal Defense Lawyer
What is pre-charge legal advice?
Pre-charge legal advice is help from a lawyer after you’re accused of a crime, but before formal charges have been filed. This is the best time for a lawyer to step in. Fewer facts are set in stone, so there is more room to change how your case turns out.
Call a lawyer right away if any of these happen to you:
- A detective or officer calls you or asks for “your side of the story.”
- You find out you’re part of an active police investigation.
- Police ask you to come in for a “voluntary” interview.
- Police search your home, car, or business.
There is no such thing as “off the record.” The police are likely looking for evidence to charge you. A lawyer can step in before your words or actions make your situation worse.
Why does timing matter this much?
The Constitution gives you the right to stay silent and the right to a lawyer. But these rights only help you if you use them. In almost all cases, staying silent and calling a lawyer is the safer choice.
Can pre-charge advice change the outcome of my case?
No lawyer can promise that police will not press charges. But getting legal help early can fix weak points in the case against you. It can also control what you tell the police. Both of these can help your case get off to the strongest possible start.
Every case is different. What happens depends on:
- The facts of your case,
- The precise charge, and
- What has already happened before you call.
That is exactly why calling early gives a lawyer more room to help you.
“It can mean the difference between being charged and not charged.”
Nathaniel Pitoniak, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Which situations benefit most from pre-charge advice?
Pre-charge legal advice can help in almost any Houston criminal case. From experience, legal advice can be especially beneficial early in sex crime cases.
In these cases, people often give police what they need to file criminal charges without even knowing it. They think they are just explaining themselves.
Other cases where early legal advice matters a lot include:
- Domestic violence claims, where one 911 call can start an investigation before any charge is filed.
- Fraud and white collar cases, where a subpoena or audit often comes long before an arrest.
- DWI stops that end without an arrest, with a blood or breath test still pending.
- Drug cases that involve police surveillance or a tip from an informant.
No matter the charge, getting legal help early can only help your case.
How does a former Houston prosecutor’s experience count?
Nathaniel Pitoniak has practiced law in Texas since 2007. Before he defended clients, he worked as an Assistant District Attorney and later as Chief Prosecutor for Harris County.
This background matters at every stage of the criminal process. However, it may matter most before you are charged.
Nathaniel spent years deciding which cases were strong enough to file. He knows what police and prosecutors are still trying to prove, and where a case is likely to fall apart.
| WHAT PROSECUTORS LOOK FOR | HOW EARLY LEGAL ADVICE HELPS |
| Statements from the suspect | Stops you from talking to police without a lawyer |
| Weak or missing evidence | Finds gaps in the case before any charge is filed |
| Cooperation with no legal advice | Controls what, if anything, you share with police |
What happens during a pre-charge consultation?
A pre-charge consultation with Nathaniel usually covers:
- A review of your situation, including any contact you have had with police.
- An honest look at your risk and what police are likely trying to prove.
- A clear plan for what to do, and what not to say, if police contact you again.
If you are worried about where an investigation is heading, calling before you speak to police again is one of the most useful things you can do.
Testimonials
“An exceptional attorney who delivered outstanding results”
“I’m writing this review to express my sincere appreciation for Nathan, an exceptional attorney who delivered outstanding results—my case was dismissed because of his expertise and dedication. From the very beginning, Nathan showed remarkable professionalism, deep legal knowledge, and genuine care for my situation. He took the time to explain every step clearly, answered all my questions with patience, and made sure I fully understood my options.”
– W.
“Incredibly responsive and patient”
“I highly recommend Nathan Pitoniak from The Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak for anyone in need of a defense attorney. Nathaniel was incredibly responsive and patient with my questions, always explaining the process in a way I could understand.”
– A.L.L.
“Trustworthy, professional, strategic, and diligent”
“Nathaniel P. has been the most trustworthy, professional, strategic, and diligent lawyer I have dealt with to date. He laid out a clear, detailed plan during our consultation, and then delivered even quicker than expected.”
– A.B.
Talk to a Houston pre-charge legal advice lawyer today
If you think you are under investigation or the police have already contacted you, call the Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak. Get legal advice before you talk to the police again.
Nathaniel Pitoniak is available every day of the week to review your case and help protect your record before any charge is filed.
Call 832-315-6283 or book a consultation online.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer if I haven’t been charged yet?
Yes. Talking to a lawyer helps you handle police contact the right way before a case even exists. It can also protect your rights and prevent you from saying something that could hurt you later.
Can a lawyer stop me from being charged with a crime?
No attorney can promise that charges won’t be filed. But getting help early lets your lawyer address weak points in the evidence. Your lawyer can also help control what you say to the police, which can influence the prosecutor’s decision.
What should I do if a detective contacts me?
Do not answer questions or agree to an interview until you talk to a lawyer. Tell the officer politely that you want to speak to a lawyer first, then call a criminal defense attorney right away.
How much does pre-charge legal advice cost?
The cost depends on how much work Nathaniel expects the case to take. This changes based on the charge. He will talk through your fee with you during the consultation, rather than quote a flat rate up front.
Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak
Address: 4115 Canal St,
Houston, TX 77003, United States
Ph: (832) 315-6283
