Texas City Criminal Defense Lawyers

After an arrest or criminal accusation, it can be hard to know what needs your attention first. You may have questions about your next court date, what you should say, or what the charge means for your family. Zendeh Del & Associates, PLLC helps people facing criminal charges in Texas City understand their rights and the decisions ahead.

Start with the exact charge and court notice

Keep your citation, arrest papers, release conditions, and court notices together. The name of the offense is only part of the picture. Your lawyer also needs to know which statute is listed, the alleged offense date, and whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony.

An accusation does not establish guilt. Texas requires the State to prove each element of an offense beyond a reasonable doubt. An arrest, confinement, indictment, or other charge gives rise to no inference of guilt at trial. Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 38.03

Why the details of an accusation matter

Criminal defense begins with what the State says happened and what it must prove. Different charges can arise from very different conduct, even when people use the same general label for them.

Assault accusations

Texas Penal Code Section 22.01 covers more than injury. It also addresses certain threats of imminent injury and offensive or provocative contact. The type of alleged conduct, the relationship between the people involved, and other facts can change how an offense is classified. Texas Penal Code Section 22.01

That is why a lawyer needs the exact allegation rather than just the word “assault.” Relevant questions may include what contact occurred, what witnesses saw, and whether available messages or recordings support the accusation.

Theft accusations

Under Section 31.03, a person commits theft by unlawfully appropriating property with intent to deprive the owner of the property. Ownership, consent, intent, and the property’s value can matter to the charge. Texas Penal Code Section 31.03

A defense review may compare the allegation with receipts, communications, witness accounts, or other available records. The question is what the evidence establishes, not simply whether someone reported property missing.

Other criminal charges

For a drug allegation or another offense, bring the exact charge to the consultation. Avoid using an online penalty summary for a different substance, offense level, or set of facts. The firm also handles DWI defense, which can involve a separate driver’s license process as well as a criminal charge. This page focuses on the broader criminal court process rather than repeating the DWI guidance.

Misdemeanors and felonies have different consequences

Texas divides offenses into misdemeanors and felonies. Under the ordinary Texas Penal Code ranges, the misdemeanor punishment limits are:

• Class C: a fine of up to $500.
• Class B: up to 180 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both.
• Class A: up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000, or both.

These are general statutory limits. A particular offense can have additional rules or enhancements, and felony ranges depend on the degree of the charge and other applicable law. Texas Penal Code Chapter 12

Before deciding how to respond, ask counsel to explain the actual range in your case and any consequences beyond the sentence. Tell your lawyer about concerns involving your work, professional license, or immigration status rather than assuming every plea has the same effect.

Which court handles a Texas City criminal case

The court depends on the charge and its jurisdiction, not simply where you live.

Texas City Municipal Court processes Class C charges filed within its jurisdiction. Its location is 1004 9th Avenue North, Texas City. It is not the trial court for every arrest made by Texas City police. Texas City Municipal Court

Class A and Class B misdemeanor cases generally proceed in Galveston County courts at law, while felony cases generally proceed in district court. Check the court and case number on your paperwork before planning an appearance. Galveston County court information and Texas trial court jurisdiction

For a municipal citation, the city’s court website provides information about pleas and court procedures. Court staff can explain administrative procedures, but the city warns that clerks, judges, and prosecutors cannot give you legal advice about which choice to make. Texas City Municipal Court procedures

What happens after an arrest

Texas law generally requires an arrested person to be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay and within 48 hours. The magistrate explains the accusation and important rights, including the right to remain silent, consult counsel, and request appointed counsel if the person cannot afford a lawyer. This is not a trial, and the 48-hour rule is not a promise of release within that time. Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.17

After release, read the conditions and court notices carefully. Ask counsel about anything you do not understand before acting. Your own papers are the starting point for identifying deadlines and obligations; someone else’s case may follow a different schedule.

Reviewing evidence and considering a defense

Texas discovery law allows the defense to request covered evidence from the State. Depending on the case, that may include offense reports, recorded statements, photographs, and other materials. The law also limits how some evidence may be copied or shared. Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 39.14

Useful questions for a defense review include:

• Does the evidence identify the correct person?
• Does it support each part of the charged offense?
• Do witness accounts conflict with recordings or records?
• Is important context missing from the accusation?
• Was evidence obtained in a way that can be challenged?

Article 38.23 addresses exclusion of unlawfully obtained evidence, with exceptions. A lawyer must assess both the alleged violation and its effect on the case; a possible police error does not guarantee that charges will be dropped. Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 38.23

Mistakes to avoid

• Assuming you must explain the accusation to police without first speaking with counsel. Article 15.17 recognizes rights to silence and legal assistance.
• Relying on a generic court schedule instead of your actual notices.
• Treating an offense label as a complete explanation of its punishment.
• Sharing discovery materials without asking counsel about the restrictions.
• Expecting court staff to choose a plea or defense strategy for you.

How Zendeh Del & Associates can help

Zendeh Del & Associates, PLLC handles criminal defense matters from its Galveston office. Jonathan Zendeh Del is a Galveston native whose practice includes criminal defense. His State Bar of Texas profile lists him as eligible to practice in Texas and identifies criminal law among his practice areas.

Our firm’s published client pledge includes explaining legal options, providing important paperwork, and keeping clients informed. A consultation gives you a chance to discuss the accusation, the documents you have received, and what you need to understand before deciding how to proceed. No outcome is guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Discuss your Texas City criminal charge with our firm

Call Zendeh Del & Associates, PLLC at (409) 215-7500 for a free initial consultation. Tell us about any upcoming court date when you call. Our office is at 1813 61st Street, Suite 101, Galveston, Texas 77551.

Law checked as of September 17, 2026.

This page provides general information, not advice about a particular case. The applicable law and available options depend on your circumstances and the alleged offense date.