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Criminal Defense Attorney in Houston

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Providing High-Quality Legal Services For Individuals Accused of Criminal Offenses

Criminal Defense Attorney in Houston

One of the most frightening events an individual can experience is to be arrested and charged with a criminal offense. The legal process can be overly complex, and often, defendants feel overwhelmed as they begin their journey through the Texas criminal justice system.

Texas has some of the most stringent laws in the nation when it comes to dealing with criminal offenses, especially those that involve violence or drug crimes. Individuals convicted of a crime may have a permanent criminal record and, if convicted of a felony, lose their right to own or possess firearms legally. In addition, a criminal record may negatively impact an individual’s ability to hold a professional license, meet eligibility requirements for loans, or obtain housing.

Therefore, if you or a family member have been charged with a criminal offense, contact Drehner Law of Houston, Texas, and ask to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your legal options.

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OUR PRACTICE AREAS

HOW MAY WE HELP YOU?

OUR PRACTICE AREAS

HOW MAY WE HELP YOU?
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Why is it Essential to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer to Represent Me?

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Regardless of whether you have been arrested and charged with a misdemeanor or felony, you must have an experienced criminal attorney. Texas criminal justice can be overly complex and requires the assistance of a skilled lawyer who understands how the legal process works.

Often, defendants choose to have a public defender represent them. Although public defenders are qualified attorneys, they typically have heavy caseloads, which precludes them from being able to dedicate the time necessary to build a solid defense for clients.

However, criminal defense lawyers will only take on cases they know they can handle so they can devote the time necessary to obtain favorable results for their clients. Additionally, hiring a defense attorney can help clients by:

  • Saving valuable time and money.
  • Has the necessary resources to conduct a thorough, independent case investigation.
  • Negotiate with the prosecution to try and have the charges reduced or possibly dismissed.

Drehner Law of Houston, Texas, is dedicated to helping clients fight their charges and will fight to help you avoid jail time and protect your standing in the community.

REVIEWS

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

What Type of Legal Services Does Your Law Firm Offer?

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Drehner Law offers clients high-quality criminal defense legal services. Because our law office focuses solely on criminal law, our legal team is more proficient in creating innovative defense strategies.

Our law firm offers services for the following types of criminal offenses, which include but are not limited to:

  • Drugs crimes
  • Sex crimes
  • Assault
  • Homicide
  • Domestic violence

Another aspect that sets us apart from other law firms is that our criminal defense lawyer is qualified to defend clients against state and federal criminal charges.

The federal court has its own set of legal procedures and guidelines. As a result, not every criminal defense attorney has the qualifications or skills to represent clients in a federal case. Additionally, if a case qualifies for federal charges, the stakes are higher, and if a defendant loses can face a significant amount of time in federal prison.

However, our legal team has extensive experience handling federal criminal cases and has obtained favorable client results.

Contact Drehner Law of Houston, TX, to schedule a meeting with our competent defense attorney, who can determine what type of defense strategy is suitable for your case.

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FORMER CHIEF FELONY PROSECUTOR

MEET OUR ATTORNEY

SHANNON DREHNER attorney
SHANNON DREHNER

FORMER CHIEF FELONY PROSECUTOR READY TO BRING HER KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE TO DEFENDING YOU IN COURT

Selected to the 2024 Super Lawyers list, a peer review award published by Thomson Reuters, Shannon Drehner was a long-time and experienced felony chief prosecutor at the Harris County DA’s Office. Shannon was assigned as a chief in the Special Crimes Bureau, where she prosecuted Organized Crime. Her responsibilities included the investigation and prosecution of criminals and criminal organizations across Harris County. Shannon was also assigned as a chief felony prosecutor to the trial bureau, where she supervised junior prosecutors. She also managed a docket of 1000 felony cases, from capital murders to simple drug possession.

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Does Your Criminal Lawyer Have the Experience It Takes to Win My Case?

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Our criminal defense attorney, Shannon Drehner, is a former chief felony prosecutor for Harris County. Shannon has a unique advantage over other defense attorneys due to her prior experience prosecuting cases.

During her time in the Harris County prosecutor’s office, Ms. Drehner managed the court docket that oversaw over 1000 felony cases that ranged anywhere from simple drug possession to capital murder.

Because of her years of experience as a chief felony prosecutor, Shannon has an insider’s perspective of how prosecutors evaluate cases as they try to decide if the case should proceed to trial. Shannon uses this knowledge to benefit her clients as she builds advanced defense strategies tailor-made to her client’s legal needs.

During her time in the Harris County prosecutor’s office, Ms. Drehner managed the court docket that oversaw over 1000 felony cases that ranged anywhere from simple drug possession to capital murder.

Ms. Drehner’s years of experience and commitment to clients are unparalleled in the Houston, TX, community and surrounding areas.

DREHNER LAW

Why Choose Us?
Experience

Our criminal defense attorney, Shannon Drehner, is a former prosecutor who has inside knowledge of how the state develops legal strategies and tries cases. Ms. Drehner uses her knowledge and experience to ensure our clients receive high-quality legal services inside and outside the courtroom.

Client-focused

Unlike criminal defense law firms that focus on their profit margins, Drehner Law takes a client-focused approach to cases. When you choose our law firm for your legal needs, we take time to talk to you and get your side of the story. Our legal team strives to ensure that clients receive an outcome that they feel is favorable to them.

Reputation for excellence

Drehner Law has a proven reputation for excellence in Houston, Texas, and surrounding communities. Our criminal defense lawyer, Shannon Drehner, stands out for her professional approach to handling challenging and complex cases. Shannon puts her skills to work daily to ensure clients have the legal representation they deserve.

Results driven

Drehner Law focuses on our client’s needs and does what it takes to win their criminal defense cases. If we take your case, we will evaluate evidence such as police reports, photo and video evidence, witness testimony, and forensic evidence to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the case to ensure you have a solid defense strategy.

Experience inside the courtroom

Many defendants are unaware that many criminal cases are decided through negotiations between their attorney and the prosecution. However, if the prosecution is unwilling to negotiate, our criminal defense lawyer is trial-ready. As a former prosecutor, Ms. Drehner is fearless when advocating for clients.

Honest evaluations

Many clients come to defense attorneys hoping they will tell them what they want to hear. However, due to the uncertainty that surrounds criminal cases, it is never in a client’s best interest. Instead, Drehner Law gives clients honest evaluations to understand what lies ahead and what legal strategies may be available for their case.

VERDICT AND SETTLEMENT

CASE RESULTS
Case
Dismissed
“Responsible” Finding of Title IX Sexual Assault Violation reversed-No Sanctions
Case
Dismissed
Assault Family Member Impeding Breathing
Case
Dismissed
Indecency with a Child
Case
Dismissed
Attempted Sexual Assault
Case
Dismissed
Assault Family Member
Case
Dismissed
Aggravated Assault

DREHNER LAW

Why Choose Us?

VERDICT AND SETTLEMENT

CASE RESULTS

What Type of Results Can I Expect From Your Legal Team?

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Drehner Law is passionately committed to assisting clients with their legal needs and helping them avoid potential convictions.

In many instances, our criminal defense attorney, Shannon Drehner, has been able to review a case and quickly determine the police officer was too hasty to arrest the defendant and has been able to have the criminal charges dropped.

In other cases, our legal team has been able to evaluate the evidence and work out a plea deal with the prosecution that enables clients to avoid jail or prison time. Our staff recognizes that often, good people make poor choices that may affect them and their families for the rest of their lives. We work diligently to protect our client’s personal and professional standing by fiercely advocating for them inside and outside the courtroom.

Drehner Law is unwavering in its desire to help clients charged with a crime avoid a potential conviction and damage to their reputation and professional life.

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LATEST ARTICLES & INSIGHTS
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Why Should I Hire Drehner Law to Handle My Defense Case?

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Drehner Law of Houston is a law firm that focuses solely on criminal law and helping clients resolve their complex legal issues so they can resume their lives. Our legal team understands that being charged with a criminal offense can be overwhelming, especially for individuals who have never interacted with law enforcement or the Texas criminal justice system.

Our criminal defense attorney, Shannon Drehner, puts her years of prosecutorial experience to work for clients to provide them with a solid legal defense to obtain maximum results.

When we agree to take your case, our legal staff will investigate the charges independently. Our investigation will work to determine whether the state has sufficient evidence to proceed or if we should file motions to have the charges dismissed or reduced.

If you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, contact Drehner Law at our Houston, Texas, law offices by calling 832-626-0063 and ask to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation immediately.

We are conveniently located 2.9 mi from the Houston Municipal Court building, 3 mi from Eleanor Tinsley Park, and 25.3 mi from George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a criminal defense attorney if I am charged with a misdemeanor?

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, you still need a criminal defense attorney to represent you. One of the most common mistakes defendants who have been charged with misdemeanors make is that since it is considered less severe than a felony, it is not anything to be overly concerned about. Even though there may not be a threat of jail time, you still have a criminal conviction on your record, making it challenging to obtain or hold onto specific professional licenses or attend a higher learning institution. The best advice is to hire an experienced attorney who may be able to have the charges dropped.

Should I talk to the police after I have been arrested?

Invoking your legal right to remain silent is the best advice if you have been arrested and charged with a criminal offense. When defendants are arrested, they are read their Miranda Rights, which explain they have the “right to remain silent” and that anything they say can be used against them in court. As a result, if you have been arrested, do not try to explain your situation or offer up a defense to the police or the court. Instead, you should only make a statement with your lawyer present. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can advise you on any questions you should or should not answer.

Can I be forced to leave my home after being arrested for domestic violence?

In many instances, after an individual has been arrested and arraigned for domestic violence, the court may issue an emergency protective order. An emergency protective order sometimes called a restraining order, can force you to leave your home for 60 days or more. The protective order can also prohibit you from possessing any weapons or firearms or going near the home, workplace, or school of anyone who has sought protection. Because only the court that issued the order can have it modified or dismissed, you need to hire an attorney who can request that the order be changed to allow you to return home.

Do all individuals convicted of sex crimes in Texas go to prison?

Texas has strict laws to deal with individuals who have been convicted of sex crimes. In many cases, defendants who have been convicted of sex crimes are sentenced to lengthy terms in jail or prison. However, suppose a defendant has an experienced criminal defense attorney. In that case, their legal representative may be able to negotiate with the prosecution or judge to try and have the defendant placed on community supervision (probation), house arrest, or request deferred adjudication. However, individuals who do not have quality legal representation are often more prone to being sentenced to jail or prison for sex offenses.

Do I have any legal defenses if I was caught with drugs?

If you have been caught with drugs in Texas, you must hire an experienced defense attorney who can explore your legal options. The type of legal defense your attorney may be able to use on your behalf will depend significantly on the type of drug charged and the amount and type of the illegal substance in question. However, one of the most common legal defenses for Texas drug charges is “illegal search and seizure,” where evidence was obtained illegally by law enforcement and, therefore, must be thrown out by the court. A well-trained defense attorney can evaluate the case and determine which defense may apply to your situation.

Why are federal charges more severe than state charges?

Federal charges are more severe than state charges frequently due to Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Criminal penalties for federal crimes typically involve longer prison sentences and more significant fines. If a criminal offense has risen to a federal level, the government has reason to believe that national security may be at stake. Additionally, federal prosecutors have much experience in trying cases and have more financial resources to build and strengthen their cases. If you face federal charges, you must hire an attorney with the qualifications to handle your case.

Do criminal charges ever get dropped or dismissed?

Criminal charges can be dropped or dismissed for several reasons. Often, the prosecutor may feel there is insufficient evidence to pursue the criminal charges. However, criminal charges are often dropped or dismissed because a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can poke holes in the state’s case. For this reason, anyone who has been charged with a criminal offense must obtain legal representation immediately. An attorney can review the evidence and file motions to suppress evidence or argue that the case should be thrown out, saving clients valuable time and money.

Is killing someone in a car accident considered manslaughter in Texas?

If you are involved in a car accident that results in the death of another person, you could be charged with manslaughter, depending on the circumstances involved. If you were driving under the influence or were operating your vehicle in a reckless manner, such as street racing, which results in someone being killed, you could face criminal charges. However, motor vehicle accidents happen every day, often resulting in death. If there are no mitigating factors involved in the accident, the chances are you will not be charged. However, discussing legal concerns with a qualified lawyer who can answer your questions is always best.

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