If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Houston, time matters. Our Houston criminal defense lawyers can protect your freedom, your career, and your future after an arrest in Harris County. The decisions you make right now can shape every part of your case, from bond conditions to whether charges are filed at all. Getting the right defense lawyer involved early gives you the strongest chance at a favorable outcome.
Why Choose Varghese Summersett for Your Houston Criminal Case?
Varghese Summersett is a premier Texas law firm with more than 70 legal professionals across four offices, including our Houston location. Our criminal defense team includes five attorneys who hold board certifications from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, the highest distinction a Texas attorney can earn. Benson Varghese, the firm’s founder, and Anna Summersett, founding partner, are both Board Certified in Criminal Law. Lisa Herrick and Mike Hanson are both Board Certified in Juvenile Law, making our firm home to two of only 73 attorneys in Texas with that credential.
Every criminal defense attorney on our team has prosecutorial experience. They know how the State builds cases because they used to do it themselves. That inside perspective is a powerful advantage in the courtroom and at the negotiating table.
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Who Leads the Houston Criminal Defense Team?
Mike Hanson serves as Senior Counsel and Area Lead for the firm’s Houston office. He has more than a decade of experience as a prosecutor, military lawyer, and criminal defense attorney, and he has tried more than 60 cases before a jury. Mike served as an Assistant District Attorney in both Tarrant County and Fort Bend County before entering private practice. He is Board Certified in Juvenile Law (2025) and also serves as a Judge Advocate in the United States Army Reserve JAG Corps. His military background and passion for justice make him especially effective at representing veterans and young people facing criminal charges. Mike works closely with Division Lead, Tiffany Burks. Tiffany is a partner with more than 24 years of trial experience. She has handled thousands of cases, from misdemeanors to murders, and now supervises associate attorneys at the firm.
What Types of Criminal Cases Do We Handle in Houston?
Varghese Summersett handles the full range of criminal charges in Harris County courts. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a first-degree felony, our attorneys have the trial experience and legal knowledge to fight for the best possible result.
State Criminal Charges
Our Houston attorneys defend clients charged with assault and aggravated assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and other violent offenses. We also represent people accused of drug possession and drug trafficking, DWI, fraud, money laundering, murder, online solicitation, sexual assault, sexual assault of a child, solicitation of prostitution, and theft offenses.
Federal Criminal Charges
Federal cases carry different rules and often harsher penalties. Our team defends clients in the Southern District of Texas against charges including drug conspiracy, healthcare fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, RICO violations, weapons charges, bankruptcy fraud, securities fraud, and possession of child pornography.
Juvenile Defense
Houston juvenile cases are heard at the Harris County Juvenile Justice Center. With two Board Certified Juvenile Law specialists on staff, Varghese Summersett provides a level of juvenile defense that few firms in Texas can match.
What Must the State Prove to Convict You?
In any Texas criminal case, the burden of proof rests entirely on the prosecution. You are presumed innocent, and you have no obligation to prove anything. The State must prove every element of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt, which is the highest standard of proof in our legal system.
Each offense has specific elements laid out in the Texas Penal Code or the Texas Health and Safety Code. For example, to convict someone of assault causing bodily injury under Texas Penal Code § 22.01, the prosecution must prove that the defendant intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly caused bodily injury to another person.
A skilled criminal defense attorney examines every element the State must prove and identifies weaknesses in the evidence. If the prosecution cannot meet its burden on even one element, the jury must return a verdict of not guilty. Common defense strategies include challenging the sufficiency of evidence, suppressing illegally obtained evidence, raising affirmative defenses like self-defense, and questioning witness credibility.
What Are Typical Bond Amounts for Criminal Charges in Harris County?
Bond is often one of the first concerns after an arrest. How much you will need to pay to get out of jail depends on the severity of the charge, your criminal history, and whether the court considers you a flight risk.
Based on an analysis Varghese Summersett completed of over 45,519 bonds in Harris County:
| Offense Category | Total Cases | Most Common Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Assault and Violence | 11,034 | $5,000 |
| DWI and Intoxication Offenses | 4,279 | $100 |
| Drug Offenses | 5,872 | $5,000 |
| Theft and Property Crimes | 7,384 | $100 |
| Weapons Offenses | 1,755 | $100 |
| Sexual Offenses | 472 | $100 |
| Murder and Homicide | 177 | $500,000 |
These figures reflect bonds set between January and September 2025. Your bond amount may be higher or lower depending on the specific facts of your case, your ties to the community, and your prior record. An experienced attorney can argue for a lower bond or more favorable conditions at your bond hearing.
Talk to a lawyer before you speak to police. Anything you say after an arrest can be used against you. Call Varghese Summersett at (281) 805-2220 for a free consultation.
How Does the Criminal Process Work in Houston?
The criminal process in Harris County begins with an investigation. Law enforcement may conduct interviews, gather physical evidence, and consult with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office before deciding whether to file charges. In some cases, an arrest happens before charges are formally filed. In others, a grand jury reviews the evidence and decides whether to issue an indictment.
Once charges are filed, your case is assigned to one of the criminal courts in the Harris County Criminal Justice Center. Felony cases go to the district courts, while misdemeanors are handled by the county criminal courts at law. Your first court appearance typically involves a bond hearing and arraignment.
From there, your attorney will review the evidence, file motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence or dismiss defective charges, negotiate with prosecutors, and prepare for trial if necessary. Many cases resolve during pre-trial negotiations, but some require a jury trial to achieve the best result. Having an attorney who has tried dozens of cases before a jury gives you a real advantage at every stage.
Where Are Criminal Cases Heard in Houston?
Criminal cases in Houston are prosecuted by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office and heard at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center, located at 1201 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77002. The courthouse houses both felony district courts and misdemeanor county criminal courts at law.
Harris County Felony Courts
| Court | Judge | Floor | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 174th District Court | Judge Hazel B. Jones | 19th | (832) 927-4200 |
| 176th District Court | Judge Nikita V. Harmon | 19th | (832) 927-4225 |
| 177th District Court | Judge Robert Johnson | 19th | (832) 927-4250 |
| 178th District Court | Judge Kelli Johnson | 19th | (832) 927-4275 |
| 179th District Court | Judge Ana Martinez | 18th | (832) 927-4100 |
| 180th District Court | Judge DaSean Jones | 18th | (832) 927-4125 |
| 182nd District Court | Judge Danilo Lacayo | 18th | (832) 927-4150 |
| 183rd District Court | Judge Kristin M. Guiney | 18th | (832) 927-4175 |
| 184th District Court | Judge Katherine N. Thomas | 17th | (832) 927-3900 |
| 185th District Court | Judge Andrea Beall | 17th | (832) 927-3925 |
| 208th District Court | Judge Beverly D. Armstrong | 17th | (832) 927-3950 |
| 209th District Court | Judge Brian E. Warren | 17th | (832) 927-3975 |
| 228th District Court | Judge Frank Aguilar | 16th | (832) 927-3800 |
| 230th District Court | Judge Chris Morton | 16th | (832) 927-3825 |
| 232nd District Court | Judge Josh Hill | 16th | (832) 927-3850 |
| 248th District Court | Judge Hilary Unger | 16th | (832) 927-3875 |
| 262nd District Court | Judge Lori Chambers Gray | 15th | (832) 927-3700 |
| 263rd District Court | Judge Melissa M. Morris | 15th | (832) 927-3725 |
| 337th District Court | Judge Colleen Gaido | 15th | (832) 927-3750 |
| 338th District Court | Judge Ramona Franklin | 15th | (832) 927-3775 |
| 339th District Court | Judge Te’iva J. Bell | 14th | (832) 927-3650 |
| 351st District Court | Judge Natalia “Nata” Cornelio | 14th | (832) 927-3680 |
| 482nd District Court | Judge Veronica M. Nelson | 14th | (832) 927-4040 |
| 486th District Court | Judge Aaron Burdette | 14th | (832) 927-8585 |
| 487th District Court | Judge Lori DeAngelo | 13th | (832) 927-8600 |
| 488th District Court | Judge Matthew Peneguy | 20th | (832) 927-8615 |
Harris County Misdemeanor Courts
| Court | Judge | Floor | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 1 | Judge Alex Salgado | 8th | (832) 927-3100 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 2 | Judge Paula Goodhart | 8th | (832) 927-3125 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 3 | Judge Leslie R. Johnson | 8th | (832) 927-3150 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 4 | Judge Shannon Baldwin | 8th | (832) 927-3175 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 5 | Judge David M. Fleischer | 9th | (832) 927-3200 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 6 | Judge Kelley Andrews | 9th | (832) 927-3225 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 7 | Judge Andrew A. Wright | 9th | (832) 927-3250 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 8 | Judge Erika Ramirez | 9th | (832) 927-3288 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 9 | Judge Toria J. Finch | 10th | (832) 927-3300 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 10 | Judge Juanita A. Jackson | 10th | (832) 927-3325 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 11 | Judge Sedrick T. Walker II | 10th | (832) 927-3350 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 12 | Judge Genesis E. Draper | 10th | (832) 927-3375 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 13 | Judge Raul Rodriguez | 11th | (832) 927-3400 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 14 | Judge Jessica N. Padilla | 11th | (832) 927-3425 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 15 | Judge Tonya Jones | 11th | (832) 927-3450 |
| County Criminal Court at Law No. 16 | Judge Darrell Jordan | 11th | (832) 927-3475 |
Harris County Juvenile Courts
Juvenile criminal cases in Houston are handled at the Harris County Juvenile Justice Center, located at 1200 Congress, Houston, TX 77002.
| Court | Judge | Floor | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 313th Juvenile Court | Judge Natalia Cokinos Oakes | 5th | (832) 927-8450 |
| 314th Juvenile Court | Judge Michelle Moore | 5th | (832) 927-8470 |
| 315th Juvenile Court | Judge Leah Shapiro | 7th | (832) 927-8480 |
How Varghese Summersett Gets Results
Our approach to criminal defense starts with a thorough investigation of the facts and evidence in your case. We do not rely on what the police report says happened. Instead, we conduct our own review, interview witnesses, examine forensic evidence, and hire expert witnesses when the case calls for it.
In one recent case, attorney Mike Hanson represented a client facing a third-degree felony Injury to a Child charge at the pre-indictment stage. Rather than waiting for indictment, Hanson took proactive steps early in the process, presenting evidence and mitigating factors to the prosecutor before the case went to a grand jury. The result was a 24-month Pre-Trial Diversion contract, which means the client avoided a felony conviction entirely. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
This is just one example of the work our team does every day. Across the firm, Varghese Summersett has secured more than 1,600 dismissals and 800 charge reductions. Our attorneys are not afraid to take cases to trial when that is the path to the best outcome.
What to Expect From Varghese Summersett
When you hire Varghese Summersett, you get more than just one attorney. You get the full resources of a firm with 70+ legal professionals, four offices across Texas, and a deep bench of former prosecutors and board certified specialists.
From your first call, you will know who is handling your case and how to reach them. We believe clear and honest communication is the foundation of a strong attorney-client relationship. You will receive regular updates, and your attorney will make sure you understand every decision point along the way.
We fight for the best possible outcome in every case. That may mean negotiating a dismissal, securing a charge reduction, getting a case diverted out of the criminal justice system, or going to trial. Whatever the strategy, it will be built on the specific facts of your case and your goals for the future.
Protect your rights and your record. Call our Houston office at (281) 805-2220 for a free consultation.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Houston
How much does a Houston criminal defense lawyer cost?
Attorney fees depend on the severity of the charges, the complexity of the case, and whether the case goes to trial. Misdemeanor cases generally cost less than felonies, and federal cases tend to be more expensive due to the additional work involved. Varghese Summersett offers free consultations so you can discuss your case and get a clear picture of the costs before making a decision.
Can I get my criminal case dismissed in Harris County?
Yes. Cases can be dismissed for many reasons, including insufficient evidence, constitutional violations during the investigation or arrest, witness issues, or successful completion of a diversion program. An experienced defense attorney can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and push for dismissal when the facts support it.
What should I do if I am arrested in Houston?
Stay calm, be polite, and do not resist arrest. Most importantly, do not make any statements to police without an attorney present. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Exercise both of those rights. Call Varghese Summersett as soon as possible at (281) 805-2220.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Texas?
Misdemeanors are less serious offenses that carry a maximum punishment of one year in county jail. Felonies are more serious and can result in prison sentences ranging from 180 days to life, depending on the degree. Both types of charges can have lasting consequences on your record, employment, and future opportunities.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor charge in Houston?
Yes. Even a Class A or Class B misdemeanor conviction can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. A conviction for certain misdemeanors, such as family violence assault or DWI, can also affect your ability to own a firearm, maintain professional licenses, or pass background checks. Having an attorney can make the difference between a conviction and a dismissal or reduction.
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Facing charges in Houston? Get a free consultation.
When facing criminal charges in Houston, you need a defense team that has the experience, resources, and courtroom skill to protect your future. Contact Varghese Summersett today at (281) 805-2220 for a free, confidential consultation. The consultation is free. The advice is priceless.
