If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Fort Bend County, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer in your corner immediately. The decisions you make in the hours and days after an arrest can shape the outcome of your entire case. Varghese Summersett’s criminal defense team is available to protect your rights and fight for your future.
Why Fort Bend County Residents Trust Varghese Summersett
Varghese Summersett is one of the most recognized criminal defense firms in Texas. With more than 100 years of combined experience, the firm has earned a reputation for aggressive, results-driven defense across the state. The firm has achieved over 1,600 dismissals and more than 800 charge reductions — a track record built case by case, client by client.
Leading the firm’s Houston-area operations is Mike Hanson, Senior Counsel and Area Lead overseeing the Houston and Fort Bend County practice. Mike is one of the few attorneys in Texas who is Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He has more than a decade of experience as a prosecutor, military lawyer, and criminal defense attorney, having tried more than 60 cases before a jury. Notably, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in both Tarrant County and Fort Bend County — meaning he knows exactly how Fort Bend prosecutors think and how local cases are handled.
The firm has five board-certified attorneys in total and has been recognized among the fastest-growing law firms in the country by Inc. 5000 on three separate occasions. Varghese Summersett attorneys are regularly sought out by media outlets for legal commentary and have appeared in publications and broadcasts across Texas. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony, this firm brings deep local knowledge and serious courtroom firepower to your defense.
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Common Criminal Charges in Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County has grown rapidly in recent years, and with that growth has come an increase in criminal filings across the board. The Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes thousands of cases each year, ranging from misdemeanors heard in the county courts to serious felonies tried in the district courts.
Among the most common charges handled by our Fort Bend criminal defense lawyers are:
- Assault and family violence
- DWI and intoxication offenses
- Drug possession and delivery
- Theft and property crimes
- Weapons charges
- Sexual assault and sex crimes
- Juvenile offenses
- Evading arrest and obstruction of justice
Every charge is serious. Even a misdemeanor conviction can follow you for life — affecting employment, housing, professional licenses, and more. A felony conviction carries even greater consequences, including the loss of your right to vote, to possess a firearm, and to hold certain jobs. The sooner you retain a skilled Fort Bend criminal defense attorney, the better positioned you will be to fight the charges.
What the Prosecution Must Prove
Under the Texas Penal Code, no person may be convicted of a crime unless the State proves every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. That standard is the highest in our legal system — it is not enough for the government to show that you probably committed the crime. The burden falls entirely on the prosecution. You have no obligation to prove your innocence, testify, or present any evidence whatsoever.
Under Texas Penal Code § 2.01, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The State must prove each element of the offense charged, and the jury (or judge in a bench trial) must be firmly convinced of guilt before returning a conviction. If the State cannot meet that burden on any single element, the defendant must be acquitted.
This means your attorney’s job is not simply to tell your side of the story. It is to scrutinize every piece of the prosecution’s case — every witness, every piece of evidence, every procedure — and find the holes. Experienced defense attorneys know that cases are won and lost on details: a procedural misstep by law enforcement, a witness whose account doesn’t hold up, or evidence that was obtained unlawfully.
Under Texas Penal Code § 2.03, if evidence is introduced raising the issue of an affirmative defense — such as self-defense, necessity, or duress — the State must disprove that defense beyond a reasonable doubt. This shifts additional weight onto the prosecution and creates more opportunities for your attorney to create reasonable doubt.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Texas
Penalties in Texas vary dramatically based on the level of the offense. The framework is set out across multiple chapters of the Texas Penal Code:
- Class C Misdemeanor: Fine up to $500; no jail time
- Class B Misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in county jail; fine up to $2,000
- Class A Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail; fine up to $4,000
- State Jail Felony: 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility; fine up to $10,000
- Third Degree Felony: 2 to 10 years in prison; fine up to $10,000
- Second Degree Felony: 2 to 20 years in prison; fine up to $10,000
- First Degree Felony: 5 to 99 years or life in prison; fine up to $10,000
- Capital Felony: Life without parole or the death penalty
Beyond the statutory penalties, a conviction carries collateral consequences that can last decades — or a lifetime. These include damage to your professional reputation, immigration consequences for non-citizens, loss of federal student aid eligibility, and the lasting stigma of a criminal record that shows up in background checks.
Bond Amounts in Fort Bend County
After an arrest in Fort Bend County, one of the first concerns is getting out of jail. Bond is set by a magistrate — sometimes within hours of booking, sometimes after a formal bond hearing. The amount of your bond depends on the severity of the charge, your criminal history, your ties to the community, and other factors the judge considers.
Based on an analysis Varghese Summersett completed of over 10,241 bonds set in Fort Bend County:
| Offense Category | Typical Bond Range | Most Common Bond |
|---|---|---|
| DWI / Intoxication Offenses | $1,500 – $19,000+ | $1,500 |
| Drug Offenses | $500 – $62,000+ | $500 |
| Assault / Violent Crimes | $2,000 – $70,000+ | $2,000 |
| Theft / Property Crimes | $1,000 – $20,000+ | $1,000 |
| Weapons Offenses | $1,000 – $32,000+ | $1,000 |
| Family Violence | $5,000 – $27,000+ | $5,000 |
| Murder / Homicide | $100,000 – $1,000,000 | $500,000 |
A criminal defense attorney can file a motion to reduce your bond or argue for a personal recognizance (PR) bond, which allows release without posting money. This is especially important in serious felony cases where bond amounts can be financially devastating for defendants and their families.
Common Defenses in Fort Bend County Criminal Cases
Because the prosecution must prove every element of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt, there are often multiple avenues to challenge a case. The right defense strategy depends entirely on the facts — and that is why an early, thorough investigation is so important.
Unlawful search and seizure. Under the Fourth Amendment and Article I, Section 9 of the Texas Constitution, law enforcement must generally have a warrant, probable cause, or lawful consent to search you, your vehicle, or your home. Evidence obtained through an unlawful search can be suppressed — meaning it cannot be used against you at trial. Suppression of key evidence often leads to dismissal of the entire case.
Lack of probable cause for arrest. Police must have probable cause to arrest you. If they did not, the arrest itself may be unlawful, and any evidence gathered as a result may be excluded.
Insufficient evidence. Even without suppression, the prosecution may simply lack enough evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Witness credibility problems, gaps in physical evidence, or conflicting accounts can all undermine the State’s case.
Self-defense and justification. Texas law provides robust self-defense protections under Texas Penal Code § 9.31. A person is justified in using force against another when they reasonably believe it is necessary to protect themselves from another’s use of unlawful force. The “Castle Doctrine” extends this protection to your home and vehicle.
Mistaken identity. Eyewitness identification is notoriously unreliable. If the State’s case depends on a witness pointing you out, that identification can be challenged through cross-examination, expert testimony, and investigation into the identification procedure itself.
Affirmative defenses. Depending on the charges, defenses such as necessity, duress, entrapment, or insanity may be available. Your attorney will evaluate every possible defense at the outset of the case.
The Criminal Justice Process in Fort Bend County
Understanding how the Fort Bend County court system works helps you know what to expect after an arrest. Criminal cases here move through a specific process, and each stage offers strategic opportunities for your defense attorney.
Arrest and booking. After an arrest, you will be taken to the Fort Bend County Jail in Richmond for booking. This includes photographing, fingerprinting, and a record check. A magistrate will set your initial bond — often within 24 to 48 hours.
Magistration and bond hearing. At magistration, a magistrate will read you your rights and set bond. If you believe the bond is too high, your attorney can file a motion for a bond reduction hearing before the assigned judge.
Grand jury (felony cases). Felony charges in Fort Bend County require a grand jury indictment before the case can proceed to trial. A grand jury of 12 citizens reviews the evidence and decides whether probable cause exists to indict. Your attorney may be able to submit a packet to the grand jury on your behalf arguing against indictment.
Pre-trial hearings and motions. Before trial, your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence, challenge the sufficiency of the indictment, and request discovery — all the evidence the State intends to use against you. This phase is often where the most critical work is done.
Plea negotiations. Many cases resolve through negotiated plea agreements. Your attorney will evaluate any offer from the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office and advise you on whether to accept or proceed to trial. No plea should be accepted without fully understanding the long-term consequences.
Trial. If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to trial — before a jury or, in some cases, before the judge alone. The State bears the burden of proving every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Your attorney will cross-examine witnesses, challenge evidence, and present your defense.
Felony cases in Fort Bend County are typically heard in the Fort Bend County District Courts, and misdemeanor cases are handled in the Fort Bend County Courts at Law. Both are located at the Fort Bend County Justice Center, 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond, Texas 77469
What to Expect From Varghese Summersett
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Here is what you can expect when you work with Varghese Summersett in Fort Bend County.
An immediate response. Criminal cases are time-sensitive. Evidence gets lost, witnesses’ memories fade, and surveillance footage gets overwritten. When you call us, a member of our team is available 24/7 to take your call and begin the intake process. We do not wait until business hours to start working on your case.
A thorough investigation. Our team will independently investigate the facts of your case — reviewing police reports, requesting video footage, interviewing witnesses, and evaluating the legality of law enforcement’s conduct. We do not simply accept the prosecution’s version of events.
Clear, honest communication. You will always know where your case stands. We explain the law, the likely outcomes, and your options in plain language. We do not make promises about outcomes — but we do promise to give you our honest assessment and fight as hard as possible for the best result.
Trial-ready defense. The Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office knows that some firms are reluctant to take cases to trial. Ours is not. Our attorneys have tried hundreds of cases before Texas juries — from DWI to murder. That willingness to go to trial gives our clients real leverage in negotiations.
A team, not just an attorney. When you hire Varghese Summersett, you get a team. Our attorneys — including former prosecutors who understand the inside of the system — work together on your defense. The area lead for our Houston and Fort Bend practice, Mike Hanson, brings firsthand knowledge of the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office, having served there as a prosecutor.
Reach us any time at (281) 805-2220. Your first consultation is free.
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Watch: Fort Bend County Criminal Defense
Our attorneys have answered hundreds of questions about Texas criminal law on video. Browse our Fort Bend County criminal defense playlist for guidance on what to expect after an arrest and how the defense process works.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon should I contact a criminal defense lawyer after an arrest in Fort Bend County?
Right away. You have the right to an attorney before speaking with law enforcement, and you should exercise that right immediately. The sooner a defense attorney gets involved, the more options are typically available. Evidence can be preserved, grand jury presentations can be prepared, and early intervention sometimes prevents charges from being filed at all. Do not wait to see how things develop on their own.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Texas?
Misdemeanors are lower-level offenses punishable by up to one year in county jail. Felonies are more serious and carry prison sentences ranging from 180 days (state jail felony) to life or death (capital felony). Both can result in lasting consequences beyond the sentence itself, including a permanent criminal record. The classification of the charge also determines which Fort Bend County court handles your case — county courts at law for misdemeanors, district courts for felonies.
Can a criminal charge in Fort Bend County be dismissed?
Yes. Cases are dismissed for a variety of reasons — insufficient evidence, unlawful police conduct, witness problems, or prosecutorial discretion. An experienced defense attorney can evaluate your case for dismissal opportunities from day one. The firm has secured over 1,600 dismissals across Texas. While no attorney can promise a specific outcome, pursuing every possible avenue toward dismissal is always the starting point.
Do I have to go to trial if I’m charged with a crime in Fort Bend County?
No. The vast majority of criminal cases resolve before trial through dismissal, diversion programs, or negotiated plea agreements. However, being willing and prepared to go to trial is often what produces better offers from prosecutors. Your attorney should build your case from day one as if it will be decided by a jury — even if it ultimately is not.
What happens if I can’t afford bond in Fort Bend County?
Your attorney can file a motion for a bond reduction hearing and argue before the judge that your bond is excessive given your circumstances, ties to the community, and the nature of the charges. In some cases, a personal recognizance (PR) bond — which requires no money — may be available. Getting you out of custody quickly is a priority, because defendants who are out on bond are generally in a much better position to assist in building their defense.
Fort Bend County Criminal Defense Practice Areas
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Speak With a Fort Bend Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
A criminal charge does not have to define the rest of your life. The right attorney, working quickly and strategically, can make a profound difference in how your case ends. Varghese Summersett has the experience, the local knowledge, and the proven track record to give you the defense you deserve in Fort Bend County.
Call (281) 805-2220 any time to speak with a member of our team. Your consultation is free and confidential.
