Harris County Criminal Defense: Your Guide to Expert Legal Representation
When facing criminal charges in Harris County, Texas, the choice of your defense attorney can make the difference between a favorable outcome and serious consequences. With over 75,000 criminal cases processed annually through its 22 criminal courts and specialized courts, Harris County operates one of the nation’s largest and most complex criminal justice systems. In this challenging legal landscape, the Harris County Criminal Defense Attorney team at Varghese Summersett stands as the premier choice for criminal defense representation.
Why Varghese Summersett Leads Harris County Criminal Defense
With our team of lawyers practicing criminal defense in Harris County, Varghese Summersett has distinguished itself through a combination of board-certified excellence, deep local experience, and specialized legal teams. This unique combination of qualities makes them the top choice for anyone facing criminal charges in Harris County.
Board Certified Excellence Sets Us Apart
What truly distinguishes Varghese Summersett is its exceptional team of board-certified attorneys. Letty Martinez, Benson Varghese, and Anna Summersett hold Board Certification in Criminal Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization—an achievement earned by less than 1% of Texas attorneys. This rare distinction demonstrates their mastery of criminal law and commitment to excellence in legal representation.
Additionally, Lisa Herrick’s specialized Board Certification in Juvenile Law makes her uniquely qualified to handle cases involving minors in Harris County’s juvenile justice system. This specialized expertise ensures that younger clients receive representation from an attorney who thoroughly understands the unique aspects of juvenile law and the specific procedures of Harris County’s juvenile courts.
Unmatched Harris County Experience
Success in Harris County’s criminal courts requires more than just legal knowledge – it demands familiarity with local procedures, contacts with court personnel, and understanding of judicial preferences. Varghese Summersett brings:
- Extensive experience practicing in all Harris County criminal courts
- Deep knowledge of Harris County’s specific procedures and local rules
- Proven track record of successful outcomes in Harris County courts
Navigating the Harris County Criminal Justice System
Initial Stages of Your Criminal Case
The first steps following an arrest in Harris County are crucial, and having experienced legal representation can significantly impact your case’s outcome. Here’s what to expect:
Initial Appearance
Your first court appearance typically occurs at the Joint Processing Center (JPC) at 700 N. San Jacinto within 24-48 hours of arrest. During this critical phase, Varghese Summersett’s attorneys can advocate for favorable bail conditions and protect your rights from the very beginning.
Bail or Bond Hearing
Harris County’s bail system has undergone significant reforms in recent years. Our attorneys understand these changes and can help you navigate:
- Personal bonds for qualifying non-violent offenses
- Pretrial services supervision options
- Remote hearing possibilities
- Arguments for reduced bond amounts
The Court Process
As your case moves through the Harris County court system, Varghese Summersett’s experience becomes invaluable:
Arraignment
Arraignments take place at the criminal courts building at 1201 Franklin St. Our attorneys’ early intervention can sometimes prevent formal charges from being filed, potentially saving you from a criminal record. We handle both misdemeanor cases in County Criminal Courts and felony cases in District Criminal Courts with equal expertise.
Where to Park for Court
The most popular choice is the underground parking garage at Congress and San Jacinto, directly connected to the Criminal Justice Center via tunnel. Several surface lots are also located within walking distance, including lots on Franklin, San Jacinto, and Commerce streets. For those seeking covered parking, the nearby Theater District parking garages offer all-day rates. Metered street parking is available but often fills up quickly during weekday mornings. If using public transportation, the Criminal Justice Center is just a short walk from the Preston METRORail station. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled court time to allow for parking and security screening.
Discovery Process
At Varghese Summersett, our discovery process is thorough and aggressive. We meticulously analyze every piece of evidence – from body camera footage and police reports to witness statements and forensic results. Our team files comprehensive discovery requests, ensures full Michael Morton Act compliance, and conducts independent investigations when needed. We scrutinize testing procedures, chain of custody, and search protocols to identify potential constitutional violations. This detailed approach often reveals crucial weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that can lead to evidence suppression or case dismissals, giving our clients the strongest possible defense.
Specialized Courts in Harris County
Harris County offers several specialized courts for specific types of cases, and our team has extensive experience in each:
- SOBER Court for alcohol-related offenses
- Veterans Court for military service members
- Mental Health Court for qualifying defendants
- Drug Court for substance-related cases
Pre-Trial and Trial Excellence
Pre-Trial Proceedings
Our firm’s deep understanding of Harris County’s specific procedures ensures optimal handling of:
- Court-specific reset procedures
- In-person appearance requirements
- Harris County-specific diversion program opportunities
- Motion practice and evidence suppression
Trial Proceedings
When your case goes to trial, our experience in Harris County courts becomes invaluable:
- Jury selection from Harris County jury pools
- Thorough understanding of local evidence rules
- Experience with both traditional and hybrid court proceedings
- Strategic presentation tailored to local judicial preferences
Case Information Access
- District Clerk’s Website (www.hcdistrictclerk.com)
- Justice Court Case Search (jpwebsite.harriscountytx.gov)
- Pretrial Services Portal (pretrial.harriscountytx.gov)
- Community Supervision Information (cscd.harriscountytx.gov)
Why Local Experience Matters in Harris County
The Harris County criminal justice system’s size and complexity make local experience crucial. Our firm’s advantages include:
- Intimate knowledge of individual judges’ preferences and local rules
- Established relationships with court staff and prosecutors
- Understanding of local procedural nuances
- Familiarity with Harris County jury pools and community standards
Becoming Your Strongest Advocate
When facing criminal charges in Harris County, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a skilled advocate who understands every aspect of the local justice system. Varghese Summersett combines board-certified excellence with deep Harris County experience, making them the ideal choice for criminal defense in this jurisdiction.
Why Choose Varghese Summersett
Our firm stands out for several key reasons:
- Board-certified attorneys with specialized expertise
- Comprehensive understanding of Harris County courts
- Dedicated teams for different case types
- Proven track record of successful outcomes
- Strong relationships within the Harris County legal community
Contact Harris County’s Leading Criminal Defense Team
When facing criminal charges in Harris County, your choice of legal representation matters. Varghese Summersett offers the perfect combination of legal expertise, local experience, and dedicated service that you need. We stand ready to provide the highest quality criminal defense representation available.
