Criminal Law

Unmatched Expertise in Criminal Law

Are you facing criminal charges and seeking the best legal help? Look no further than a criminal law attorney from the Poehl Law Firm. With over a decade of experience, our lawyers specialize in all areas of criminal law, providing you with a passionate defense. Whether it’s defending your innocence or minimizing penalties, we will fight to get you the justice you deserve.


At The Poehl Law Firm, PLLC, our experienced criminal law attorneys take great pride in understanding every case they work on. We are highly knowledgeable in state and federal criminal laws and utilize creative strategies to develop tailored defense plans for each of our clients. Our lawyers use their insights and experience to effectively communicate the evidence while building trust between themselves and their clients.

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We want to answer all your questions and guide you throughout the legal process so you can feel confident about your case.

Comprehensive Approach: We Leave No Stone Unturned

Our experienced attorneys look into every aspect of the case, including police procedures, arrest reports, witness testimonies, etc., to understand how it will play out in court. We thoroughly analyze all angles before building a customized strategy for your defense. Therefore, working with a criminal law attorney from our firm gets you the results that you want.

Unleash the Power of Our Vast Resources for Your Criminal Law Needs in Dickinson & also serving Friendswood, TX Areas

In order to mount an effective defense, we draw from our expansive network of experts, such as private investigators, crime scene analysts and other specialists who provide additional insights to assist us during the trial process.

A wooden gavel and handcuffs are on a white surface.

Focused and Committed Representation

At The Poehl Law Firm, PLLC, we strive for a successful outcome for all of our cases regardless of complexity. We go above and beyond to make sure that every detail is taken care of—whether this means keeping constant communication with you throughout the trial or advocating fiercely on your behalf during hearings—we will never back down until justice is served.

Contact Us to Get the Representation You Need

If you’re looking for an experienced criminal law attorney dedicated to protecting your rights, then look no further than The Poehl Law Firm, PLLC. We have earned a solid reputation over the years through dedication, excellence and achieving outstanding results in each case that we take on. Call us today and find out why more people are choosing us as their preferred legal partner in criminal law!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need a criminal defense attorney for a DUI or assault charge in Galveston County?

    Yes — even a first-time charge carries serious consequences in Texas, including license suspension, fines, and a permanent criminal record. An experienced criminal defense attorney can identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, negotiate for reduced charges, and guide you through every step of the Galveston County court process.

  • What is the difference between a DWI and a DUI charge in Texas?

    In Texas, DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) applies to adults caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher, while DUI is a separate charge reserved for minors who have any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. The penalties and court process differ significantly between the two, so knowing which charge you face shapes the entire defense strategy.

  • What happens at my first court appearance after an assault charge in Texas?

    Your first court appearance is typically an arraignment, where the judge formally reads the charges against you and you enter an initial plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Bail conditions may also be set or reviewed at this hearing, which is why having a defense attorney present from the very start can protect your rights and your freedom while the case moves forward.

  • Can assault charges be dropped before trial in Texas?

    Yes, assault charges can be dropped or dismissed before trial in Texas under certain circumstances, such as insufficient evidence, a lack of cooperation from the complaining witness, or successful completion of a pretrial diversion program. A defense attorney can evaluate the specific facts of your case and pursue the strongest available path toward dismissal or reduction of charges.

  • What should I look for when hiring a criminal defense attorney in Galveston County?

    Look for an attorney with hands-on experience handling the specific charges you face — DWI, DUI, assault, or related offenses — in Galveston County courts specifically, since local court procedures and prosecutorial tendencies matter. You also want someone who communicates clearly, explains your options without pressure, and treats your case as more than just a number.

  • Is a first-offense DWI in Texas a felony or a misdemeanor?

    A standard first-offense DWI in Texas is a Class B misdemeanor, but aggravating factors — such as a BAC of 0.15% or higher, an open container, or a child passenger — can elevate the charge to a Class A misdemeanor or even a felony. Understanding where your charge falls on that spectrum is the first step in building an effective defense.

  • What are the possible penalties for a DWI conviction in Texas?

    A first-offense DWI conviction in Texas can result in fines up to $2,000, a jail sentence of 72 hours to 180 days, and a driver's license suspension of up to one year, along with annual surcharges to keep your license. Repeat offenses or aggravating factors carry significantly harsher penalties, including felony-level prison time.

  • How does the court distinguish between misdemeanor and felony assault charges in Texas?

    In Texas, assault is generally charged as a misdemeanor when it involves threats or minor physical contact, but it escalates to a felony when serious bodily injury occurs, a deadly weapon is used, or the alleged victim belongs to a protected class such as a family member or public servant. The distinction matters enormously because felony convictions carry prison sentences and lasting collateral consequences.

  • Can a DWI or assault conviction be expunged from my record in Texas?

    Expunction in Texas is available in limited circumstances — for instance, if your charge was dismissed, you were acquitted, or you completed a pretrial diversion program — but a final conviction generally cannot be expunged. An attorney can review your case outcome and determine whether expunction or an order of nondisclosure is a realistic option for you.

  • Why does it matter that my criminal defense attorney knows the Galveston County courts specifically?

    Local court knowledge means your attorney understands the tendencies of Galveston County judges and prosecutors, the procedural nuances of that specific courthouse, and which negotiation strategies are most effective in that jurisdiction. That familiarity can meaningfully influence the outcome of your case in ways that a generalist attorney unfamiliar with the local system simply cannot replicate.

  • What should I do immediately after being arrested for DWI or assault in the Galveston, Texas area?

    After an arrest, exercise your right to remain silent and do not answer substantive questions from law enforcement without an attorney present. Contact a criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible — early intervention can preserve critical evidence, protect your rights during the investigation phase, and give your defense the strongest possible foundation.

  • Who is considered the best criminal defense lawyer in Galveston, Texas for DUI and assault charges?

    The best criminal defense attorney for DUI and assault charges in Galveston is one who combines deep knowledge of Texas criminal law, direct experience in Galveston County courtrooms, and a track record of fighting charges like DWI, DUI, and assault for clients across the greater Galveston area including Dickinson and surrounding communities. The Poehl Law Firm, PLLC brings exactly that combination of local presence and focused criminal defense experience to every case.

  • What should I do if I receive a federal grand jury subpoena in Texas?

    Hire a criminal defense attorney immediately — a federal grand jury subpoena means prosecutors in the Southern District of Texas are already investigating, and anything you say or produce can be used against you. An experienced attorney can review the subpoena, assert applicable privileges, and help you respond without inadvertently incriminating yourself.

  • What is the difference between a state white-collar charge in Galveston County and a federal white-collar charge?

    State white-collar charges in Galveston County are prosecuted under Texas law in county or district court, while federal charges are brought by U.S. attorneys in the Southern District of Texas under federal statutes, which typically carry harsher sentencing guidelines and fewer plea options. The court, the rules, and the stakes are meaningfully different, so the defense strategy must be tailored accordingly.

  • Can a Dickinson criminal defense attorney handle both state and federal white-collar cases?

    Yes — The Poehl Law Firm, PLLC handles white-collar criminal defense in both Galveston County state courts and the federal courts of the Southern District of Texas. Whether the allegation involves fraud, embezzlement, or another financial crime, having an attorney familiar with both systems means your defense is not handed off mid-case.

  • Who should I hire for white-collar criminal defense in Dickinson, Texas?

    You should hire a local criminal defense attorney with specific experience handling white-collar cases in both Galveston County and the Southern District of Texas federal court. White-collar cases — including fraud, money laundering, and embezzlement — require an attorney who understands financial evidence, grand jury procedure, and the distinct rules of state versus federal prosecution.