This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Brian LaVine following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. Brian LaVine the Founding Partner, 10+ years of legal experience as criminal defense attorney.

Galveston County Criminal Defense Lawyer
by Brian LaVine / Last Updated: April 3, 2026

A criminal charge in Galveston County can change your life in seconds. Your job, your family, your freedom, all of it sits on the line the moment you are arrested. At LaVine Law Firm, our Galveston County criminal defense lawyers stand ready to protect everything you have worked for. The clock starts now. Call us at 713-489-7692 for a free consultation and get a defender in your corner today.

Galveston County Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing criminal charges is overwhelming. Facing them without the right attorney is dangerous. We practice in the 10th and 122nd Judicial District Courts, and we understand how Galveston County prosecutors build their cases. That inside knowledge gives you a real edge from day one.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, defendants with private legal counsel consistently receive more favorable outcomes than those without representation. Getting a criminal defense attorney on your side early shifts the balance in your favor. Time matters. Every day without legal representation is a day the prosecution uses to build a stronger case against you.

  • We appear regularly in the 10th and 122nd Judicial District Courts.
  • We understand how the local District Attorney's Office thinks and operates.
  • We use that knowledge to develop a smarter, stronger legal strategy from the very start.

Get a Trusted Advocate On Your Side

You deserve a law firm that treats your case like it is the most important one in the office, because to you, it is. At LaVine Law Firm, we give every client in Galveston County the personal, hands-on attention their case demands. We do not hand your case off or treat you like a number. We fight hard for you, no matter the charge or the circumstances.

Every client gets a direct line to their attorney. Every defense is built around your specific facts. From the first call to the outcome, LaVine Law Firm stands with you.

Why Choose LaVine Law Firm if I'm Facing Criminal Charges in Galveston County?

Choose LaVine Law Firm because we combine local courtroom knowledge, aggressive defense strategy, and honest communication in every case we handle. We do not use cookie-cutter defenses. Here is what sets us apart:

  • Local Court Knowledge: We know Galveston County courtrooms, local judges, and the tactics the District Attorney's Office uses in criminal cases. That familiarity means smarter decisions from arraignment through trial.
  • Aggressive, Personalized Defense: We build your defense around the specific facts of your case, not a template. Whether you face drug charges, DWI cases, or violent crimes, our legal strategy fits your situation.
  • Clear Communication: Clients are never left guessing. We keep you informed at every stage of the process, so you always know where your case stands and what comes next.
  • Proven Results: LaVine Law Firm has dismissed over 700 cases in 2025 alone. We have secured Not Guilty verdicts in murder trials, gotten drug cases thrown out, and won dismissals that changed lives. We know what it takes to win in Galveston County.

We Handle All Criminal Defense Cases in Galveston County

No criminal charge is too complex or too serious for LaVine Law Firm. We defend clients across every area of criminal law in Galveston County, League City, and the surrounding area. The right defense attorney can change your outcome, and we are ready to be that attorney for you.

Assault

Assault charges in Texas cover a wide range, from a simple threat all the way up to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, which carries up to 20 years in prison. A conviction damages your record, your career, and your reputation. We challenge witness statements, dispute the evidence, and develop a defense strategy that holds up under pressure.

Domestic Violence

A domestic violence arrest moves fast, and so do its consequences. An assault family member charge can cost you your home, your children, and your standing in the community before trial even begins. The Galveston County Domestic Violence Unit is aggressive, and we match that aggression with a defense strategy built around your rights and your future.

Drug Crimes

Texas enforces some of the toughest drug laws in the country, and a Possession of a Controlled Substance charge can lead to years in state prison. We challenge unlawful searches, contest blood testing and lab results, and fight every drug crime case, from simple drug possession to charges involving controlled substances and trafficking. We have taken drug jury trials to verdict and won.

DUI/DWI

Driving while intoxicated is one of the most common charges in Galveston County, but its consequences hit hard. A conviction can cost you your driver's license, your job, and your freedom. We challenge breath tests, blood tests, field sobriety tests, and the reliability of breath-test machines. We know where these cases break down, and we use that knowledge to your advantage.

Federal Crimes

Federal criminal cases carry heavier penalties and are handled by a separate court system with more resources behind the prosecution. The federal government has time, money, and dedicated investigators on its side. We prepare federal defense cases with the same intensity, matching the prosecution's resources with courtroom mastery and focused legal strategy.

Restraining Orders

A restraining order can remove you from your home, separate you from your children, and disrupt your daily life, all without a criminal conviction. We help clients contest unjust restraining orders and defend against alleged violations. These cases often connect to domestic violence and assault defense, and we handle them as part of a complete, unified strategy.

Sex Crimes

A sex crime conviction carries prison time, a permanent criminal record, and mandatory sex offender registration that follows you for life. The stigma is severe, and the consequences are lasting. We handle every sex crimes case with complete confidentiality and an aggressive review of the evidence. Do not wait to act, early intervention gives us the best chance to protect your future.

Theft

Texas draws a sharp line between misdemeanor and felony theft, and crossing that line means serious prison exposure. Felony theft and bad-check offenses can result in lasting criminal records that harm your employment and housing options for years. We challenge evidence of intent, question how evidence was gathered, and fight for reduced or dismissed charges in all theft and white-collar crime cases.

Violent Crimes

Violent crimes, including robbery, murder, manslaughter, and weapons offenses like unlawfully carrying a weapon, carry the most severe penalties under the Texas Penal Code. These cases demand a trial attorney who does not flinch when the stakes are highest. LaVine Law Firm has secured Not Guilty verdicts in murder trials and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon cases. We go all the way when your life is on the line.

The Texas Criminal Process

Understanding how your case moves through the system helps you make better decisions at every step. Here is what to expect inside the Texas criminal justice system.

  • Arrest and Booking: After an arrest, you are booked into the Galveston County Jail. Officers record your charges, take your belongings, and process your information. This is the moment to call LaVine Law Firm.
  • Arraignment and Bail Hearing: A judge sets bail, and you enter a formal plea. Having our attorneys present at this stage directly affects your bail amount and signals to the prosecution that you have serious representation.
  • Pre-Trial Motions and Discovery: We review all evidence, file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, and pick apart the prosecution's case before trial begins. This is often where cases are won.
  • Plea Negotiations or Trial: We negotiate from a position of strength, and we never push a deal that is not in your interest. If the offer is not fair, we go to trial. We have handled DWI jury trial and Drug jury trial cases and delivered results.
  • Sentencing and Appeals: If convicted, we fight for the lightest possible sentence. We also pursue appeals and post-conviction relief when the facts of your case support it.

Criminal Defense FAQs

Why Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

A Houston criminal defense lawyer provides aggressive, client-focused defense, protects your Miranda rights and negotiates directly with the Assistant District Attorney. Your case deserves real attention.

Should I Hire a Lawyer If I'm Innocent?

Innocence alone won't protect you under Texas law. Beyond a reasonable doubt is the standard, but juries can err. A criminal lawyer from LaVine Law Firm builds your defense; never speak without counsel.

What to Do After an Arrest in Galveston County?

Stay calm, remain silent, and call a Galveston criminal defense lawyer immediately. Invoke your Miranda rights and don't resist. The Galveston County Sheriff's Office acts fast, so must you.

Difference Between Misdemeanor and Felony?

Under Texas law, misdemeanors carry a maximum of 1 year in county jail, while felonies carry a maximum of 1 year in state prison. A felony conviction strips a person of voting and firearm rights. Both need aggressive defense.

What Is a Plea Bargain? Should I Accept One?

A plea bargain reduces charges or sentences in exchange for a guilty plea. Whether to accept depends on the evidence. A Houston criminal defense lawyer reviews every offer and gives you honest advice.

Recent Case Results

Our results show what aggressive, focused criminal defense looks like in action. LaVine Law Firm has dismissed over 700 cases in 2025 alone. Here are some real outcomes from our case history:

  • Murder → Not Guilty at Trial
  • Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon → Dismissed
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance (1g–4g) → Dismissed (illegal search)
  • Assault Family Member / Resisting Arrest → Both Counts Dismissed
  • Felon in Possession of a Weapon → Dismissed
  • Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon → No Bill by Grand Jury

Past results do not guarantee a future outcome. Every case is different, and results depend on the specific facts and circumstances. What we do guarantee is that we fight as hard as we can for every client who trusts us with their defense.

About Attorney Brian LaVine

Brian LaVine founded LaVine Law Firm to give people across Galveston County and Texas the aggressive, honest defense they deserve. Brian graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor's degree in Government and a minor in History. He built his career around one conviction: a client accused of a crime deserves a lawyer who will outwork the prosecution at every single step.

Brian has represented clients charged with offenses ranging from misdemeanors to first-degree felonies. He understands how prosecutors think, how they build cases, and where their arguments break down. That knowledge shapes every defense strategy he builds for his clients.

Brian is licensed by the State Bar of Texas and holds himself to the highest standards of criminal defense practice. He approaches every case with directness, determination, and a genuine commitment to the people he represents. Galveston County clients trust Brian LaVine because he delivers results and never loses sight of what is truly at stake.

Contact Our Galveston County Criminal Defense Attorneys For Legal Help

If you need a Galveston County criminal defense lawyer, do not wait another day. Call LaVine Law Firm now at 713-489-7692. We offer free consultations for all new clients, and we are available around the clock for people across Galveston County, League City, and Harris County.

Time is not on your side in a criminal case. The sooner you act, the more we can do to protect you. Whether you face drug charges, DWI cases, sex crimes, violent crimes, or federal crimes, LaVine Law Firm is prepared to stand with you. Fill out our contact form or call 713-489-7692 today. We are ready to fight for you.

Brian LaVine
owner & managing attorney
About The Author
Brian, a University of Texas at Austin graduate, earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in December 2014, specializing in criminal law and trial advocacy.

During law school, he was a mock trial quarterfinalist and also interned at the Harris County District Attorney's Office, gaining valuable courtroom and prosecutorial insight.

With extensive experience in misdemeanor and felony cases, Brian is dedicated to providing an aggressive defense, outworking the prosecution to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients.
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