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La Porte Criminal Defense Lawyer
by Brian LaVine / Last Updated: June 26, 2026

If you are facing a criminal charge in La Porte, speak with a La Porte criminal defense lawyer before you answer police questions, walk into court, or accept any plea. LaVine Law Firm defends clients in La Porte, Texas, against serious criminal cases. Call (713) 489-7692 today for a free consultation.

Criminal charges in La Porte can carry serious consequences for your freedom, job, family, immigration status, housing, professional standing, and future. The damage spreads into every part of life, often within hours of arrest. Your case may involve La Porte police, Harris County courts, nearby county courts, or federal authorities, depending on where the arrest occurred.

If your loved one was just arrested, you need help now. Our criminal defense lawyer can act fast to protect their rights and explore every legal option. Call us today for the support your family deserves.

Why Choose LaVine Law Firm if I'm Facing Criminal Charges in La Porte?

Clients choose LaVine Law Firm because the firm builds aggressive, evidence-driven criminal defense strategies for people facing criminal charges in La Porte and surrounding Texas courts. Our practice keeps criminal defense at the center, with deep focus on trial preparation and personalized case planning. We treat every client with the commitment and detail they deserve.

Our criminal defense services include:

  • Thorough investigation of police reports, video, and witness statements
  • Trial preparation and full courtroom advocacy
  • Personalized case strategy built around your goals
  • Constitutional rights protection at every stage
  • Cross-examination of officers and prosecution witnesses
  • Evidence challenges through suppression motions

Brian LaVine brings strong criminal law and trial advocacy experience to every case. He earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin, then his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law in Houston. His training focused on trial advocacy, which shapes the way he handles every case in court.

Brian also gained inside knowledge from his internship with the Harris County District Attorney's Office. That experience taught him how prosecutors think, build cases, and pick their fights. He uses that same insight today to protect his clients.

Our criminal defense work covers a wide range of cases. Past outcomes have included dismissed charges, reduced charges, not-guilty verdicts, and acquittals on serious felony cases. We have defended clients against deadly weapon allegations and other high-stakes prosecutions. No two cases are alike, and we never promise a specific outcome.

The role of our firm is clear. We protect your rights, challenge the prosecution's evidence, and pursue the strongest available outcome under the facts and law; call (713) 489-7692 to put a dedicated criminal defense lawyer in your corner today.

We Handle All Criminal Defense Cases in La Porte

LaVine Law Firm handles a wide range of criminal defense cases in La Porte, from low-level misdemeanors to serious felony charges. Every case requires a defense strategy built around the facts, evidence, police conduct, witness credibility, and your goals. Generic plans do not win in court.

Our practice covers cases involving violence, drugs, theft, sex crimes, DUI, federal charges, and protective orders. The legal system rewards careful planning at every stage. Below are some of the case types we defend across La Porte and Harris County.

Assault

Assault cases may involve bodily injury, threats, offensive contact, self-defense claims, witness credibility issues, or police report mistakes. Our defense challenges intent, injury evidence, witness statements, surveillance, and bodycam footage. We test whether you acted in self-defense or defense of loved ones.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence cases can involve assault, family violence, dating violence, protective orders, bond conditions, and serious family consequences. Our defense reviews 911 calls, bodycam footage, injury photos, and conflicting statements. We test unjust allegations and whether the State can prove the charge.

Drug Crimes

Drug crimes may involve possession, manufacturing, delivery, trafficking, prescription drugs, or controlled substances cases. Our defense focuses on illegal search and seizure, lack of possession, lab testing flaws, and confidential informant issues. We attack traffic stops, warrants, and chain-of-custody issues.

DUI

DUI and DWI cases can threaten your license, your record, your job, and your freedom. Our DUI defense reviews the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, breath or blood results, officer procedure, and bodycam footage. We address license suspension issues and whether intoxication can be proven.

Federal Crimes

Federal crimes involve different procedures, agencies, sentencing exposure, discovery rules, and courtroom strategy than state cases. Our defense focuses on early intervention, indictment review, federal investigation tactics, and search warrant challenges. We prepare for electronic evidence, plea exposure under federal sentencing guidelines, and trial.

Restraining Orders

Restraining orders and protective orders can restrict contact, housing access, firearm possession, parenting time, and basic communication. Our defense examines the allegations, hearing evidence, proper notice, and any alleged violations. We address domestic violence claims and how the order may affect a related criminal charge.

Sex Crimes

Sex crime allegations can carry prison exposure, sex offender registration consequences, reputation damage, and lifelong collateral consequences. Our defense focuses on consent where the law allows it, false allegations, digital evidence, and forensic interview review. We test witness credibility and whether the State can prove every element.

Theft

Theft cases may involve shoplifting, employee theft, fraud-related allegations, property value disputes, or mistaken identity claims. Our defense examines intent, ownership, surveillance footage, witness statements, and value evidence. We look at restitution, dismissal, reduction, and other paths to a favorable outcome.

Violent Crimes

Violent crimes may include aggravated assault, robbery, deadly weapon allegations, murder, or serious injury cases. Our defense focuses on self-defense, defense of others, identification issues, and forensic evidence. We test witness credibility, conduct surveillance, review police procedures, and prepare hard for trial.

The TX Criminal Process

The Texas criminal process usually begins with investigation or arrest and moves through bond, arraignment, discovery, hearings, negotiations, trial, and sentencing. Each stage of the legal process carries risks and chances. A skilled criminal defense attorney can shape the outcome at every step.

Step 1: Investigation or Arrest

Some cases begin with a warrant, a police call, a traffic stop, a search, an accusation, or a direct arrest. Police may try to question you at the scene or at the station. Do not answer police questions without a lawyer by your side.

Step 2: Booking and Bond

After arrest, the accused goes through booking at a local facility or the Harris County Jail. The judge will set bond and may add no-contact orders, travel restrictions, drug testing, alcohol bans, weapon limits, or ignition interlock rules. Bond conditions must be followed without slip-ups.

Step 3: Arraignment or First Court Setting

The court formally brings the accused into the case process at this stage. Plea options, bond changes, and discovery requests may all come up. Showing up unprepared can set the case on the wrong path from the start.

Step 4: Discovery and Evidence Review

The defense reviews police reports, video, lab reports, witness statements, warrants, photos, digital evidence, and forensic evidence. Each piece may hide a flaw the prosecutors missed. A careful review often reveals weak spots in the State's case.

Step 5: Preliminary Hearings or Grand Jury Review

Felony cases may involve grand jury review before formal charges come by indictment. Early legal strategy matters most before the grand jury votes. Some cases never make it past this stage when the defense moves fast.

Step 6: Motion Practice

The defense may file suppression motions, motions to exclude evidence, constitutional challenges, and discovery disputes. Each motion can knock out evidence the State needs to prove its case. A strong motion can sometimes end the case before trial.

Step 7: Negotiation or Plea Bargaining

Some cases resolve through dismissal, charge reduction, deferred adjudication, probation, pretrial diversion, or a plea agreement. The defense weighs every option against the evidence and the consequences. No plea should be signed without careful review.

Step 8: Trial

Trial includes jury selection, opening statements, witness testimony, cross-examination, exhibits, closing arguments, and the jury's verdict. Sentencing follows if the jury returns a guilty verdict. A criminal defense attorney should test the State's case at every stage to give you the best chance at a win.

Criminal Defense FAQs

Why Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

You should hire a knowledgeable attorney who can handle complex court appearances and build a solid defense. Professional legal representation helps you avoid critical mistakes when facing state prosecutors.

Should I Hire a Lawyer If I'm Innocent?

Yes. An innocent person can still face conviction if key evidence is never challenged. A lawyer is critical for preserving evidence, protecting your security, and blocking unjust allegations.

What Should I Do if I Have Been Arrested for a Crime in La Porte?

Remain silent, ask for a lawyer, and avoid discussing the case. Contact LaVine Law Firm quickly to secure a defense built around your rights under Texas law. Do not post about the arrest online or contact alleged victims or witnesses.

What's the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?

Both offenses bring serious penalties under Texas state law. A misdemeanor may lead to county jail time, fines, and probation, while a felony conviction can mean prison time, larger fines, and lasting criminal record consequences.

What Is a Plea Bargain? Should I Accept One?

A plea bargain resolves the case without trial. Do not accept any deal before obtaining counsel from a lawyer with a deep understanding of hidden long-term costs.

About Attorney Brian LaVine

Brian LaVine is the owner and managing attorney of LaVine Law Firm and focuses his practice on defending people accused of crimes in Texas. He brings a trial-ready approach to every case and treats each client with care. His commitment to criminal defense drives every step of his work.

Brian's education and background include:

  • Bachelor's degree in Government from the University of Texas at Austin
  • Minor in History from the University of Texas at Austin
  • Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law, earned in December 2014
  • Criminal law and trial advocacy focus during law school
  • Mock trial experience that sharpened his courtroom skills
  • Internship with the Harris County District Attorney's Office in misdemeanor and felony divisions

His prosecution-side exposure gives him an edge in criminal defense work. He learned how prosecutors evaluate evidence, anticipate trial arguments, identify weak facts, and prepare witnesses. That insight now powers stronger cross-examination and case strategy for his clients.

Brian has defended clients charged with offenses from minor misdemeanors to first-degree felonies. He is a licensed Texas criminal defense attorney with a trial-focused approach to case preparation. His knowledge of local courts, judges, and prosecutors shapes each defense plan.

Every client gets personal attention, clear communication, and a defense built around their goals. Brian believes the accused deserve a strong advocate who knows the law and the courtroom. Contact our office to put that knowledge and ability to work on your behalf.

Defend your reputation—get legal help now.
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Contact Our La Porte Criminal Defense Attorneys For a Free Case Evaluation

Contact LaVine Law Firm now if you are facing criminal charges in La Porte, Texas. Every hour you wait gives the prosecutors more time to build their case against you. A La Porte criminal defense lawyer can step in before formal charges, bond hearings, or grand jury review.

Early criminal defense work can protect your freedom, your record, your job, your family, and your future. We will navigate the complexities of the legal process so you can focus on what matters most. LaVine Law Firm is ready to fight for your best possible outcome with skill and confidence. Call now or request a confidential consultation through a Texas-licensed attorney before your next court date.

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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