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.

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

Facing criminal charges in Montgomery County can feel overwhelming, especially when your freedom, record, and future are on the line. One mistake or accusation can quickly turn into a serious legal problem, and the decisions you make right now matter more than ever. You need a defense team that acts fast and knows how to protect you.

At LaVine Law Firm, we fight for people who are under pressure and need real help. Our Montgomery County criminal defense lawyer works aggressively to challenge charges, protect your rights, and guide you through every step of the process. Call us now at 713-489-7806 for a free consultation and start building your defense today.

Our Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer Fights for Your Rights

We defend individuals facing criminal charges throughout Montgomery County, from The Woodlands and Conroe to Spring, Magnolia, New Caney, and Willis. When you are charged with a crime, it affects your job, your family, and your future.

Our criminal defense attorney team understands how Montgomery County courts operate, including the felony district courts and County Courts at Law. We use that knowledge to build strong, strategic defenses tailored to your case.

We investigate every detail, challenge weak evidence, and push back against the prosecution at every stage. Do not wait to get help. Call LaVine Law Firm today at 713-489-7806 and take control of your case.

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Criminal Charges and Trends in Montgomery County

Montgomery County continues to grow rapidly, and with that growth comes increased law enforcement activity and criminal filings. The county now has a population exceeding 680,000, and crime trends reflect that expansion.

  • Over 15,700 crimes reported in 2024, up from 15,389 the year before
  • Sexual assaults increased by approximately 18% year over year
  • Violent crime rate: 3.283 per 1,000 residents
  • A crime occurs about every 29 minutes

These numbers show how active the criminal justice system is in Montgomery County. If you are facing charges, you are up against a system that handles thousands of cases each year. Having a strong defense matters.

Criminal Offenses We Defend in Montgomery County

We handle the full range of criminal charges prosecuted in Montgomery County, from misdemeanor offenses in the County Courts at Law to serious felonies in the District Courts. Our criminal lawyer team prepares every case with the same level of intensity.

Felony Charges Including Assault, Drug Crimes, and Violent Offenses

Felony charges in Montgomery County carry severe penalties and long-term collateral consequences. We defend clients against the most serious criminal charges in the justice system.

At LaVine Law Firm, our experience with these cases gives our clients a real advantage:

  • Aggravated Assault and Assault Causing Bodily Injury: Assault & battery and violent crimes rank among the most prosecuted offenses in Montgomery County. Weapons charges often accompany these cases when a deadly weapon is involved.
  • Drug Possession, Manufacturing, and Delivery: Montgomery County drug charges include controlled substances under the Texas Health and Safety Code penalty groups, including Controlled Substance Penalty Group 2 and offenses involving methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and prescription drugs. Drug crimes and drug trafficking carry steep prison sentences.
  • Murder, Manslaughter, and Capital Murder: These are the most serious criminal charges in Texas criminal law. We have secured not guilty verdicts in murder cases.
  • Sexual Assault and Aggravated Sexual Assault: Sex crimes increased 18% in Montgomery County in 2024. We also defend clients against child pornography and child abuse allegations.
  • Gun and Weapon Charges: Weapons crimes, including unlawful possession of a firearm, carry felony penalties. We challenge the legality of the traffic stop or search that led to the arrest.
  • Aggravated Robbery and Robbery: These violent crimes combine theft with the use or threat of physical force, which results in enhanced penalties.

Misdemeanor Offenses Including DWI, Theft, and Domestic Violence

Misdemeanor charges may carry lighter penalties than felonies, but the consequences still follow you for years. Even a class A misdemeanor conviction creates a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and professional licensing.

LaVine Law Firm takes every misdemeanor case seriously:

  • DWI / Driving While Intoxicated: DUI / DWI is one of the most common criminal charges filed in Montgomery County. Courts track blood alcohol concentrations and may require an ignition interlock device. These cases are heard in County Courts at Law, and a conviction can result in license suspension, fines, community service, and jail time.
  • Assault Family Member / Domestic Violence: Domestic crimes start as a class A misdemeanor on a first offense under the Texas Penal Code. Felony enhancements apply when the defendant has prior domestic violence convictions. These cases fall under the DA's Domestic Violence Division.
  • Theft and Shoplifting: Charges range from a Class C misdemeanor to a state jail felony, depending on the value of the stolen property. White-collar crimes such as fraud and embezzlement also fall under this category.
  • Criminal Mischief and Criminal Trespass: Property damage and trespass charges are common misdemeanor offenses in Montgomery County.
  • Marijuana Possession (Small Amounts): Drug possession of small amounts of marijuana remains a criminal offense in Texas, even as other states have legalized it.
  • Traffic Violations and Class C Misdemeanors: Disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and other minor offenses are handled by Justice of the Peace courts or general sessions courts.

Even misdemeanor convictions carry lasting consequences: a criminal record, firearm restrictions in domestic violence cases, driver's license suspensions, and employment impacts. We fight to protect your future at every level of the court system.

Talk to a Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

The sooner you involve a defense attorney, the stronger your case can be. Early action can lead to reduced charges, dismissed cases, or better outcomes in court.

Call LaVine Law Firm at 713-489-7806 now for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 and ready to step in immediately.

How the Montgomery County Criminal Justice System Works

Montgomery County's criminal justice system is headquartered at the main courthouse in Conroe. Cases flow through a structured process from arrest to resolution. Understanding each stage helps you make informed decisions about your defense.

Here are the stages of a criminal case in Montgomery County:

From Arrest to Arraignment in Montgomery County

The arrest procedure in Montgomery County begins when law enforcement makes an arrest. This could be the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, Conroe PD, The Woodlands Township constables, or other local agencies. After the arrest, the defendant goes to the Montgomery County Jail for booking. A magistrate hearing follows, where the judge sets bond and reads the criminal charges.

Several bond types are available:

  • Personal recognizance
  • Cash bond
  • Surety bond through a bondsman

For felony cases, the Montgomery County grand jury must issue an indictment before the case can proceed to a criminal trial. Having a criminal defense attorney involved at the earliest stage protects the defendant's legal rights.

We advocate for reduced bond, challenge probable cause, and begin building the defense right away. LaVine Law Firm is available 24/7 for urgent arrests.

Navigating Pretrial Proceedings and Trial in Conroe Courts

Pretrial proceedings shape your case early on. This stage includes discovery, motions to suppress or dismiss, and plea negotiations with the Montgomery County DA’s Office. Each case is assigned to a specific court, and knowing how local judges and prosecutors operate helps us build a stronger defense.

If your case goes to trial, it involves jury selection, evidence presentation, and a final verdict. At LaVine Law firm, our team also explores options like deferred adjudication, pretrial diversion, and plea agreements that may help avoid a conviction. We pursue record sealing or expungement when possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Montgomery County

Where are criminal cases heard in Montgomery County, Texas?

Felony cases go to the District Courts at the main courthouse in Conroe. Misdemeanors are heard in County Courts at Law, which also operate in Conroe. Class C offenses go through Justice of the Peace courts, which function as the local equivalent of a general sessions court or circuit court:

  • District Courts (9th, 221st, 284th, 359th, 410th, 418th): felony cases
  • County Courts at Law: misdemeanor cases, including DWI and domestic violence
  • Justice of the Peace Courts: traffic violations and Class C misdemeanors

How long does a criminal case take to resolve in Montgomery County?

Timelines vary based on case complexity and the court system's schedule. Simple misdemeanors may be resolved in a matter of weeks through a plea deal or plea bargain. Complex felonies can take several months to over a year, depending on whether the case goes to a criminal trial. Plea negotiations and pretrial motions can extend the timeline, but rushing a case is never in the client's best interest.

Can a criminal defense lawyer from Houston represent me in Montgomery County?

Yes. Licensed Texas attorneys can represent clients in any Texas county under the U.S. Constitution and Texas law. We defend clients in Montgomery County courts from our Houston office. We also represent clients in Harris, Walker, Brazos, and Polk Counties. Our criminal defense attorney team regularly travels to the Conroe and The Woodlands courtrooms.

What is deferred adjudication, and is it available in Montgomery County?

Deferred adjudication places the defendant on probation without a final conviction. Upon successful completion, the court dismisses the case. Eligibility depends on the offense and the defendant's criminal history:

  • Available for many first-time offenders in Montgomery County
  • Not available for certain offenses, including DWI under Texas law
  • Successful completion may allow sealing or expunging criminal records through non-disclosure orders
  • A violation of probation during the deferred period can result in the full penalty range

Will a misdemeanor conviction affect my future in Texas?

Yes. A misdemeanor creates a permanent criminal record that affects many areas of life. The collateral consequences include:

  • Restricted firearm rights in domestic violence cases
  • Impact on employment opportunities and background checks
  • Effects on professional licensing and housing applications
  • Potential civil rights violations on your record
  • Possible issues with court-appointed cases and future legal proceedings

What should I do if I am arrested in The Woodlands or Conroe?

Exercise your right to remain silent and contact a criminal defense attorney right away. Do not make statements to law enforcement or sign documents without legal counsel present. The arrest procedure requires officers to inform you of your rights, but what you say and do after the arrest matters:

  • Stay calm and comply with the arrest
  • Do not discuss the incident with anyone except your attorney
  • Contact LaVine Law Firm at 713-489-7806 for immediate help
  • Do not post about the incident on social media

Don’t Wait

Protect Your Rights with a Free Case Review

call 713-489-7734 today

Contact Our Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Criminal charges will not resolve on their own, and waiting can make your situation worse. Evidence can be lost, and the prosecution continues building its case.

At LaVine Law Firm, we take immediate action to protect your rights and fight for your future. With over 700 cases dismissed and strong results in serious criminal cases, we bring real experience to your defense.

Call 713-489-7806 now for a free confidential consultation. We are available 24/7 and ready to help you move forward.

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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