Bellaire Criminal Defense Attorney Near You
Experienced Bellaire criminal attorney providing a strong, strategic defense against criminal charges in Texas
Being charged with a crime is one of the most stressful and serious situations you can face. Even if you’re completely innocent, real damage is often done the moment the accusation is made.
Imagine a father falsely accused of a sex crime during a divorce who could lose custody of his children even if he’s later cleared. It’s also not uncommon for someone to be fired from their job and have their reputation destroyed because of an arrest, regardless of the eventual outcome.
These situations illustrate how high the stakes can be, which is why anyone accused of a crime in Bellaire needs an experienced Texas criminal attorney to fight for their rights.
Neal Davis, a skilled Bellaire criminal defense attorney, has over 25 years of trial and criminal law experience. Board-certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2009—a distinction held by only 10% of licensed attorneys—Neal knows how to handle even the most serious charges and protect your future.
An accusation isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of your defense.
Neal Davis can help you fight back against criminal charges in Bellaire.
Schedule a consultation today to secure your future.
Defending rights, delivering results, one client at a time
Defendant accused of over $100 million in an alleged pump-and-dump case—U.S. v. Deel, et al.
Case dismissed (2024)
by contact
State v. S.C. (Harris County, TX)
Dismissed day of trial (2023)
State v. J.L.
Dismissed shortly before trial (2023)
State v. C.G. (Harris County, TX)
Not Guilty (2023)
State v. C.F.
No billed & dismissed (2020)
State v. K.B.
(Montgomery County, TX)
No billed & dismissed (2018)
Our reputation is built on your success
Neal Davis is the go-to attorney for criminal charges in Bellaire
Whether it’s accusations of workplace sexual harassment, soliciting prostitution, or sexual assault, sex crime allegations carry intense social stigmas and often lead to a presumption of guilt long before the facts are fully examined.
In Texas, these charges come with aggressive prosecution and harsh consequences, including long prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration for 10 years to life, and permanent damage to your reputation and future.
Child pornography cases can be far from straightforward. These cases often hinge on highly technical evidence, such as digital forensics, IP addresses, and internet activity logs. Mistakes can and do happen—shared devices, hacked accounts, or mistaken identity can lead to wrongful charges and convictions.
Unfortunately, law enforcement’s aggressive approach to these cases means innocent people find themselves swept into legal battles they never imagined. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Penalties for child pornography offenses are severe, including lengthy prison sentences and lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Being accused of a child sex crime like child molestation is truly devastating, even before a trial begins. Public judgment often starts the moment the accusation is made, with many presuming guilt before the facts are fully examined. Even if you’re cleared, the lifelong stigma and damage to your reputation can be almost impossible to erase.
These cases are notoriously difficult to defend. While false child sex abuse accusations can and do happen, often driven by misunderstandings, family conflicts, or custody battles, most people instinctively believe a child’s account, even if it’s based on misunderstanding or manipulation. With so much at stake, it’s critical to have a skilled defense attorney who knows how to challenge the evidence in these sensitive cases, present the full picture, and fight for your future.
Online solicitation of a minor happens when someone 17 or older uses electronic communication to ask a minor to meet with them, intending for the minor to engage in sexual activity. Importantly, it doesn’t matter whether a meeting actually takes place or any sexual activity occurs—the intent alone can lead to serious charges.
These cases can be complex, as misunderstandings about the minor’s age and misinterpreted texts and messages are often factors. Additionally, law enforcement officers frequently pose as minors in online spaces during sting operations to build cases, which can lead to questions about entrapment. Regardless of the circumstances, online solicitation charges carry severe penalties, including up to 20 years in jail, stiff fines, and registration as a sex offender.
A Title IX sexual assault accusation can derail a student’s education and future. Universities often conduct their own investigations alongside law enforcement, applying a lower standard of proof that can lead to expulsion, a tarnished reputation, and limited future opportunities. Without a strong defense, these accusations can easily escalate into criminal charges, so it’s essential to seek help from an attorney with experience in both sex assault cases and Title IX proceedings at Texas universities.
A skilled defense involves challenging the evidence, ensuring the accused’s side of the story is presented, and identifying procedural errors in the university’s investigation. This approach can protect against both academic penalties and potential criminal consequences, safeguarding the student’s future.
Under Texas law, an inappropriate relationship between a teacher and a student involves any sexual or romantic communication or contact between an educator and a student enrolled at the same school or district. This applies even if the student is over 18, and physical contact isn’t necessarily required. That’s right—messages alone can lead to charges.
With the rise of social media, the line between professional and personal interactions has become increasingly blurred. Students may misinterpret friendly communication or, in some cases, make false accusations as a form of retaliation for poor grades or disciplinary actions. A strong defense focuses on uncovering the truth, challenging the evidence, and demonstrating where interactions were mischaracterized or taken out of context.
Texas takes driving while intoxicated (DWI) very seriously, with strict penalties even for first-time offenders. You could be facing fines, license suspension, mandatory education programs, or even jail time. For repeat offenders, the punishments are even harsher. Law enforcement and prosecutors often aggressively pursue DWI cases, influenced by zero-tolerance advocacy.
But DWI charges aren’t always as clear-cut as they seem. Breathalyzer tests aren’t 100% accurate, and field sobriety tests can be influenced by a number of factors, including nervousness and fatigue. Neal Davis knows how to challenge assumptions, like mistaking distracted driving for intoxication, and expose flaws in the evidence or police procedures to help clear your name.
Whether it’s possession of marijuana, cocaine, fentanyl, crystal meth, or any other controlled substance, the type and amount of the drug play a significant role in determining whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a felony in Texas. Even small amounts of drugs can result in severe penalties. For instance, having less than 2 ounces of marijuana is considered a Class B misdemeanor, with punishments of up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
When law enforcement uses aggressive tactics or makes errors during searches or arrests—such as failing to follow proper procedures or conducting unlawful searches—it can violate your constitutional rights. A strong defense works to challenge the evidence, uncover procedural mistakes, and demonstrate where law enforcement may have overstepped.
Domestic violence allegations are often tied to family disputes or divorces, making them highly emotional and complex. Police and prosecutors frequently file charges based on limited or conflicting evidence, leaving defendants facing serious consequences like jail time, protective orders, or even the loss of custody rights.
In Texas, domestic violence charges range from misdemeanor offenses to first-degree felonies, with penalties that can include years in prison and steep fines. Aggravated domestic assault, for instance, can carry a sentence of up to 99 years if it involves serious injury or a deadly weapon. A criminal attorney like Neal Davis with experience in domestic violence cases and family dynamics can build a strong defense by exploring claims of self-defense, false accusations, or unintentional harm.
Murder charges are some of the most serious, with potential consequences including life imprisonment or the death penalty in Texas. These cases are complex and require a deep investigation into forensic evidence, witness testimony, and possible self-defense claims. High-pressure situations often lead to rushed decisions and even wrongful convictions.
Neal Davis has successfully defended clients against tough homicide charges by uncovering critical evidence and building tailored defense strategies, often resulting in charges being reduced or dropped.
Common questions about criminal charges and defense in Texas
What are the levels of charges in Texas?
In Texas, crimes are classified into levels based on the severity of the crime, with punishments ranging from minor fines to life imprisonment or even the death penalty. Below is a breakdown of the different types of charges in Texas:
These are the least serious offenses and are divided into three classes:
- Class C misdemeanors include minor violations like traffic tickets or public intoxication. These offenses are punishable by a fine of up to $500 and do not involve jail time.
- Class B misdemeanors are more serious and include offenses like first-time DWIs or possession of small amounts of marijuana. These carry penalties of up to 180 days in jail and fines of up to $2,000.
- Class A misdemeanors are the most severe type of misdemeanor, covering crimes like assault causing bodily injury or burglarizing a motor vehicle. Punishment includes up to 1 year in jail and fines of up to $4,000.
These are the most serious crimes and are categorized by degrees:
- State jail felonies include offenses like theft of $1,500-$20,000 or a DWI with a child passenger. These are punishable by 180 days to 2 years in a state jail.
- Third-degree felonies involve more serious crimes such as DWI (third offense), stalking, or indecent exposure to a child. These offenses carry penalties of 2 to 10 years in prison.
- Second-degree felonies include crimes like manslaughter, robbery, and aggravated assault. Punishment ranges from 2 to 20 years in prison.
- First-degree felonies are extremely serious offenses like aggravated sexual assault against a child, solicitation of capital murder, or aggravated kidnapping. These carry penalties of 5 to 99 years (or life) in prison.
- Capital felonies, such as capital murder, are the most severe crimes, which can result in life imprisonment or the death penalty.
These levels help provide a framework for sentencing, but factors like repeat offenses, remorse, or the circumstances of the crime can influence the punishment. Understanding these levels is critical for anyone facing charges, as the consequences vary widely depending on the classification of the crime.
What happens to sex offenders in Texas?
A sex offense conviction in Texas comes with some of the harshest penalties and long-term consequences imaginable. For instance, sexual assault is a second-degree felony that can lead to 2 to 20 years in prison. Punishments for sex offenses involving children are even worse. Continuous sexual abuse of a child, for example, is a first-degree felony that can lead to life in prison.
Registered offenders must adhere to strict residence restrictions, prohibiting them from living near schools, daycare centers, or any child safety zones. They’re also barred from activities involving minors, such as visiting playgrounds or participating in youth sports or community events.
Beyond these restrictions, sex offenders often face significant challenges in finding employment or obtaining professional licenses, with careers in teaching, childcare, and even some medical and legal fields effectively off-limits. Firearm possession is heavily restricted, and additional conditions of release, such as mandatory treatment programs and internet bans, may apply.
The stigma and legal limitations attached to a conviction can feel inescapable, making it essential for anyone accused of a sex crime in Bellaire to mount a strong defense to protect their future.
What is needed to win a criminal case?
In criminal cases, the prosecution has the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This is the highest standard of proof in the legal system, meaning the evidence must convince the jury or judge that there is no reasonable doubt about the defendant’s guilt.
An experienced defense attorney plays a critical role by analyzing the prosecution’s case and identifying factors like insufficient evidence, unreliable witnesses, or unlawful searches and seizures that violate the Fourth Amendment.
For example, if evidence was obtained without a proper warrant or probable cause, it could be deemed inadmissible, potentially leading to the charges being dropped. Attorneys can also point out procedural errors, such as mishandled interrogations or other violations of the defendant’s rights, to weaken the case further.
In many cases, charges can be dismissed or reduced before trial. For instance, a prosecutor might drop charges if key evidence is discredited or witnesses refuse to cooperate. Attorneys can also negotiate plea deals, reducing charges to less severe offenses when the prosecution’s case is weak. Additionally, a grand jury may dismiss a case if it determines there isn’t enough evidence to proceed.
Ultimately, an attorney helps level the playing field by examining the evidence against you, challenging every aspect of the prosecution’s case, and exploring options like dismissal, charge reductions, or trial strategies to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Why Neal Davis is the best Bellaire criminal defense attorney for your case
If you’re facing criminal charges in Bellaire, choosing the right attorney can make all the difference. Here’s what sets Neal Davis apart:
Proven criminal law experience
Neal Davis has over 25 years of experience handling a wide variety of criminal cases, including capital murder, child sex offenses, drug possession and trafficking, and federal white-collar crimes. His strategic approach has resulted in many case dismissals, reduced charges, and favorable outcomes—often before cases even reach trial.
Personalized, client-focused defense
Neal understands the stress and uncertainty that come with criminal charges. He gives each case his full attention, treating every client with respect, discretion, and compassion. His commitment to protecting his clients’ freedom and reputation shows in the positive feedback he regularly gets from those he’s helped.
Proactive and aggressive advocacy
Neal Davis knows the importance of early intervention. By being involved at the start of an investigation, he can often prevent charges from being filed. If a case goes to trial, he uses his decades of courtroom experience to fight for the best possible outcome.
Board-certified expertise
Neal has been board-certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2009, a distinction held by only 10% of attorneys. This certification represents his exceptional skill and knowledge in criminal law, so you can rest assured your case will be in good hands.
Where can I find a skilled criminal defense attorney near me in Bellaire?
If you’re facing a criminal charge in Houston or surrounding areas like Bellaire, Galveston, Memorial, or The Woodlands, a strong legal defense is critical. Whether you’re innocent or simply made a mistake, you deserve an attorney who will treat you with respect, have your back, and fight tirelessly to protect your rights and your future.
Experienced Bellaire criminal defense attorney Neal Davis is known for providing smart, strategic, and compassionate defense, no matter how challenging the case. With over 25 years of experience and a client-centered approach, Neal is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your voice is heard and your case is handled with care.
Contact the Neal Davis Law Firm today and take the first step toward securing your freedom and reclaiming your future.