1. Dunham & Jones
Focus Area: Criminal defense with award-winning attorneys and recognition from Time and Newsweek
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, drug crimes, theft, assault, domestic violence, federal crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: At Dunham & Jones, the philosophy is built on straightforward communication with clients, a robust and aggressive defense strategy, and extensive experience as Corpus Christi Criminal Attorneys. Dunham & Jones was voted by the Daily Texan and has been recognized by both Time and Newsweek magazines. The firm has also been ranked as one of the nation’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers and 10 Best in Client Satisfaction. The number one goal is to get cases dismissed or reduced so that clients can have their arrest record, fingerprints, and mugshot removed from public records. The firm offers free consultations and easy payment plans with no money down in most cases. The team includes renowned criminal defense attorney Clayton Littlefield.
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas (serves Nueces County and Corpus Christi Metropolitan area)
Contact: (361) 888-8888 | https://www.dunhamlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available day, night, and weekends
2. Robert J. Gonzalez, Attorney At Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutor and municipal court judge experience and 30+ years practice
Practice Areas: DWI, assault, theft, drug crimes, domestic violence, violent crimes
Background: Robert J. Gonzalez has over 30 years of practicing law. In addition to serving as a prosecutor and Municipal Court Judge, he has held key positions in numerous Corpus Christi organizations, including the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce (chairman), Buccaneer Commission (former president, current board member), and Port of Corpus Christi (vice-chairman 2001 and 2009, board member 2001-2012). As a former prosecutor and municipal court judge, he is in a unique position to effectively defend clients. His family is well-known and respected within the community, and his grandfather was a Hispanic police officer in Corpus Christi in the 1920s. He has never hesitated to take on the tough cases.
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Contact: (361) 309-9332 | https://www.robertjgonzalez.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Goldstein & Orr
Focus Area: Criminal defense with Board Certification in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law
Practice Areas: DWI/DUI, drug crimes, violent crimes, federal crimes, intoxication assault, intoxication manslaughter
Background: Goldstein & Orr defends individuals facing criminal charges in Corpus Christi, Robstown, Bishop, and several surrounding areas of Nueces County. The attorneys represent alleged offenders in state and federal courts throughout Texas. Gerry Goldstein and Cynthia Orr have both been Board Certified in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Van Hilley is admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, and all state courts in Texas. The firm handles first DWI cases as well as alleged repeat offenses and represents individuals accused of drunk driving-related crimes such as intoxication assault and intoxication manslaughter.
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas (serves Nueces County and San Patricio County)
Contact: (210) 226-1463 | https://www.goldsteinhilley.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
4. A. González Law Firm, P.L.L.C.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 45+ years combined experience and brothers partnership
Practice Areas: DWI, drug crimes, theft, assault, domestic violence, federal and state felonies, expungements, nondisclosures
Background: Armando and Antonio González are firm partners and brothers with over 45 years of combined legal experience. A. González Law Firm, P.L.L.C. offers dedicated and experienced criminal defense. The attorneys explain things clearly and talk about the different options clients have and the likely outcomes of each, given specific situations. The firm handles criminal cases in both categories: federal and state felonies. They also focus on expungements and nondisclosures in the Texas legal system. The attorneys emphasize that clients should always feel like they are in the driver’s seat and that their attorney is giving them enough information to make solid choices.
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas (serves South Texas)
Contact: (361) 264-6574 | https://www.agonzalezlawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Bourlon Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense with zealous advocacy and personalized representation
Practice Areas: DWI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, violent crimes
Background: At the Bourlon Law Firm, Attorney Bobby Bourlon serves as the champion for the rights of any defendant that he represents and has the duty to zealously defend clients’ position and version of events that comprise the alleged crime. In the event of trial, the criminal lawyer has the role of advocating for the client’s interest in front of the judge or jury. The defense attorney presents facts and evidence to refute the prosecution’s assertions of guilt and assert the client’s innocence. In the event of a close factual case, the criminal defense attorney may negotiate a plea deal or reduced sentence for the client, rather than risk an adverse verdict. The firm emphasizes thorough review of charges and case details.
Location: 715 Artesian Street, Corpus Christi, Texas 78401
Contact: (361) 289-6040 | https://bourlonlawfirm.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
Criminal Defense Laws in Texas
Felony Classifications
Texas classifies felonies into five categories:
Capital Felony: Includes capital murder. Penalty is death or life imprisonment without parole.
First-Degree Felony: Includes murder, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated sexual assault. Penalty is 5-99 years or life in prison and up to $10,000 fine.
Second-Degree Felony: Includes manslaughter, robbery, and aggravated assault. Penalty is 2-20 years in prison and up to $10,000 fine.
Third-Degree Felony: Includes intoxication assault, stalking, and indecent exposure to a child. Penalty is 2-10 years in prison and up to $10,000 fine.
State Jail Felony: Includes theft ($2,500-$30,000), credit card abuse, and certain drug possession. Penalty is 180 days to 2 years in state jail and up to $10,000 fine.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class A Misdemeanor: Includes DWI (first offense), assault causing bodily injury, and theft ($750-$2,500). Maximum 1 year in county jail and $4,000 fine.
Class B Misdemeanor: Includes DWI (first offense under certain circumstances), theft ($100-$750), and possession of small amounts of marijuana. Maximum 180 days in county jail and $2,000 fine.
Class C Misdemeanor: Includes theft under $100, disorderly conduct, and minor traffic offenses. Fine only, maximum $500.
Expunction and Nondisclosure
Texas offers two paths to clear criminal records:
Expunction: Available for arrests that did not result in conviction, cases that were dismissed, acquittals, and certain pardons. Expunged records are destroyed and the arrest can be denied.
Order of Nondisclosure: Available for certain convictions after completing deferred adjudication. The record is sealed from public view but remains accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies.
Waiting Periods: Vary by offense. Misdemeanors generally require 2-year wait after deferred adjudication completion. Felonies require 5-year wait.
Ineligible Offenses: Certain violent offenses, sex offenses, and offenses involving family violence are not eligible for nondisclosure.
DWI Laws
Texas DWI applies to operating with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial). First offense is a Class B misdemeanor with 72 hours to 180 days jail (minimum 6 days if BAC .15% or higher), $2,000 fine, and 90-day to 1-year license suspension. Second offense is a Class A misdemeanor with 30 days to 1 year jail. Third offense is a third-degree felony with 2-10 years prison. Texas has implied consent; refusal results in 180-day license suspension (first offense). DWI with a child passenger is a state jail felony.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Corpus Christi?
Criminal cases in Corpus Christi are heard in different courts depending on the severity of the offense. The Nueces County District Courts (including the 28th, 94th, 105th, 117th, 148th, 214th, 319th, and 347th District Courts) have jurisdiction over felony cases. The district clerk is located at 901 Leopard St., Room 313, Corpus Christi. County Courts at Law handle misdemeanor cases. Justice of the Peace courts handle Class C misdemeanors (fine-only offenses). A Corpus Christi criminal defense attorney familiar with these courts and the specific judges can better navigate your case.
What is deferred adjudication in Texas?
Deferred adjudication is a type of plea agreement in Texas where the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, but the judge does not enter a finding of guilt. Instead, the defendant is placed on community supervision (probation). If the defendant successfully completes the supervision period, the case is dismissed without a conviction. The arrest record remains, but the defendant may be eligible for an order of nondisclosure to seal the record from public view. If the defendant violates probation, the judge can adjudicate guilt and impose any sentence within the original range for the offense. A Corpus Christi criminal defense attorney can negotiate for deferred adjudication as an alternative to a conviction.
What is the difference between expunction and nondisclosure in Texas?
Expunction and nondisclosure are both ways to clear criminal records in Texas, but they work differently. Expunction completely destroys all records of an arrest and allows the person to legally deny the arrest ever occurred. Expunction is available for arrests that did not result in conviction, dismissed cases, and acquittals. Nondisclosure seals the record from public view but does not destroy it. Law enforcement, courts, and certain licensing agencies can still access sealed records. Nondisclosure is available for certain convictions after completing deferred adjudication. A Corpus Christi criminal defense attorney can evaluate which option applies to your situation.
What are the federal courts in Corpus Christi?
The U.S. Federal District Courts in the Corpus Christi Division have jurisdiction over federal criminal cases that occur in Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Live Oak, Nueces, and San Patricio counties. Federal courts handle crimes that violate federal law, crimes on federal property, crimes crossing state lines, and certain drug trafficking and immigration offenses. The Corpus Christi federal courts also have jurisdiction over criminal acts detected at the U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoints at Sarita and Falfurrias. Federal cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and carry different procedures and often harsher penalties than state court cases. A Corpus Christi criminal defense attorney with federal court experience is essential for federal charges.
What should I do if I am arrested in Corpus Christi?
If you are arrested in Corpus Christi, cooperate with law enforcement officers during the arrest process. Provide your identification when requested. However, you should exercise your constitutional rights. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely but firmly invoke these rights and do not answer questions about the alleged offense without an attorney present. Do not resist arrest, even if you believe the arrest is unjust. Contact a Corpus Christi criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may request a court-appointed attorney at your first court appearance. Acting quickly to secure legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your case.