If you need to hire a criminal defense attorney, chances are you need one quickly. But you must take time to find the right one. Hiring an inexperienced lawyer can be the biggest mistake of your life.
During the initial consultation, be sure to ask questions about the attorney’s background and experience, how they will assess and manage your case, and how much their services cost.
Continue reading for answers to these questions and more from the Neal Davis Law Firm. Don’t hesitate to call us if you’re concerned about protecting your legal rights.
Contacting a defense attorney will not make you appear guilty, but rather will show that you mean business in asserting your innocence.
To act on that, you need a board-certified (Criminal Law – Texas Board of Legal Specialization) criminal defense attorney in Houston, TX. That can be the difference between freedom and jail time.
How much does a criminal defense attorney cost?
The short and truthful answer is: It varies. Attorney fees can be impacted by the nature of the offense, the number of charges or complainants, the complexity of the case, and the need for investigations or expert input.
At the Neal Davis Law Firm, we understand that legal fees are most likely unplanned expenses. We strive to ensure our fees reflect the unique details of your case, the unparalleled service we provide, and our proven expertise and capabilities.
“Cheap” defense comes at a cost. Watch out.
When it comes to your defense, always remember that lawyers worth their salt need to know specific facts about your case to quote a fee.
Beware of certain types of lawyers who might offer grand promises on the cheap:
The letter lawyer
This struggling attorney, hungry for business, sends letters to defendants as soon as arrest records become public.
The newbie
Freshly licensed, they’re still learning the ropes, often at the expense of their clients.
Meet ’em and plead ’em
This lawyer has no real intention of delving deeply into your case. They’re looking for a quick plea deal and then to move on.
Pay as you go
Charging a separate fee for every little task, these lawyers often leave clients with bills far exceeding initial expectations.
Jack of all trades, master of none
Some occasionally dabble in criminal law to supplement their primary practice, such as civil, family, immigration or injury law. Hiring them is akin to expecting a heart surgeon to perform brain surgery.
A law degree doesn’t automatically qualify someone to defend your case effectively.
In the long run, opting for a bargain attorney can be a costly mistake. You might find yourself hiring another lawyer to clean up the first one’s mess, paying hefty fees for an appeal, or facing the dire consequences of a conviction, including jail time and a lasting criminal record.
Types of cases & experience
What types of cases does your firm handle?
We handle all types of state and federal charges in courts across Texas and the United States.
Does your firm specialize in any types of cases?
Our firm focuses on achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing complex criminal charges.
While we have experience in a wide range of areas, defense attorney Neal Davis has a proven track record of success in defending sex crime offenses. We also handle white-collar crimes for both businesses and individuals in state and federal courts.
What types of cases has your firm tried?
We’ve tried all types of cases, from simple State misdemeanors such as DWI or assault to State felonies such as sex or drug offenses, aggravated assault, theft, fraud, or homicides, to federal white-collar offenses such as health care fraud.
Does your firm handle appeals and writs?
Yes, we regularly handle appeals and writs. We’ve successfully obtained reversals on convictions in federal and State courts, including a high-profile murder case. We are among a very small percentage of lawyers who have appeared before the United States Supreme Court.
How much experience does your firm have in handling criminal cases?
We’ve handled criminal cases for over 25 years.
How much of your practice is devoted to criminal law?
Our practice is devoted almost entirely to criminal law. We handle a few select civil cases, usually when there is a criminal component. Occasionally, we pursue or package prosecutions on behalf of individuals or business entities (e.g., for a large company whose employee has embezzled a large sum of money).
What is your background in criminal law?
We have always practiced criminal law, nothing else. Before opening his law firm, Neal Davis worked as a lawyer for over a decade with Texas criminal defense legend Dick DeGuerin.
What distinguishes your law firm?
Why should I hire your firm?
We hold ourselves to the highest standard of success, ensuring that you get the best possible outcome for your case. We believe everyone is entitled to respect, discretion, and an expert defense.
We’ll handle your case with the greatest of care and personal attention, working diligently to protect your freedom and reputation. If we can obtain a successful outcome before going to trial, we will, without premature bargaining or compromise.
Where possible, we seek a dismissal, often by giving the prosecutor no other choice. Many times, if brought into a case early enough, a skilled criminal defense attorney can successfully resolve criminal investigations without charges ever even being filed.
At the Neal Davis Law Firm, we are proud of our record of successfully resolving State and federal investigations in Houston, Texas and across the nation. We have prevented all types of charges from being filed – from capital murder, intoxication manslaughter, child pornography, child sex offenses, and federal white-collar crimes.
But when a case does go to trial, we’ll fight for you every step of the way, drawing on winning strategies from over 25 years of trial experience.
What makes your firm different?
Our qualifications, record of success, and level of client service distinguish us. While we’ve been consistently recognized as an aggressive and highly experienced criminal law firm in Texas with a proven track record of winning results, we’re most honored by what our clients have written about us: that we’re accessible, that we genuinely care about them, that we treat their case with the utmost importance, and that we go beyond the call of duty and fight tirelessly to win the best outcome.
What makes your firm successful?
The key to our success is communication: with prosecutors, judges, and juries. We’ve earned the respect of prosecutors and judges for zealously representing our clients, often obtaining a favorable resolution without the need for a trial.
We work hard to present your defense in a way that prosecutors find compelling and that any jury can understand. We want them to understand you and your situation and to give you the benefit of the doubt.
What others say
“In March of 2017 I was charged with a felony. However, Neal and Ty were able to sift through the “reported” facts and produce the real facts. As a result, my case was completely dismissed by a grand jury. Neal and Ty really know what they’re doing, and are passionate about their work. In my case, they aggressively went after the truth, and earned every penny. Anytime I had a question, I never felt uneasy about calling or texting Neal, Ty, or their staff. They made me feel like I was part of the team, which helped me cope with the stress of a felony charge. That charge could have ruined my life. My gun rights and my voting rights could have been taken away. Not to mention, my ability to find work could have been severely hampered. To Neal, Ty, and their staff, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!”
Verified Customer
“Neal’s team was amazing. Not only did they take the time and listen to my every fear, they gave me the comfort and reassurance I needed as well as put up with my constant emails every time the fear struck again. I was never ignored, and I never had to call more than once for answers or advice. Truly compassionate attorneys here! They grabbed my case by the head and I have no doubt their proactive actions saved me. If you are in need of a criminal attorney, you have definitely come to the right place!”
Houston | Client’s federal charges declined
Verified customer
“Words cannot express my gratitude to Neal Davis. He was there from the beginning and guided me and my family through the entire process. He maintained communications to keep me informed and up to date on my case. He was even kind enough to follow up afterwards to see how I was doing after everything got taken care of. I would definitely recommend Neal Davis and his team.”
Houston | Aggravated sex assault of a child dismissed the day of trial
Verified customer
Awards & recognitions
Are members of your firm Board Certified in Criminal Law?
Yes, Neal Davis has been Board Certified in Criminal Law (Texas Board of Legal Specialization) since 2009.
Only 10% of licensed attorneys are Board-Certified in criminal law, and Neal Davis is among that group. In the world of criminal defense, this distinction can be the difference between freedom and jail time.
How do other attorneys and judges rate your firm?
Two of the most respected sources of peer-reviewed ratings in the legal profession are Martindale Hubbell and Best Lawyers in America. We have been awarded the highest rating (AV) from Martindale Hubbell (2015). We have also been recognized as Best Lawyers (2015-2022) and a Best Law Firm by Best Lawyers in America (2017-2019).
Facing charges? Talk to defense attorney Neal Davis
If you are a suspect in a criminal investigation, contact us for a consultation to see how we can help you. Don’t wait until it’s too late!