Criminal Defense

Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer

As an experienced criminal defense attorney, I can help you with a wide range of criminal charges. Learn more about my practice areas by clicking on the links below:

White-Collar Crime

Most white-collar allegations are filed as violations of federal law, and are tried in federal court. No matter what you've heard about state court, federal court is a much harder place. In 1987, parole was abolished in federal court and The Federal Sentencing Guidelines took effect. If you face white-collar criminal charges in federal court, you may face a long sentence in a federal penitentiary. To successfully fight the federal government on your behalf, I will need all available resources to put together a strong defense. If I am representing you my goal will be to put together the strongest possible defense and to fight.

Fraud Charges

In a fraud prosecution the prosecutor has to prove that a person had the intent to commit the crime. You may find yourself charged with fraud even though you had no criminal intent and were simply involved in a business deal that went bad. In many fraud cases, there are potential defenses that I may evaluate and seek to pursue on your behalf.

Criminal Investigations

I have studied the Art of War by Sun Tzu and have written and lectured on its application to criminal cases. I believe, as in the Art of War, that you win in preparation before you get to the battlefield. If you are under investigation for a crime, I believe you should not wait to be charged. When I represent someone under investigation my goal is to pro-actively try to stop charges from being filed. It is my job not only to protect you during a criminal investigation, but I also try when possible to persuade the prosecution or grand jury that you should not be charged with a crime.

Murder Defense

I have defended people charged with murder, as well as manslaughter and negligent homicide. The Harris County District Attorney's office now has a vehicular homicide section designated to specifically investigate deaths caused by auto accidents. Too often, the prosecutors take a tragic accident and file criminal charges. Honest accidents happen. The fact a person has died does not mean a crime has been committed.

Sex Offenses

One of the most common sex charges is child molestation or indecency with a child. This crime involves touching a child in their breast or genital area, even if the child is fully clothed. Defending these cases requires knowledge of children and child psychology, as well as the situation where the allegation is made. As your defense lawyer, I investigate the relationships between all of the parties to determine if anyone had a motive to plant an idea in a child's mind, or whether the child had a motive to make up the allegations of abuse.

Drug Charges

Drug charges are often based upon the testimony of informants or snitches --people who have cooperated with the government in exchange for their own liberty. As your lawyer, I will investigate any confidential informant the government uses in your case. These individuals often have lengthy criminal records which can be brought out in front of a jury in a process I like to call the "list of lies."

Theft, Robbery & Burglary

A conviction for a theft, robbery, or burglary can have a devastating effect on your future. Employers routinely conduct background checks of prospective employees, and few want to hire someone who has a criminal record for theft. It is very important to fight theft and related charges to protect your future.

Internet Crimes

Common Internet sex crimes include solicitation of a minor and possession of child pornography. Defense of these charges is difficult, since a forensic evaluation of a computer by the federal government can reveal anything that has ever been on that computer. A viable defense of internet sex charges may involve challenging the constitutionality of any search and seizure of the computer. Issues regarding the mental health of the client may also become very important.

DWI Defense

For many people charged with DWI or DUI, this is their first and only brush with the law. As your defense lawyer, I will treat the charge very seriously. My goal is to keep you from getting a criminal record over a DWI arrest, and avoid turning one bad night into a life-long problem for you.

Assault Charges

Assault charges can arise from domestic violence, a bar fight or other types of conflict. These charges may boil down to a swearing match between the people involved. You need a dedicated attorney fighting for you so that you are not convicted of a crime over a misunderstanding or false testimony by the other side.

Free consultation: If you have been charged with a crime, contact Houston criminal defense attorney Robert Fickman to discuss your case.