THOMAS A. MARTIN
Attorney-at-Law
DESCRIPTION OF CRIMINAL OFFENSES
CRIMINAL ASSAULT

There are a number of different types of criminal assault, ranging from simple assault to more serious criminal charges including aggravated assault, sexual assault, and domestic assault that can involve serious physical injuries. An aggravated assault, for example, is an attack on another during the commission of another crime.
FEDERAL CRIMES

If you are innocent of a federal crime, the charges should be dismissed. If your involvement in a crime was in a minor role, the punishment should be less. If you cooperate with the prosecutor, the punishment should reflect that cooperation. Contact our federal criminal defense lawyer as soon as you know you are a suspect.

-Alien Smuggling: Transporting and harboring illegal aliens is against federal law. If you have been charged with smuggling or harboring, we can protect your rights and investigate all the circumstances.

-Compelling Prostitution: Our criminal defense lawyer has helped clients accused of compelling prostitution - bringing young females into the U.S. for purposes of prostitution. Are you innocent? Can you help the government stop this crime? Contact a criminal defense lawyer who can explain your options.

-Federal Drug Crimes: If you have been arrested for a federal drug crime, you need a lawyer who can investigate, challenge the evidence, and explain the circumstances. Did you know you were transporting illegal drugs? Were you under extreme pressure? Our drug crime defense law firm has handled cases involving trafficking in illegal drugs such as crystal meth, coke, crack cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, marijuana, and others.

-Kidnapping, Bank Robbery: No matter what crime you have been charged with, our criminal defense law firm can effectively represent you.

FELONIES AGAINT FAMILIES

Crimes among family members can be especially difficult. Sorting out the evidence and interviewing witnesses is a challenge when the people involved have a family relationship.

Many felony crimes against family involve family law issues - divorce, visitation, custody. Because we also handle family law matters for our clients, our law firm understands that witness accounts can be confused because of conflicting motivations and emotions. We have defended clients who acted while in a highly emotional state. We have also defended clients who faced false sex crime charges.

Our first step in any situation is to protect our client's rights. Our criminal defense law firm listens carefully to the client's view of the events that led to criminal charges. We look at the evidence, past incidents, and contributing factors. We work to dismiss the charges - or, if called in time, to keep charges from being filed. Our defense lawyer also looks for ways to mitigate any punishment.

Our criminal defense law firm has handled a wide range of cases involving alleged felonies against families, including but not limited to:

-Child Abuse
-Child Sex Abuse
-Custody Violations
-Domestic Violence
-Family Assault
-Obstruction of Visitation
-Spousal Abuse

FELONIES AGAINST PEOPLE

Felony crimes against people - murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, sex crimes - require a defense attorney with experience and an ability to understand the emotional and scientific complexities of crimes against people.

At the Law Offices of Thomas A. Martin, we know that felony crimes against people can generate an exceptional amount of emotion and anxiety. It can be difficult to talk to witnesses, who are often understandably distraught. Our felony crimes defense attorney listens carefully to witnesses in crimes against people, sorting through the emotion to get to the facts of the case.

We also know how to review forensic evidence, finding the clues that tell the story of the case. Autopsies, accident reports, crime scene photos, and witness statements all add to the complexity of the case. As a tactical attorney, Thomas A. Martin develops a strategy based on the evidence. Our criminal defense law firm handles the defense in a wide range of cases, including but not limited to:

-Homicide
-Kidnapping
-Manslaughter
-Negligent Homicide
-Sex Crimes

FELONIES AGAINST PROPERTY

A property felony involves tangible evidence - stolen goods or damaged property. To prosecute a person accused of a crime against property, the investigator and prosecutor must be able to establish a link between the crime and the suspect.

At the Law Offices of Thomas A. Martin, we examine the evidence carefully. Was it lawfully obtained? Is there a clear link with the client? What may seem like a clear link - stolen goods found in a suspect's car, for example - may prove to be explainable. The stolen property may have been placed there by someone else.

Whatever the circumstances in your case, it is important to have a criminal defense lawyer who knows the rules of evidence and understands forensic science. Attorney Thomas A. Martin has the experience, the determination, and the scientific knowledge you need for an effective defense. He also has extensive experience interviewing witnesses and cutting through deceptive tactics.

Our criminal defense law firm handles all types of felonies against property, including but not limited to:

-Arson
-Credit Card Theft
-Criminal Mischief
-Forgery
-Grand Theft Auto
-Robbery, Home Burglary
-Vandalism

JUVENILE DEFENSE

Under Texas law, there are different rules in juvenile criminal cases. A minor cannot be interviewed alone. The prison system for juveniles is managed by the Texas Youth Commission. Minors with extended sentences (such as those for murder) will be held by the Texas Youth Commission until age 21, when they are transferred to the adult prison system.

Whatever the charges - from marijuana possession to murder - the minor child needs a lawyer who understands the juvenile justice code, knows the law, and protects the rights of the juvenile. Our juvenile defense lawyer knows that the choices and actions taken now will affect a child's future for years to come and will listen to our client's version of what happened.

We will examine the evidence, interview witnesses, and explore the options for alternative sentencing. We work for dismissal of charges. When that is not feasible, we work for alternative sentencing such as community service. Our juvenile defense attorney handles a full range of charges, including but not limited to:

-Assault, Battery
-Drug Possession
-Drug Sales, Trafficking
-Malicious Mischief
-Murder, Manslaughter
-Robbery, Theft, Burglary
-Sex Crimes, Rape
-Truancy
-Underage Drinking

While juvenile crime often affects the entire family, our client is the minor child accused of a crime. We will protect that client's rights at every step of the juvenile justice process. Those rights include attorney confidentiality and full protection of the minor's rights.

MISDEMEANORS AGAINST FAMILIES

Family problems can be emotional and confusing. Add a misdemeanor charge to that mix, and the problems increase many times over.

At the Law Offices of Thomas A. Martin, you will find a misdemeanor defense lawyer who also has substantial experience as a family law attorney. In Houston and throughout Southeast Texas, our law firm has a reputation for handling family issues - civil and criminal - discreetly and with compassion.

Your first concern when family members are involved in a criminal matter is to make sure everyone's legal rights are protected. At our criminal defense law firm, we protect the rights of the person accused of wrongdoing. We make sure that person is presumed innocent and is treated with respect and in accordance with the law.

When criminal charges are a part of family confrontations and disputes, our criminal defense lawyer knows how to sort through the evidence, listen to the witnesses, and develop a defense plan for the person charged. We have handled many cases involving misdemeanors within families, including but not limited to:

-Assault
-Bigamy
-Child Abuse
-Custody Interference
-Domestic Violence
-Spousal Abuse
-Unlawful Restraint
-Visitation Obstruction

MISDEMEANORS AGAINST PEOPLE

When a crime does minimal damage to the victim, the prosecutor may decide to lower the charge from a felony to a misdemeanor. Even though the charge is lower, the person charged still needs an effective defense attorney.

Why do you need a lawyer? Won't this problem go away faster if you just plead guilty? A criminal misdemeanor is a part of your record. It can affect job and educational opportunities well into the future. Make sure you know all your options before you make a decision about the charges you are facing.

At our criminal defense law firm, our first priority is to protect your rights. The sooner we begin doing that, the better for your situation. Our criminal defense lawyer will look at the evidence, talk to any witnesses, and work for a dismissal of charges or a lowering of charges. If you face punishment, attorney Thomas A. Martin will explain the mitigating circumstances that are involved in your case.

Your future is important. Your reputation is essential. If you have been charged with a crime, protect your future and your reputation. Contact a criminal defense lawyer. Our law firm has experience with all areas of misdemeanors against property, including but not limited to:

-Assault
-DUI
-Evading Arrest
-Harassment
-Indecent Exposure
-Misdemeanor Sex Crimes
-Minor Alcohol Possession
-Public Intoxication
-Unlawful Restraint
-Weapons Charges

MISDEMEANORS AGAINST PROPERTY

In Texas, a crime against property is value-related. If the stolen or damaged property is worth less than $1,500, the crime charged is a misdemeanor. Crimes of higher value are felonies against property.

No matter how minor a criminal charge may seem, how you deal with it today can affect your life in many different ways for years into the future. Know your rights. Make sure you have an attorney who will protect those rights. At the Law Offices of Thomas A. Martin, we can explain your rights, explain what you have been charged with, and discuss your options.

We will review the evidence, interview witnesses, and challenge any evidence that was not properly obtained or that does not show a clear link to our client. First on our list of priorities is to protect your rights. Next is our determination to limit the damage this charge does to your life and reputation.

Our criminal defense law firm has handled a wide range of misdemeanors against property, including but not limited to:

-Burglary
-Criminal Mischief
-Gambling Promotion
-Petty Theft
-Shoplifting
-Traffic Violations
-Trespassing
-Vandalism

WHITE COLLAR CRIMES

As soon as you know you are being investigated for a white collar crime, talk to an experienced white collar defense lawyer about your situation. At the Law Offices of Thomas A. Martin, we have extensive experience protecting the rights and interests of clients charged with fraud and other white collar crimes.

-Accounting Fraud: Have you been accused of "cooking the books" for your company? Our white collar defense law firm will do our own investigation to assure that the prosecutor does not use evidence that cannot be linked to you. We will assure that investigators respect the limits placed on search warrants.

-Embezzlement, Securities Fraud, Bribery, Counterfeiting, Credit Card Fraud: Whatever charges you are facing, we have the experience and determination to help you.

-Health Care Fraud, Medicare Fraud: If you have been charged with falsifying medical bills associated with a car accident or if you are accused of defrauding Medicare, you need a lawyer who understands the details involved and can help you explain the situation.

-Tax Fraud: Some cases of tax evasion are based on under-reporting income while others are based on overstating deductions. If you are a CPA suspected of setting up tax fraud schemes for your clients, contact a tax fraud lawyer to help you through the legal process.

Whether you feel you are innocent or not, you have rights. At the Law Offices of Thomas A. Martin, we will aggressively protect those rights. If you were involved with fraud because of personal or business pressures, we will work with you to mitigate the damages.

SEX OFFENSES, ADULT

Once a sex crime investigation starts, it is difficult to slow down the pace and get the investigator to listen to your side of the story. That is why you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. If you have been charged or if you think you might be charged, call us immediately so that we can begin protecting your rights and investigating the facts.

Society looks at sex crime accusations suspiciously, often assuming guilt on the part of anyone who has been questioned. Your reputation and your freedom could be at stake. Even when there is no physical evidence of rape or other sexual assault or sexual abuse, the investigation will usually proceed.

Police and prosecutors work quickly and aggressively on sex crime cases. If the police want to question you, you cannot rely on your innocence to protect you. You need a lawyer who can explain the process to you, defend your rights, and start investigating on your behalf.

Our criminal defense law firm has handled all types of sex offenses involving adults, including but not limited to:
-Aggravated Sexual Assault
-Improper Relationship between Therapist and Patient -Improper Sexual Photo or Visual Recording
-Indecent Exposure
-Prohibited Sexual Contact (incest)
-Public Lewdness
-Sexual Assault (rape)
-Teacher and Student Sex

We know that a love letter or an incriminating photo or an innocent action can be interpreted many different ways. We know that you might say something in a police interview that could be taken in more than one way. That is why it is so important to have a lawyer present who is focused on your rights.

SEXUAL OFFENSES, CHILD

If you have been accused of sexual contact or indecency toward a child, your credibility will be in question. The police, the prosecutor, and the general public will probably believe the child no matter what the background or facts of the case might be. As a society, we want to protect children, and that is appropriate. But we also need to protect the rights of people accused of child sex offenses.

Have you been questioned? Have you been arrested? Whether or not you feel you are innocent of the accusations, you need a lawyer experienced in cases like yours. Depending on the facts of the case, we will work to keep charges from being filed, to have the charges dismissed, to obtain a fair plea bargain that limits the damages you are facing, or to fight the charges in a court of law.

We have represented people in a wide range of cases, including but not limited to: -Adult Sexual Fondling of a Child
-Aggravated Sexual Assault (child rape)
-Indecency with a Child (sexual contact or sexual exposure)
-Pedophilia
-Teacher and Student Sexual Contact

We have found through experience that child sex offense charges are often based on false allegations. We have won dismissals in cases in which detailed descriptions of the location and of the accused person proved to be inaccurate. Some allegations prove to be physically impossible. Others are based on peer pressure, pressure from adults, an attempt to avoid discipline, a desire for attention or money.

Whatever the reason for false charges, contact child sex abuse defense lawyer Thomas A. Martin for a thorough investigation and an aggressive defense.

If there is any merit at all to the charges, your attorney will continue to vigorously defend your rights while working to limit the consequences.

The Law Offices of Thomas A. Martin represents clients throughout Southeast Texas, including the cities of Houston, Galveston, Memorial, River Oaks, West University,
Clear Lake, League City, Sugar Land, Pearland, Beaumont, Hempstead, Katy, Conroe, and all the communities in Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend,
Galveston, Grimes, Harris, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, Walker, Waller and Wharton Counties.
The Law Offices of Thomas A. Martin represents individuals facing serious felony charges in both state and federal trial and appellate courts. We represent people facing felony charges from drugs to murder, and have developed an emphasis on sex crimes (both adult and child offenses).

In our commercial litigation practice, we represent small business owners facing "bet the business" litigation prospects if the opposing side wins.

With our family law practice, we cherish the opportunity to represent parents, especially fathers, who need a divorce and want to keep or get custody of their kids.