The goal is always the best possible outcome for your case. Sometimes that means a dismissal. Sometimes it means reduced charges. And sometimes it means fighting at trial. Whatever your situation requires, we're prepared.
Our Houston criminal defense lawyers give you an edge
Criminal charges don't wait — and neither should you. From the moment you're arrested, the prosecution begins building a case against you. Evidence is collected, witnesses are interviewed, and strategies are formed. Every hour you spend without an experienced attorney is an hour the State uses to strengthen its position.
At Turnbull Legal Group, we understand what's at stake. Your job, your family, your freedom, and your future all hang in the balance. That's why our Houston criminal defense attorneys move fast, fight hard, and never back down from a challenge. Led by E.R. "Ned" Turnbull — a former State District Court Judge and Chief Prosecutor — we bring a perspective and experience that very few criminal defense attorneys in Houston can offer.
We've sat on the other side of the courtroom. We know how prosecutors think, how judges evaluate evidence, and how cases are won or lost before trial even begins. When you hire Turnbull Legal Group, you're not just getting a defense attorney — you're putting decades of insider knowledge in your corner. This is the Turnbull Edge.
Is it worth it to hire a criminal defense attorney?
If you're asking this question, you're already thinking about your future — and that's the right instinct. The short answer is yes: hiring a criminal defense attorney is almost always worth it when you're facing charges that could affect your freedom, your record, and your livelihood.
Here's the reality most people don't understand until they're in the system: the Texas criminal justice process is not designed to protect you. It's designed to process cases efficiently, and that often means pushing defendants toward quick plea deals that may not serve their best interests.
At minimum, a skilled Houston criminal defense attorney can provide you with:
- Constitutional protection: Making sure police followed proper procedures during your arrest, search, and interrogation
- Evidence analysis: Identifying weaknesses, inconsistencies, and missing pieces in the prosecution's case
- Strong negotiation: Leveraging experience and rapport to pursue reduced charges or dismissals
- Trial preparation: Building a compelling defense if your case goes before a jury
- Guidance and clarity: Explaining what's actually happening at every stage so you can make informed decisions
Without an attorney, you're at sea in a complex legal system — against prosecutors who do this every day.
Why hire an experienced Houston criminal defense lawyer
Not all criminal defense attorneys are created equal. Experience matters — but the type of experience matters even more.
Many attorneys have defended clients in court. Far fewer have sat on the other side of the bench. When you hire Turnbull Legal Group, you're getting an attorney who has:
- Prosecuted cases as a Chief Prosecutor, learning exactly how the State builds its arguments
- Presided over cases as a State District Court Judge, learning in-depth how judges evaluate evidence and make rulings
- Taken part in more than 200 felony jury trials, including death penalty cases
This dual perspective creates a tactical advantage for our clients. We don't just react to what prosecutors do — we anticipate it. We know which arguments land with judges and which ones fall flat. We understand the unwritten rules of Harris County courtrooms because we've spent decades inside them. When your freedom is on the line, you want an attorney who has seen criminal cases from every angle — and knows exactly how to use that perspective to protect you.
Criminal offenses we defend in Harris County
Turnbull Legal Group defends clients facing the full spectrum of criminal charges in Harris County. Whether you're dealing with a misdemeanor that threatens your record or a serious felony that could mean years in prison, our Houston criminal defense attorneys have the experience to build a powerful defense.
DWI
A DWI conviction can cost you your license, your job, and thousands of dollars in fines. Our DWI attorneys in Houston know every defense strategy available and fight aggressively to protect your driving privileges and your future. We also serve clients throughout the region, including those searching for a Conroe DWI lawyer or Bryan DWI lawyer.
Drug crimes
From possession to distribution to manufacturing, drug charges carry severe penalties in Texas. Our Houston drug charges attorneys examine every detail of your arrest and the evidence against you, challenging unlawful searches and fighting for reduced or dismissed charges.
Domestic violence
Domestic violence allegations can destroy relationships, careers, and reputations — even before a conviction. Our domestic violence defense attorneys in Houston provide aggressive representation and treat every single client with dignity and respect.
Assault and violent crimes
Charges like aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and standard aggravated assault in Texas carry serious prison time. We've defended clients facing the most severe violent crime charges and know how to challenge the prosecution's narrative.
Turnbull Legal Group also takes cases in the following areas:
- Sex crimes: Aggressive defense for sensitive, high-stakes allegations
- Weapons crimes: Unlawful possession, felon-in-possession, and related charges
- White-collar crimes: Fraud, embezzlement, and financial crime defense
- Property crimes: Theft, burglary, vandalism, and arson charges
- Federal crimes: Representation for clients facing federal prosecution
- Expungements: Helping eligible clients clear their criminal records
- Probation violations: Fighting to keep you out of jail when violations occur
No matter what charges you're facing, Turnbull has the knowledge, experience, and courtroom skills to protect your life.
What to do if you’re facing criminal charges in Houston
The moments after an arrest can be some of the most important in your life. What you do — and what you don't do — can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here's what you need to know:
- Exercise your right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions beyond basic identification until you have an attorney present.
- Do not consent to searches. If police ask to search your vehicle, home, or belongings, you have the right to refuse. Consenting can waive important constitutional protections.
- Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. The earlier you have representation, the earlier we can begin protecting your rights and building your defense strategy.
- Document everything you remember. Write down the details of your arrest while they're fresh — what was said, who was present, and how you were treated.
- Avoid discussing your case. Don't talk about your charges with friends, family, or on social media. Anything you share could become evidence.
Once you contact Turnbull about your criminal case, we start to move quickly. Here’s what we’re going to do next:
- Review your arrest and charges to identify any constitutional violations
- File detailed discovery requests to obtain all evidence the State has against you
- Analyze that evidence for inconsistencies, weaknesses, and missing pieces
- Develop a strategic defense tailored to your specific circumstances
- Negotiate aggressively with prosecutors for dismissals or reduced charges
- Prepare meticulously for trial if that's the best path forward
The prosecution is building their case from the moment that you’re arrested. Make sure you have someone building yours.
How a former judge and prosecutor fights for dropped or reduced charges
The overwhelming majority of cases are won or lost long before they go to trial. At Turnbull Legal Group, we don't wait to see what the prosecution does — we go on the offensive from day one.
Our approach to getting charges dropped or reduced:
Challenging the arrest
Was there probable cause for your arrest? Did police follow proper procedures? Were your constitutional rights violated during the search or interrogation? If law enforcement cut corners, we file motions to suppress evidence — which can lead to dismissed charges.
Attacking the evidence
Every piece of evidence has a story. We examine police reports, witness statements, video footage, lab results, and forensic analysis with a critical eye. Inconsistencies, missing evidence, and procedural errors can all weaken the State's case.
Leveraging prosecutorial knowledge
Ned Turnbull spent years as a Chief Prosecutor. He knows how prosecutors evaluate cases, prioritize resources, and make decisions about plea offers. This insider knowledge allows us to anticipate their strategy and negotiate from a position of strength.
Building mitigation evidence
Sometimes the best path forward involves demonstrating who you are beyond the charges. We compile mitigation evidence — employment history, community involvement, character references — that can influence prosecutors to reduce charges or recommend alternative sentencing.
Preparing for trial
Prosecutors know which defense attorneys are willing to go to trial and which ones aren't. With more than 200 felony jury trials — including death penalty cases — Ned Turnbull has the credibility and courtroom skill to make prosecutors think twice about taking a weak case before a jury.
Criminal defense costs vary widely depending on the complexity of your case, the severity of charges, and whether your case goes to trial. The only way to get an accurate picture of how much an attorney will cost to work your case is to schedule a consultation where you can review your specific situation.
Simple misdemeanor cases might cost a couple of thousand dollars, while more complex cases like DWI and aggravated assault run north of $10,000. If your case goes to trial, it will get a lot more expensive for your attorney, who will be required to put a lot more time and resources into it.
At Turnbull Legal Group, we believe in transparent pricing. During your free consultation, we'll discuss costs openly and help you understand what to expect. We also offer flexible payment options because we believe everyone deserves quality legal defense — regardless of their financial situation.
What's often not talked about is the cost of not hiring an experienced attorney. A criminal conviction can result in fines, jail time, probation, and a permanent record that affects employment, housing, and educational opportunities for years to come. Investing in experienced criminal defense often pays dividends through reduced charges, dismissed cases, or favorable agreements that minimize long-term consequences. If you have the ability to fight for your future, we believe that it's always worth doing so.
What sets apart the top criminal lawyers in Houston?
Houston has thousands of criminal defense attorneys. Finding the right one for your case isn’t about picking the one with the biggest billboard or the most bus-stop ads — it requires knowing what to look for, and what questions to ask.
Some things you might look for in your Houston criminal defense attorney include:
Experience in your case type.
Look for an attorney with specific experience in your charge type — whether that's DWI, drug crimes, violent offenses, or white-collar cases.
Courtroom experience
Ask how many jury trials they've actually tried — not just how many cases they've handled. Many attorneys negotiate plea deals but rarely step into a courtroom. When prosecutors know your attorney is willing and able to go to trial, it strengthens your negotiating position.
Local court knowledge
An attorney familiar with Harris County judges, prosecutors, and procedures may have a significant advantage over one that doesn’t. Each judge has different preferences for bail, sentencing, and trial strategy. Similarly, each prosecutor has different negotiation styles and priorities. Local knowledge matters.
Prosecutorial or judicial background
Very few attorneys have served as either a judge or a prosecutor. A varied background gives an attorney perspective, as well as the ability to anticipate the prosecution's moves, understand how judges evaluate evidence, and craft defense strategies that address the court's actual concerns.
Communication and access
During your consultation, pay attention to how they communicate. Do they explain things clearly? Do they listen to your concerns? Do you feel like they’re giving it to you straight? Your gut will tell you a lot.
How much jail time am I facing under Texas law?
Wondering how serious your charge is? Taking a look at some of the potential penalties of a conviction might help you see what's at stake — and why getting a quality attorney is so important.
