Fort Bend County Criminal Defense
Facing criminal charges in Sugar Land or Fort Bend County? The decisions you make in the first 48 hours after an arrest shape everything that follows. An experienced criminal defense attorney can protect your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Available 24/7 · Free & Confidential Consultation
Texas: (713) 885-9787 · Arizona: (602) 767-5767
Email: contact@orangelaw.us
Tell us about your situation. We respond within 1 hour.
Being arrested or charged with a crime in Sugar Land is a serious event that demands immediate attention. Texas criminal law is strict — a conviction can result in jail time, heavy fines, a permanent criminal record, and long-term consequences that affect your employment, housing, and civil rights.
Fort Bend County’s criminal court system, centered at the Fort Bend County Justice Center at 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle in Richmond, handles all felony and misdemeanor cases in the county. The building houses the County Courts at Law and District Courts, which have jurisdiction over criminal cases ranging from misdemeanors to the most serious felonies (Source: fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/district-courts). For Class C misdemeanor cases (fine only), the Sugar Land Municipal Court at 1200 Highway 6 South has jurisdiction.
The Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office, led by DA Brian Middleton, prosecutes all felony and Class A/B misdemeanor cases in Fort Bend County. The DA’s office operates under a stated mission that “the primary duty is not to convict, but to see that justice is done,” utilizing evidence-based prosecutions (Source: fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/district-attorney). Understanding how the DA’s office evaluates cases — and what defenses are available — is critical to building an effective defense.
A criminal defense attorney’s role is to protect your constitutional rights, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and — when necessary — take your case to trial. The right attorney can mean the difference between a dismissal, a reduced charge, and a conviction.
The first 48 hours shape the trajectory of your entire case. Here is what you should do.
You have a constitutional right under the Fifth Amendment not to answer investigators’ questions without an attorney present. Do not give a statement. Do not consent to a search. Do not try to “explain” what happened. Politely decline to answer questions and request an attorney. Being silent is not an admission of guilt.
Before you say anything else, before bond, before a magistration appearance — call a criminal defense lawyer. Early legal intervention changes what gets charged, what gets said in your case, and what your bond conditions look like. A lawyer can also protect you from making statements that could be used against you.
In Fort Bend County, after arrest you will be booked at the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility at 1410 Williams Way Boulevard in Richmond. A magistrate will review probable cause and set bail. Bond may be posted through a cash bond (paying the full amount) or a surety bond through a licensed bail bondsman, typically at 10 percent of the bond amount (Source: fortbendcountytx.gov). With an attorney present at magistration, the bond amount can sometimes be reduced.
Save text messages, call logs, surveillance footage, witness names, and any timeline of events. Evidence disappears fast. The defense investigation should start before the prosecution’s does. Tell your attorney everything — communications with your lawyers are confidential.
We defend clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout Fort Bend County and surrounding Texas counties.
A first-offense DWI in Texas is a Class B misdemeanor under Texas Penal Code § 49.04, carrying a minimum 72 hours and up to 180 days in jail, fines up to $2,000, and license suspension for 90 to 365 days. With an open container, the minimum jumps to 6 days. A second DWI is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine). Third or subsequent DWI is a third-degree felony (2 to 10 years prison, $10,000 fine). You have only 15 days after arrest to request an ALR hearing to contest license suspension.
Texas drug offenses range from state jail felonies to first-degree felonies depending on the substance, quantity, and whether delivery or manufacturing is alleged. Penalty Group 1 (cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine) carries the harshest penalties. Possession of less than 1 gram is a state jail felony (180 days to 2 years). Possession of 4 grams or more to 200 grams is a second-degree felony (2 to 20 years). Federal drug cases carry mandatory minimum sentences.
Assault causing bodily injury is a Class A misdemeanor under Texas Penal Code § 22.01 (up to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine). Assault against a family member or dating partner carries enhanced penalties and may involve a protective order. Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is a second-degree felony (2 to 20 years). Assault of a public servant or emergency services worker is a third-degree felony.
Texas classifies felonies into five degrees. A state jail felony carries 180 days to 2 years in state jail. A third-degree felony carries 2 to 10 years. A second-degree felony carries 2 to 20 years. A first-degree felony carries 5 to 99 years or life. Capital murder carries life without parole or the death penalty. The specific charge and degree depend on the facts of the case and any prior criminal history.
Theft penalties in Texas are based on the value of the property stolen. Theft of property valued at $2,500 to $30,000 is a state jail felony. Theft of $30,000 to $150,000 is a third-degree felony. Theft of $150,000 to $300,000 is a second-degree felony. Theft of $300,000 or more is a first-degree felony. Burglary of a habitation is a second-degree felony, or first-degree felony if committed with intent to commit another felony.
Sex crimes in Texas carry severe penalties and mandatory sex offender registration. Sexual assault is a second-degree felony (2 to 20 years). Aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony (5 to 99 years or life). Indecency with a child is a second or third-degree felony. Online solicitation of a minor is a third or second-degree felony. Registration may be required for 10 years, 20 years, or life depending on the offense.
Understanding the penalties you face is the first step in building your defense.
| Offense Level | Classification | Jail / Prison Time | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class C Misdemeanor | Least Serious | None (fine only) | $500 |
| Class B Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 180 days | $2,000 |
| Class A Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | $4,000 |
| State Jail Felony | Felony | 180 days to 2 years | $10,000 |
| 3rd Degree Felony | Felony | 2 to 10 years | $10,000 |
| 2nd Degree Felony | Felony | 2 to 20 years | $10,000 |
| 1st Degree Felony | Most Serious | 5 to 99 years or life | $10,000 |
| Capital Felony | Capital | Life without parole or death | N/A |
Source: Texas Penal Code Chapter 12 — Texas Criminal Offense Classifications
Driving while intoxicated charges are taken seriously in Fort Bend County. Here is what you need to know.
Classification: Class B Misdemeanor
You have only 15 days to request an ALR hearing
Classification: Class A Misdemeanor
Classification: Third-Degree Felony
Classification: State Jail Felony (Texas Penal Code § 49.045)
Fort Bend County law enforcement, including the Sugar Land Police Department, Missouri City Police, and the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, actively patrol for impaired drivers. The county participates in state and national DWI enforcement campaigns, including no-refusal weekends. If you are arrested for DWI in Fort Bend County, the process begins at the Fort Bend County Detention Facility in Richmond, where you will be booked and face magistration within 48 hours.
Understanding the steps from arrest to resolution helps you prepare for what comes next.
After arrest, you are taken to the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility at 1410 Williams Way Boulevard in Richmond for booking and processing. You will be photographed, fingerprinted, and placed in a holding cell. The booking process typically takes 4 to 12 hours depending on the facility’s workload.
Within 48 hours of arrest, you must be brought before a magistrate who will inform you of the charges, appoint an attorney if you cannot afford one, and set bail. In Fort Bend County, magistration occurs at the Fort Bend County Justice Center at 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle in Richmond. Bond may be set as a cash bond or surety bond (typically 10% through a bail bondsman).
At arraignment, you are formally read the charges and enter a plea. In Fort Bend County, many cases are reset after arraignment to allow for discovery, investigation, and plea negotiations. An attorney can often appear on your behalf at arraignment, saving you a court appearance.
Your attorney obtains discovery from the Fort Bend County DA’s office. This includes police reports, witness statements, breath/blood test results, surveillance footage, and expert reports. Your attorney reviews all evidence and identifies weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Most criminal cases in Fort Bend County are resolved through plea agreements. A skilled negotiator can often secure reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or diversion programs. If a fair offer is not made, your case proceeds to trial where a jury decides guilt or innocence.
We bring experience, knowledge, and dedication to every Fort Bend County criminal case.
Our attorneys have worked on both sides of the aisle. We know how prosecutors think, what evidence they need, and where their cases are weakest. This insider knowledge strengthens your defense.
Board certification in criminal law is the highest credential the Texas Board of Legal Specialization awards. It means our attorneys have demonstrated substantial experience and passed a rigorous examination in criminal law.
Criminal charges do not follow business hours. We are available around the clock to take your call, begin your defense, and protect your rights from the moment you need us.
We investigate every case from day one. We obtain all evidence, interview witnesses, consult with experts, and identify every possible defense before advising you on your options.
You will work directly with an experienced attorney, not a paralegal or junior associate. Your case receives the personal attention it deserves from start to finish.
We offer a free, confidential consultation to review your case, explain your options, and answer your questions. There is no obligation and no pressure — just honest legal advice.
Key contacts and locations for criminal cases in Fort Bend County.
1422 Eugene Heimann Circle
Richmond, TX 77469
County Courts at Law & District Courts
1200 Highway 6 South
Sugar Land, TX 77478
Class C Misdemeanors Only
Phone: (281) 275-2560
1410 Williams Way Blvd
Richmond, TX 77469
Detention Facility
Phone: (281) 341-4735
1200 SH-6
Sugar Land, TX 77478
Phone: (281) 275-2500
District Attorney: Brian Middleton
Fort Bend County Justice Center
Richmond, TX 77469
12919 Dairy Ashford, Suite 100
Sugar Land, TX 77478
Phone: (281) 491-6016
Answers to the most common questions about criminal charges in Fort Bend County.
There is no deadline to “fight” a DWI — the statute of limitations for filing charges is 2 years for a misdemeanor DWI and 3 years for felony DWI. However, you have only 15 days from your arrest to request an ALR hearing to contest your license suspension. Additionally, evidence and witness memories degrade over time. The sooner you retain an attorney, the stronger your defense will be.
Yes, in certain circumstances. If your case is dismissed or you are acquitted, you may be eligible for an expunction (complete destruction of the arrest record) under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55. If you received deferred adjudication, you may be eligible for a nondisclosure order (sealing the record from public view) under Texas Government Code Chapter 411. Eligibility depends on the offense type, the outcome, and whether you successfully completed all conditions.
If you fail to appear for a scheduled court date, the judge will likely issue a bench warrant for your arrest. In Fort Bend County, you may also face an additional charge of Failure to Appear (a Class B misdemeanor under Texas Penal Code § 38.10). The court may also revoke your bond and set a new, higher bond amount. If you have missed a court date, contact an attorney immediately — there are steps that can be taken to quash the warrant and address the underlying case.
Costs vary based on the charge, complexity, and whether the case goes to trial. Most criminal defense firms charge flat fees rather than hourly billing. Misdemeanor representation typically ranges from $3,000 to $10,000. Felony representation generally starts higher and scales with the severity of the charge. Federal cases require more extensive preparation and generally start higher. Many firms, including Orange Law, offer free initial consultations and payment plans.
In Texas, misdemeanors are less serious offenses punishable by up to 1 year in county jail and fines up to $4,000 (Class A). Felonies are more serious offenses punishable by 180 days to life in prison and fines up to $10,000. The classification depends on the specific offense and any aggravating factors. A felony conviction carries additional long-term consequences, including loss of voting rights (until completion of sentence), inability to possess firearms, and difficulty finding employment.
This is one of the most important decisions in any criminal case. A plea bargain may reduce your charges or sentence, but it also means giving up your right to trial. An experienced attorney can evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, advise you on the likely trial outcome, and negotiate for the best possible plea terms. In Fort Bend County, prosecutors often make better offers when they know your attorney is trial-ready and willing to fight.
At a bond hearing (also called a magistration hearing), a magistrate reviews the probable cause for your arrest and sets bail. In Fort Bend County, magistration occurs within 48 hours of arrest at the Fort Bend County Justice Center in Richmond. The magistrate considers factors including the severity of the offense, your criminal history, your ties to the community, and whether you are a flight risk. Having an attorney at this hearing can result in a lower bond amount and more favorable conditions.
A criminal charge is not a conviction. You have rights, and you deserve a defense built on experience, knowledge, and preparation. Contact our Fort Bend County criminal defense team today for a free, confidential case review.
The information on this page is for general purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every criminal case is unique. The outcome of any case depends on the specific facts and circumstances. Orange Law makes no guarantees about the outcome of any case. Contacting Orange Law or submitting information through this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. Do not send confidential information until an attorney-client relationship has been established.
