State Criminal Defense
The vast majority of criminal investigations and charges result from alleged violations of state law rather than federal law. The variety and complexity of the charges require a criminal defense attorney who has extensive knowledge of both criminal defense and the operations of the District Attorney's Office. District Attorney's have great discretion in determining which allegations will be investigated and what charges will be filed. Terry W. Yates, with his personal experience in the DA's office, knows how the prosecutors approach a case and can utilize that knowledge to your advantage. Many of Terry's successful representations and negotiations result in no charges ever being filed and the complete exoneration of his clients. Terry has successfully represented clients in matters ranging from misdemeanors to capital murder.
Cases at trial are often won or lost on the skill and ability of the lawyer. Terry's trial ability is unmatched by most Houston criminal defense attorneys, and his record of winning acquittal verdicts for his clients supports this claim. Terry's success in the courtroom is not limited to Harris County. Terry represents clients across the entire state of Texas and in state actions across the country.
Yates Law Offices handles all criminal matters arising in state courts including charges of drunk driving, drug possession, drug delivery, assault, theft, alcohol violations and all other felony and misdemeanor charges.
State Practice includes all criminal matters, including:
- Drunk driving (driving while intoxicated/DWI), including ALR Hearings
- Drug possession/Drug delivery
- Sexual Assault/Assault
- Homicide
- Robbery/Theft
- White-collar crime (fraud/embezzlement/extortion, etc)
- Environmental violations
- Alcohol-related charges
- All misdemeanors (class "A", "B", and "C")
State Law Qualifications:
- Board Certified in Criminal Law - Texas Board of Legal Specialization (1995)
- Former Assistant District Attorney, Harris County (1990-1994)
- Member of the State Bar of Texas
- Member of the Houston Bar Association Legislative Committee (2004-2005)
State Law Experience:
- Trial Experience from hundreds of cases as prosecutor and Houston criminal defense attorney
- Handled cases in numerous counties throughout the state, including Harris, Polk, Brazoria, Galveston, Ft. Bend, Dallas, Tarrant, Bexar, Jefferson, Montgomery, Washington and Travis
- Successfully represented clients charged with Capital Murder through class "C" misdemeanors