My office is in League City, on the mainland side of Galveston County. I represent adults charged with misdemeanors and felonies throughout the county, from League City and Friendswood to Texas City and the island.
I also know Galveston County cases from more than one side. I was a Felony Prosecutor in the Galveston County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. I have also served as a Municipal Judge, and I have spent 15 years as a criminal defense lawyer. Today, my practice is limited to criminal defense.
Communities I serve in Galveston County
League City, Texas City, Galveston, Friendswood, Dickinson, La Marque, Santa Fe, Kemah, Hitchcock, and the surrounding area.
The courthouse
Most Galveston County felony and misdemeanor cases are heard at the Galveston County Justice Center, 600 59th Street, Galveston. The county’s district courts and county courts at law are located there. Please note: this is the county courthouse, not my office. My office is at 2600 South Shore Blvd, Suite 300, League City.
From League City, the Justice Center is a drive down Interstate 45 to the island. That makes it practical for me to meet with you in League City and be in court in Galveston.
How a criminal case moves in Galveston County
Every case is different, but most adult criminal cases in Galveston County follow the same general path under Texas law.
1. Arrest
A case usually starts with an arrest by a local police department, the Sheriff’s Office, or a state agency such as DPS. Some cases start with a warrant issued after an investigation.
2. Magistration and bond
After an arrest, Texas law requires that the person be taken before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, and no later than 48 hours after arrest. The magistrate explains the accusation and the person’s rights, sets bond, and may add bond conditions. In family-violence cases, the magistrate may also issue an emergency protective order.
3. Formal charge: information or indictment
- Misdemeanors (Class A and B) are usually charged by an information, a written charge filed by the prosecutor. These cases are heard in a county court at law.
- Felonies generally require an indictment from a grand jury, unless the person, with a lawyer, waives indictment. Felony cases are heard in a district court.
- Class C offenses, which are fine-only, are usually handled in a justice of the peace court or a city’s municipal court.
4. Court settings
Once the case is filed, it is set on a court’s docket. There are usually several settings. At these settings, evidence is exchanged, motions are filed and heard, and the defense and the State may discuss how the case could be resolved. Missing a setting can lead to a warrant, so it is important to attend every one you are required to attend.
5. Resolution
A case can end in several ways: a dismissal, an agreement, a form of community supervision, or a trial before a judge or jury. Which outcome is possible depends on the facts, the evidence, and your history.
Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future results.
A note about my time as a prosecutor
My past work as a prosecutor gives me an understanding of how cases are investigated and charged. It does not give me special access to, or influence with, any judge or prosecutor’s office, and I do not use confidential information from that work.
What to do now
- Write down the basics: the date of arrest, the arresting agency, and your next court date.
- Keep every paper you received at release, including bond conditions.
- Do not talk about your case on jail phones, by text, or on social media.
- Call me before your first setting.
Charges I handle in Galveston County
I handle adult criminal cases of all kinds, including DWI, family violence and assault, drug charges, theft, felonies, misdemeanors, probation violations, and warrants and bond.
Talk with me about your Galveston County case
Call me at (346) 366-7566 for a free consultation, or email kyle@vancedefense.com.