Texas State Criminal Defense Lawyer

Harris County courthouse in Houston, where a State criminal defense lawyer litigates cases.

How Texas State Crime Laws Apply to You

A state crime in Texas is any act that violates Texas state law, rather than federal law. These offenses are investigated by local or state police, prosecuted by county or district attorneys, and tried in Texas state courts.

Even if you believe you have done nothing wrong or have nothing to hide, a conversation with federal investigators without legal representation can have serious and unintended consequences. Our attorneys can guide you through every interaction to ensure your rights are fully protected from the start

Texas State Criminal Defense Lawyer in Harris County, Texas

In Harris County, Texas, Criminal Defense Lawyer.

If you or a loved one is facing a federal investigation on criminal charges, the stakes could not be higher. During this overwhelming time. You need a reassuring, sophisticated and relentless defense team who is experienced in federal crimes.

Whether you are in Sugarland, Richmond, Conroe, Angleton, Pearland, Livingston, Hempstead, Bryan, Temple, Killeen or Belton, our attorneys are ready to step in to protect your freedom, your reputation, and your future.

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Why Choose John T. Floyd Law Firm’s Team for Your Criminal Defense in Harris County, Texas

More than 50 years of combined experience in Texas Courts.
Board-Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specializations (a distinction earned by fewer than 1% of Texas lawyers).
A proven track record of defending clients in courts across Houston, Galveston, Beaumont, Waco, and throughout the Lone State.
A dedicated team of legal professionals, investigators, and experts committed to your defense.
Early intervention. Our attorneys work with clients from the first contact with federal agents, often preventing charges from being filed.
Fearless advocacy and representation, challenging the government’s case at every stage.

Do Not Talk to Agents Without an Attorney

Do not talk to law enforcement without consulting your legal team. Even if you believe you have done nothing wrong or have nothing to hide, a conversation with law enforcement agents without legal representation can have serious and unintended consequences. Our attorneys can guide you through every interaction to ensure your rights are fully protected from the start.

State Crimes under Texas Law

Drug Crimes

While federal drug charges focus on interstate trafficking, Texas state drug offenses cover everything from simple possession to the manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance under the Texas Controlled Substances Act. Texas groups drugs into strict penalty groups, and state prosecutors aggressively pursue maximum prison sentences for cases involving methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and illicit fentanyl. Whether you are facing a state-level possession charge or a complex possession-with-intent-to-deliver allegation, our team knows how to expose illegal police searches and dismantle the state’s case.

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White-Collar & Corporate Crimes

White-collar crimes prosecuted at the state level are primarily handled by specialized fraud divisions within Texas District Attorneys’ offices or the Texas Attorney General. These state charges frequently involve allegations of embezzlement, insurance fraud, credit card abuse, and complex deceptive business practices. Under the Texas Penal Code, the severity of these charges is directly tied to the monetary value of the alleged loss, meaning a high-dollar corporate allegation can easily escalate into a first-degree felony carrying up to 99 years in prison.

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Child Exploitation Offenses

Texas law enforces exceptionally harsh penalties for state-level offenses involving the possession, promotion, or production of child pornography, or the online solicitation of a minor. Investigated heavily by local police departments and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), these charges carry mandatory minimum prison sentences and a lifetime of state sex offender registration. The legal team at John T. Floyd Law Firm approaches these highly sensitive state allegations without judgment and with a singular focus: protecting your constitutional rights and achieving the best possible outcome.

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Organized Criminal Activity Charges

In Texas, state prosecutors frequently use the “Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity” statute to elevate standard criminal charges into much more severe felony categories. If the state believes that three or more people collaborated to commit an offense—such as theft, burglary, or fraud—they can charge you with a state-level organized crime felony. Our firm has deep experience defending clients against these high-pressure allegations, ensuring that local police and state prosecutors are held to their strict burden of proof.

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Criminal Trespass and Border-Related Offenses

State-level enforcement of border-related offenses in Texas heavily utilizes state criminal trespass and human smuggling statutes under the Texas Penal Code. These charges can carry steep penalties and heavily disrupt your life, employment, and future. Defending against these state-level enforcement actions requires criminal defense attorneys who intimately understand Texas statutes, state court procedures, and how local jurisdictions handle these high-profile prosecutions.

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Identity Fraud or Theft

In Texas, fraudulent use or possession of identifying information is a serious state felony. State prosecutors actively pursue individuals accused of stealing personal data, cloning credit cards, or using someone else’s identity for financial gain. Our team of expert Texas criminal defense attorneys knows how to meticulously review how the state obtained its digital evidence, whether local police violated your constitutional rights during the search, and whether the state can actually prove you intended to defraud.

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Embezzlement

Charges of misappropriating funds, stealing corporate property, or exploiting a fiduciary relationship are prosecuted under Texas state theft laws. Whether the allegation involves an employee taking cash from a local business registry or a corporate officer mismanaging corporate accounts, a conviction carries devastating professional and legal consequences. Proven, expert representation from the team at John T. Floyd Law Firm will ensure your rights are protected at every stage of a state-level investigation.

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Murder / Homicide

Texas state homicide charges—ranging from criminally negligent homicide and manslaughter to murder and capital murder—carry the most severe penalties allowed under state law, including life in prison or the death penalty. These cases demand an immediate, aggressive defense, as local police and Texas Rangers will spare no expense to build their case. If you are under investigation or have been charged with homicide at the state level, it is imperative that you fight back using an expert Texas criminal defense attorney.

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Sex Crimes

Though some sexual misconduct cases can cross into federal territory, the vast majority of sex offenses—including sexual assault, continuous sexual abuse of a child, and indecent assault—are aggressively prosecuted under the Texas Penal Code. These state-level charges carry severe social stigma, mandatory sex offender registration, and lengthy prison terms in a Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) facility. An experienced Texas sex crimes law firm will protect your rights and privacy throughout the investigation, ensuring you do not say or do anything that could permanently compromise your defense.

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Read What Clients Have to Say

I’ve never been one to write reviews but this time I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to say something. I had some serious legal questions I needed answers to concerning Texas laws. Being I’m from another state, I found and reached out to Attorney John Floyd for the answers. Mr Floyd listened to my requests and told me what he needed from me and went out of his way to get me the answers. Very polite, straightforward and professional, I can’t thank him enough for all he’s done. Whatever your legal case may be, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Mr Floyd.

—Mark

I have used John on two occasions and found him to have full knowledge of Texas law, diligent, creative in plan, and aggressive in defense. He is the best criminal defense attorney in the State of Texas. No reason to look elsewhere.

—Randy

Protect Your Freedom, Good Name, and Future

Every second is critical if you are being investigated, have been charged with a federal crime, or have been contacted by federal agents. Do not waste another crucial moment—contact The John T. Floyd Law Firm team of experts immediately to start protecting your rights and building a powerful defense.

Meet the Team Protecting Your Rights

The John T. Floyd Law Firm is led by nationally renowned criminal defense attorney John T. Floyd, board-certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specializations. Together with Christopher M. Choate and Mia Floyd, the firm has earned a reputation for their successful and loyal representation of clients.

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