Walker County Criminal Defense Attorney

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Walker County, TX

Living in Walker County, Texas, is nice. The community is welcoming, and the scenery is beautiful change. There are a lot of recreational things to do. But if you come in contact with the police, you may think twice about how peaceful the place is. Not all police officers in Walker County have a good reputation. And if you happen to get arrested, expect to find out why their reputation is not exceptional as you would expect in an agency meant to uphold the law and our constitutional rights.

At Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C., we respect your rights. In fact, we diligently work to protect your rights and your freedom through a smart and aggressive criminal defense. If you have been arrested on suspicion of committing a crime, contact our office immediately. We move fast to review your case and prevent undue harm to you and your reputation in Walker County, Texas.

Criminal Cases Represented by Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. in Walker County

Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. is a law firm committed to criminal defense. DWI cases comprise more than half of its entire practice, while the other half is devoted to criminal offenses. Do you want the best defense in Walker County on your DWI? If so, you need to hire a DWI Specialist. Doug Murphy is one of four lawyers in Texas who is Board Certified in DWI Defense by the National College for DUI Defense and accredited by the American Bar Association. Doug Murphy is also Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Specialization.

DWI Offenses

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) – either under the influence of alcohol or drugs – is illegal in Texas. To be suspected of the same means you may be arrested and jailed for the night. Anyone, from professionals like doctors, professors, and janitors to retail clerks, can be arrested for it. Many charged with a DWI or related crime far too often think the charge means a conviction.

But the thing to remember is that a DWI is defendable to avoid a conviction.

Do not assume that failing field sobriety tests is enough to convict you. It is not. Do not assume that a breath test or blood test showing your blood alcohol content level (BAC) at 0.08% (0.04% for commercial drivers) or higher is reason enough to convict you. It is not.

With a proven track record of success, an experienced DWI defense attorney, one who has extensive trial experience, is committed to taking your case to trial and is Board Certified by the National College of DWI Defense (NCDD), you may very well have excellent chances at fighting your DWI or DWI-related charge. Fighting the charge with the goal of getting the case dismissed or acquitted at trial is the only way to preserve your reputation and protect you from harsh penalties and consequences collateral to a conviction.

Your Walker County DWI lawyer should understand your constitutional rights and the technical manner in which field sobriety tests or subsequent chemical tests are administered and should have the insight to put a strategic defense together to successfully challenge the DWI offense(s) against you. Doug Murphy will fight your case in part by contesting any of the following that is relevant:

• The constitutionality of the stop
• The constitutionality of any search and seizure
• The constitutionality of the administration of roadside tests
• The constitutionality of the probable cause to arrest
• The constitutionality of the Miranda rights
• The manner in which roadside tests were given
• The use of any blood or breath test

Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. represents the following DWI cases:

• DWI
• Felony DWI
• Underage DUI
• DWI Commercial Driver's License
• DWI Marijuana
• DWI Prescription Drugs
• DWI with a child passenger under 15
• Flying While Intoxicated
• Boating While Intoxicated
• Intoxication Assault
• Intoxication Manslaughter
• Open Container

Criminal Offenses

If you or someone you love has been charged with a crime in Walker County, Texas, it is in your best interests almost always to plead not guilty. By not pleading guilty, you have an automatic right to a trial by jury. At trial, the prosecution will have to prove the elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. At trial, your attorney will use evidence and strategy to weaken the prosecution's case against you or to prove your innocence.

Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. has experience representing a wide range of criminal offenses:

• Drug Possession
• Criminally Negligent Homicide
• Vehicular Manslaughter
• Vehicular Assault
• White Collar Crimes
• Domestic Violence
• Prostitution & Solicitation
• Texting and Driving
• Hit & Run FSGI
• Hit & Run FSRA
• Evading Arrest
• Manslaughter
• Assault
• Aggravated Assault
• Kidnapping
• Unlawful Restraint
• Injury to Child, Elderly, Disabled
• Deadly Conduct
• Obstructing a Highway
• Riot
• Disorderly Conduct
• Terroristic Threats
• & More

DWI & Criminal Defense

Doug Murphy will approach your case from all angles, looking at defenses that prove your innocence or, on the other hand, demonstrate you had a justifiable reason. Justifiable reasons include affirmative defenses like

• Self-defense
• Defense of others
• Defense of property
• Entrapment
• Necessity
• Insanity
• Mistake of Fact

Doug Murphy and his team will also consider different defense strategies, including moving the court to suppress evidence when that evidence was obtained illegally. Each case is unique. As such, Doug Murphy takes the time to listen to you, uncover all the facts and circumstances, and move ahead with a strategy committed to defending your rights and freedom.

Is Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. the right criminal defense firm for you?

A conviction carries with it whatever sentence the judge dictates within the boundaries of the law. That could mean jail time, steep fees, community service, probation, counseling, or other consequences.

These penalties, though harsh, eventually end whenever you have completed your time or paid your debt. However, you will quickly learn that even though you paid your debt to society, society is often unforgiving. Collateral consequences associated with a conviction can make life difficult.

Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Conviction

A conviction means a criminal record and a criminal record will show up when your history is checked. That could interfere with any of the following:

• A professional license, like a pilot's license, nursing license, or medical license
• Security clearance
• A new job or promotion
• Financial aid
• Admissions to a higher education institution
• Rental agreement in a safe environment
• Constitutional rights, such as the right to vote or own and use a firearm
• Custody of your children
• A good reputation among family and community

If any of these matters to you, you need to consider the attorney you hire. The only way to prevent these long-term life complications is to retain an attorney committed to your case and committed to the dismissal of the charges or acquittal at trial.

Qualities of an Attorney Committed to Your Defense

To fight a criminal charge, you need an attorney who is committed. Commitment means being willing to go to trial if necessary rather than settling at any cost (to you). Criminal defense is more than knowledge of the crime. Criminal defense is a skill cultivated through years of experience and meaningful analysis of the law. It is a skill that holds the judge and jury accountable to the notion that you are innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. To find a criminal defense lawyer in Walker County who has the skills to defend your case, he or she should have:

• Extensive trial experience with successful outcomes
• Board Certification in criminal defense through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
• National and state-wide accolades that attest to his or her abilities
• Client references that provide personal accounts of the lawyer's worth
• Known in the legal community for excellence in performance and qualities.
• A determination to go to trial rather than settle for a plea deal, the latter of which won't make matters much better for you.

Doug Murphy has all these things and more. He is committed to going to court and has extensive trial experience to support that claim. He is Board Certified in Criminal Defense through the Texas Board of Legal Specializations. He is Board Certified in DWI Defense through NCDD, the only certifying body accredited by the American Bar Association to certify attorneys in DWI or DUI. These two Board Certifications make Doug Murphy one of only two attorneys in all of Texas to share the combined distinction. He also has several accolades testifying to his capabilities and is well-known in the legal community in Texas and beyond. In fact, he is often invited to speaking engagements to instruct other criminal defense attorneys on skills to defend their clients better. Clients, however, are probably best equipped to advise new clients of Doug Murphy's skills, and they do so through references.

The Philosophy of Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C.

Doug Murphy's philosophy that grounds his practice is simple: you are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Doug Murphy understands that for many of you, you indeed are innocent, and for others, you truly regret your mistake. At Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C., we believe everyone deserves another chance, and everyone should have a strong defense to enable that chance. It is, after all, your constitutional right to defend yourself before an impartial jury.

Walker County Court System

The Walker County Court System is set up like most other Texas county court systems. There are Justice of the Peace courts and municipal courts that deal with things like simple traffic violations or city ordinance violations. Then there are the County Courts at Law that have jurisdiction over misdemeanor cases, primarily Class B and Class A misdemeanors that carry potential penalties of up to 2 years in prison. District criminal courts hold jurisdiction over most felony cases. Here is a summary of the courts you may come into contact with in Walker County.

County Court at Law of Walker County, TX

There is only one county court at law in Walker County:
County Court at Law
1100 University Avenue
Huntsville, TX 77320
Phone: 936-436-4919

Judicial District Courts of Walker County, TX

There are two District Courts that operate in and support Walker County: the 12th Judicial District and the 278th Judicial District:

12th Judicial District
1100 University Avenue
Huntsville, TX 77340
Phone: 936-436-4915

The 12th District Court serves three counties: Walker, Grimes, and Madison Counties. The calendar reflects the days of the month that Walker County matters are heard in court.

278th Judicial District
1100 University Avenue, Suite 202
Huntsville, TX 77340
Phone: 936-436-4916

The 278th District Court serves three counties: Walker, Leon, and Madison Counties. The calendar reflects the days of the month that Walker County matters are heard in court.

Walker County Adult Probation

Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD) supervises probationers who have been placed on community supervision either through a district court or county court. The CSCD operates in Walker, Grimes, Madison, and Leon Counties.

Walker County Adult Probation Office
705 F.M. 2821
Huntsville, TX 77320
Phone: 936-435-2454

Walker County Jail & Prison Facilities

Failure to retain a criminal defense lawyer with the skills necessary to get your case dismissed or to have you acquitted at trial may mean a certain jail time. That said, there are cases where you will likely get jail time, no matter how strategic the lawyer is. In these cases, the intention is to get as little time as possible.

• A misdemeanor conviction likely means incarceration at a county jail
• A state jail felony conviction means incarceration at a state jail
• A third-degree felony or higher means incarceration at a state prison

In Walker County, there is one county jail and several Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) facilities.

Walker County Jail

If you have been arrested by an officer from the Department of Public Safety (DPS), Huntsville Police Department, or the Sam Houston State University Police Department, then you were probably booked into the Walker County Jail. You can look up someone using the Walker County Courts online search page.

Walker County Jail
655 FM 2821 Road West
Huntsville, TX 77320
Phone: 936-435-2412

TDCJ Facilities

If you have been convicted of a felony, you face imprisonment in a state jail or correctional institution. Six state prisons serve only males in Walker County, all in or outside of Huntsville. There is also one transfer facility servicing men in Walker County. You can look up an offender at a TDCJ facility by using the online search page.

Walker County Law Enforcement Agencies

There are several law enforcement agencies throughout Walker County, but three that you are most likely to encounter is Patrol, the Sheriff, or local police officers.

Texas Highway Patrol

As a division of DPS, officers patrol the highways, particularly in rural Walker, and are responsible for criminal law enforcement and addressing traffic violations that occur on these highways.

Texas Highway Patrol
523 TX-75
Huntsville, TX 77320
Phone: 936-295-1578

Walker County Sheriff's Office

The Walker County Sheriff's Office is established in part to investigate criminal activity, patrol the county, and issue warrants.

Walker County Sheriff's Department
717 FM 2821 West
Huntsville, TX 77320
Phone: 936-435-2400

Local Police

The local police supervise all crimes that occur locally. In Walker County, there is only one police department, and it is located in the county seat of Huntsville.

Huntsville Police Department
1212 Avenue M
Huntsville, TX 774340
936-291-5400

Experienced DWI Defense & Criminal Defense Lawyers in Walker County, Texas

Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. is based in Houston, Texas, but it provides legal services throughout the region, including Walker County and Huntsville, New Waverly, and Riverside.

If you have been charged with a DWI or another criminal offense and want to fight it, retain a DWI and criminal defense attorney committed to the same. At Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C., you get commitment and results. Contact Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. today at 713-229-8333 for a consultation.