A Houston Criminal Defense Attorney Focused On Strategy, Preparation, And Results
When you are facing criminal charges, your choice of lawyer matters immediately. Terry W. Yates is a Houston criminal defense lawyer with decades of experience defending clients in serious state and federal criminal matters. Board Certified in Criminal Law and licensed in Texas since 1990, Terry provides strategic, trial-ready representation focused on protecting your rights, reputation, and future.
Unlike firms that dabble in many areas of law, Terry Yates focuses on criminal defense. He has many years of experience and has handled thousands of criminal cases–from petty misdemeanors to serious violent felonies–and he thoroughly understands all the moving parts in a criminal case. Criminal law is a vast area of law, and firms that juggle criminal law with other areas of law can lose sight of the small, technical details in a criminal case. By focusing on criminal law, Terry Yates closely monitors all developments in the field so that he can always get the best possible results for his clients.
After meeting to discuss the details of your case, Houston criminal defense attorney Terry Yates develops a fully customized defense strategy tailored to your particular charges, the unique facts of your case, and your personal risk tolerance. Terry Yates thoroughly explains the rationale for the strategy so that you fully understand the plan and can provide feedback. A criminal case can be very fluid, with circumstances changing and new strategic opportunities arising, so Terry Yates always monitors the progression of your case to look for ways to leverage a better outcome.
Many people charged with a crime have no experience with the criminal justice system. As a result, they don’t know what to expect as their cases unfold. They are unfamiliar with court procedure, and they don’t know what sort of outcome they can reasonably expect given the specifics of their case. This uncertainty can create tremendous anxiety given the high stakes of a criminal prosecution. Terry Yates is an Houston criminal defense lawyer who prioritizes honest, transparent communication with his clients so they can understand their options and make confident, well-informed decisions.
Technology is a powerful tool for those who know how to use it. Houston criminal defense lawyer Terry Yates uses the latest tech platforms to enhance his ability to communicate with clients and provide excellent legal representation. Since criminal law is always evolving, Terry Yates keeps an eye on all developments in the field and always looks to develop creative solutions for his clients.
As your advocate, your Houston criminal lawyer is by your side, working to get you the best possible outcome for your case. To effectively advocate for you, your attorney must do many things:
Your attorney must then effectively execute that strategy. To do so, your attorney must be able to persuade judges, prosecutors, and juries through oral and written advocacy. Your attorney must also closely monitor the progression of your case and adjust the strategy as needed to take advantage of any new opportunities that arise.
Every case starts with a careful review of the charges, procedural posture, and immediate risks. Terry discusses the facts, identifies early defense opportunities, and explains the strategy in straightforward terms. Clients should understand not only what is happening, but why each step matters. From the initial consultation forward, the goal is to provide clarity, preparation, and a defense plan built around the facts of the case.
FAQ
In most situations, it is best to exercise your right to remain silent and speak with a criminal defense lawyer before answering questions from law enforcement. Even statements that seem harmless can later be used by the prosecution. Early legal guidance can make a major difference in how a case is handled.
When you are charged with a crime, the government is alleging that you “broke the law” by doing something that is prohibited by a specific criminal statute.
The government, through its prosecutors’ offices—the U.S. Attorney’s Office for federal crimes and the local district attorney’s office for state crimes—files paperwork in court to initiate the criminal adjudication process. Through this process, the court will ultimately reach a judgment about whether you are guilty.
Importantly, it is only the prosecutor’s office that controls whether to charge and prosecute you for a crime. So, in cases with an alleged victim, the government can prosecute you even if the alleged victim wants the case to be dropped. Additionally, although the police select charges when they arrest you, the prosecution ultimately decides which charges, if any, to file in court. Those charges may be different from what the police had thought should be charged.
Your case officially commences at your arraignment, which is your first court appearance, and when the court informs you of the charges brought against you by the prosecution. If the charges are particularly serious, then you will be brought to your first court appearance by the police directly after your arrest. If the charges are less serious, the police will release you after providing a Desk Appearance Ticket, which orders you to personally appear in court for the arraignment a month or so after your arrest.
Depending on the nature of the charges and your personal history, the court may set bail at your arraignment. Bail is an amount of money you must pay to be released while your case is pending. The purpose of bail, in theory, is to ensure that you return to court for your subsequent court appearances; if you don’t appear for your court appearances after bailing out, then the money paid for bail will be forfeited to the court.
Although some petty offenses are occasionally resolved at the first court appearance, typically you will have additional court appearances before your case is resolved.
Most cases are resolved with either a dismissal or a guilty plea.
Dismissals generally occur when a defense attorney convinces the prosecution that the case cannot be proven, or when there is a procedural issue and the defense attorney convinces the court to dismiss the case.
Guilty pleas typically occur when the prosecution has a strong case and the defense determines that a trial would likely result in a conviction. Typically, a person gets a more lenient sentence when pleading guilty as opposed to being convicted after a trial.
When the prosecution or court won’t agree to a dismissal and there is no acceptable plea offered by the prosecution, then the case will go to trial.
At trial, a jury—a group of chosen members of the public—will hear the evidence in the case and arguments by the attorneys, convene privately to discuss the case and then decide whether it finds you guilty.
To be found guilty, the jury must conclude not just that it’s possible or likely that you committed a crime. Instead, the jury must be sure of your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This very high standard of proof—beyond a reasonable doubt—is a hallmark of most free and fair societies, as it helps ensure that innocent people are not unnecessarily stripped of their freedom.
If the jury finds you guilty, then the judge will determine your sentence. If the jury finds you not guilty, then the charges are dismissed and your case is over.
As soon as possible. Many critical procedural steps occur in the first few weeks of your case, and the sooner you retain a lawyer the sooner your lawyer can develop a comprehensive plan and strategically navigate the early procedural steps in your case.