Licensed in Texas since 2005. Former prosecutor. Call 24/7 for a free consultation.
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Get clear next steps on bond, court dates, and what to do right now in Houston.
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Facing a DWI arrest in Houston? We act fast to protect your rights and build a defense around the facts and the law. Call now for immediate help.
Read MoreLicensed in Texas since 2005. Former prosecutor. Call 24/7 for a free consultation.
Read More
Get clear next steps on bond, court dates, and what to do right now in Houston.
Read More
Facing a DWI arrest in Houston? We act fast to protect your rights and build a strong defense. Call now for immediate help.
Read More
Our practice focuses exclusively on criminal defense. Each case is approached with careful review of the facts, strategic planning, and a clear understanding of how cases move through local courts.
Defense for assault and aggravated assault charges, with focus on evidence review, intent, witness statements, and the court process from start to finish.
Defense for possession and other drug charges, with close review of searches, seizures, and how evidence was collected and handled.
Defense for misdemeanor and felony DWI charges, including traffic stop review, field sobriety issues, breath or blood testing, and driver’s license suspension concerns.
Defense for solicitation of prostitution and related sex crime allegations, with careful evidence review, discreet handling, and a clear plan at every stage of the case.
David Smith is a criminal defense attorney practicing criminal defense in Brazoria County, Fort Bend County, Galveston County, and Harris County. David is a former Brazoria County prosecutor who gained valuable experience as a felony prosecutor and Chief of the Misdemeanor Division. David tried over 100 cases to a jury, including some of the most serious offenses in Texas, such as Murder, Burglary of a Habitation, Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Sexual Assault, & Driving While Intoxicated. David knows how prosecutors think and how they review evidence and uses that knowledge for the benefit of his clients.
After completing the prerequisites and successfully passing the rigorous Criminal Law Board Certification exam, David Smith became Board Certified, Criminal Law — Texas Board of Legal Specialization in 2015.
A 10-year-old charged in connection with a stabbing that claimed the life of a 13-year-old raises some of the most complex questions in criminal law, including questions of competency, intent, self-defense, and whether a child can truly understand the charges they face. As discussed in this Fox News segment, the juvenile justice system prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment, but that does not mean these cases are simple. Whether a statement amounts to a confession, whether a child was acting in self-defense, and whether they are even competent to aid in their own defense are all critical issues that must be carefully evaluated by an experienced attorney.
These are not cases where families can afford to wait and see. The decisions made in the earliest stages, from the first conversation with law enforcement to the first court appearance, can shape the entire outcome. Having an attorney who understands both the legal process and the human side of these situations makes a real difference.
David Smith is a Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney with over 20 years of experience handling serious criminal cases in Houston and throughout Harris, Brazoria, Fort Bend, and Galveston Counties. As a former prosecutor who tried over 100 jury cases, including Murder and Aggravated Assault, David understands exactly how the state builds its case and what it takes to challenge it. When the stakes are this high, you need a defense attorney who knows the law, knows the courts, and knows what questions to ask. Call David Smith Law Firm 24/7 at (713) 769-5000.
Criminal defense help for Manvel residents facing an arrest, investigation, or upcoming court date.
Support for people facing criminal charges in Pearland, with a focus on fast guidance and careful case review.
Defense for arrests and charges in Sugar Land, including DWI, assault, and drug possession matters.
Answer: The first 24 hours after an arrest are critical, and what you do right now can have a major impact on your case. Do not talk about your case, because you have the right to remain silent and anything you say can be used against you later. Politely say, “I choose to remain silent and I want my lawyer,” then stop talking. Do not consent to a search of your phone, your car, or your home, since consent can seriously hurt your defense even if you believe you have nothing to hide. Important deadlines start immediately after an arrest, especially in DWI and felony cases, so call a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Early involvement lets your attorney preserve evidence, challenge the arrest, and protect you from costly mistakes.
Answer: If you are facing a criminal investigation in Houston, the answer is usually no. Police officers are trained to gather evidence even before an arrest is made, and they may tell you they just want your side of the story or that talking will help clear things up. Anything you say can be misunderstood, taken out of context, or used against you later in court. You have the constitutional right to remain silent, and using that right is not an admission of guilt. The safest thing to say is, “I choose to remain silent, and I want to speak with a lawyer,” then stop talking. One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to explain or talk their way out of a situation, which often makes things much worse. If police want to question you, talk to a lawyer first and protect your rights before you protect your story.
Answer: In Texas, board certification in criminal law is granted by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, known as TBLS, and it is not something a lawyer can claim on their own. An attorney must meet strict requirements set by the Texas Supreme Court, including years of substantial criminal law experience, peer reviews from judges and other lawyers, extensive continuing legal education, and passing a comprehensive day-long exam focused entirely on criminal law. Board certification is designed to identify lawyers who have demonstrated a high level of experience and knowledge in criminal law at both the state and federal level. Only a small percentage of Texas attorneys are board certified in any specialty, so for people facing charges in Houston, Harris County, or the surrounding areas, this credential helps distinguish attorneys whose practice is deeply rooted in criminal defense. David Smith has been Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2015.
Answer: The cost of a criminal defense lawyer depends on the facts of your case, the charge involved, and the work it will take to defend you, so the fee for a misdemeanor is rarely the same as the fee for a felony. The most reliable way to get a real answer is to speak with an attorney about your specific situation. We offer a free consultation, and you can call any time at (713) 769-5000 to talk through what you are facing and what your options look like. Talk to a lawyer before you talk to the police, and get clear information before you make any decisions about your case.
Yes, it is worth speaking with a lawyer even for a misdemeanor or a first offense, because the consequences can follow you long after the case is over. A conviction can affect your record, your job, and your future, and the choices you make early in a case can shape how it ends. A criminal defense attorney can protect your rights, review the evidence and the way the arrest was handled, and work to reduce or resolve the charge in the way that best protects you. Even when an outcome seems minor, having someone advocate for you from the start can make a real difference. We offer a free consultation, so you can understand what you are facing before deciding what to do.
Answer: The first court setting, sometimes called an initial setting or an arraignment, is not a trial, and it is usually very brief. No witnesses testify and in most cases nothing other than bond conditions is decided that day. The setting is mainly procedural, so the court confirms that you are represented by a lawyer, the state begins the discovery process, and your attorney starts communicating with the prosecutor about your case. Often the case is simply reset to a future date so the evidence can be reviewed. Most defendants do not speak at all during the first setting, while the lawyer does the work behind the scenes to protect your rights and set the foundation for your defense. In Houston you will likely have bond conditions that can be set or modified at the first setting, which is why it is so important to come to court with an attorney advocating for you.
Answer: A plea deal, also called a plea bargain, is an agreement between the prosecutor and the defense to resolve a criminal case without going to trial. In exchange for pleading guilty or no contest, the state may offer something in return, such as reduced charges, probation instead of jail or prison, or a specific sentencing recommendation. What many people do not realize is that a plea deal is still a conviction in many cases, and it can have long-term consequences for your record, your job, your ability to remain in the country if you are not a United States citizen, and your future. It is not just about getting the case over with, it is about what you are agreeing to live with. In Harris County, plea offers vary widely depending on the facts, the evidence, and the court, and prosecutors are not required to explain all the consequences of a plea. If you have been offered a plea deal, do not rush the decision, and talk to a criminal defense lawyer who can help you understand your options and protect your future.
