Criminal Defense

Houston Criminal Defense Attorneys

Aggressively Defending Your Rights & Your Future

If you are facing criminal charges, or if someone you love has been arrested, it is critical that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney right away. A conviction will almost certainly result in numerous negative consequences in your life, affecting everything from your freedom to your reputation to your rights and your entire future.

At The Shellist Law Firm, PLLC, we are recognized as one of the Houston area’s leading criminal defense law firms. Our founding attorney, Steven Shellist, is an authority on criminal law and frequently serves as a legal analyst on ABC-13. He is known for his aggressive approach to defending his clients’ rights, as well as his long history of successfully securing the results his clients need. No matter how serious the charges against you may be, we have what it takes to aggressively defend you and your rights. Whether you have been arrested on criminal charges or are simply under investigation for a serious offense, we encourage you to reach out to our team right away.

Contact us now at (713) 999-6855 for a free, confidential consultation. We are available 24/7 to assist you and can discuss your case in person, by phone, or via video conferencing.

Criminal Cases We Handle

Our Houston criminal defense attorneys represent clients in all types of criminal cases, including but not limited to:

  • Assault
  • Child abuse
  • Driving while intoxicated (DWI)
  • Drug crimes
  • Family offenses
  • Fraud
  • Federal crimes
  • Juvenile crimes
  • Murder
  • Online solicitation
  • Sex offenses
  • Theft
  • Weapons offenses

Our firm has successfully handled numerous high-profile cases. We understand how to minimize publicity and limit damage to our clients’ reputations as we devise innovative, personalized legal strategies tailored to the details of each unique situation.

We also regularly handle expunctions and non-disclosures on behalf of those who are facing the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction. Even if you are entitled to a full expunction, a petition for non-disclosure allows your attorney to seal your criminal record from public view. This allows another option for those who are not eligible for expunction but who have successfully completed a deferred adjudication on a misdemeanor or felony.

Your Rights During an Arrest

The United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and various federal and state laws protect the rights of every individual, including both American citizens and others living in the U.S. It is important that you know and exercise these rights whenever necessary.

Below, we have provided a brief overview of your rights during an arrest, as well as in other interactions with law enforcement in Texas and elsewhere:

  • You have the right to remain silent. While you must identify yourself by providing your name (and other identifying information) to law enforcement, you do NOT have to answer any other questions. This includes any questions about where you are going, where you have been, what you are doing, your citizenship status, and more.
  • You have the right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure. This means that law enforcement officers may not lawfully search your belongings, your vehicle, your home, etc. without a signed search warrant. Note that police officers may conduct a pat-down of your person if they have reason to suspect you may be carrying a weapon.
  • You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, you have the right to be appointed one by the court. We strongly recommend that you refrain from speaking to law enforcement, detectives, prosecutors, etc. without first speaking to a criminal defense lawyer about your situation and your case.
  • You do not have to answer any questions or provide any information about your citizenship/immigration status, including where you were born or how you entered the United States, when you are stopped by police or arrested. Note that different rules apply in certain situations, such as at border crossings.

If you are stopped by police or arrested, you should remain calm and comply with the police officers’ instructions. After identifying yourself upon request, calmly state that you wish to exercise your right to remain silent. Remember, anything you say can and will be used against you; it is always in your best interests to remain silent and avoid answering any questions until you have spoken to an attorney.

You should also state that you do not consent to a search of your vehicle, home, belongings, etc. Note that this may not stop police officers from searching your belongings, but it will likely result in any evidence found during the unlawful search being dismissed by the court as inadmissible.

Most importantly, you should never try to run from the police or fight back if you are detained or arrested. Do not lie or provide false statements to the police; instead, remain silent and do not sign anything provided to you by law enforcement until you have talked to a lawyer.

Why The Shellist Law Firm, PLLC?

Being accused of a crime is very serious. You could face significant penalties, including possible jail or prison time, thousands of dollars in fines, mandatory probation, and more. It is very important that you turn to an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you fight to avoid a conviction or minimize the effects of your arrest.

At The Shellist Law Firm, PLLC, our Houston criminal defense attorneys have 20 years of combined experience and a long-established record of success in even the most complex and high-profile criminal cases. We have what it takes to aggressively defend your rights and seek the best possible outcome in your case. Our team offers an innovative, collaborative approach, as well as highly personalized and empathetic representation throughout the legal process.

Arrested in Houston? Contact The Shellist Law Firm, PLLC now at (713) 999-6855 or reach us online using our free and secure submission form.

Success Starts With the Right Team

We Provide a Hands-On Approach to Every Case

Our Case Results

Creative Litigation Is Our Path to Victory
  • Car Accident $20,000,000
  • Oil Rig Settlement $2,000,000.00
  • Dram Shop Settlement $1,200,000
  • Illegal Sexual Recording $800,000
  • Dog Attack $750,000
  • Car Accident $300,000

A Trusted Legal Analyst for ABC-13

Mr. Shellist also serves as a legal analyst on ABC-13, providing in-depth breakdowns on local cases and legal concerns. His analyses include insights into everything from jury selection to mistrials to civil rights, and he is frequently tapped by local media outlets to discuss his opinions on various high-profile cases, including the Casey Anthony murder trial.
Legal expert: Judge to review status of Astroworld Festival

What Attorney Shellist and His Team Bring to the Table

  • Practicing Law for Two Decades
    Having practiced law for 20 years, you can be confident attorney Steve Shellist can successfully handle your case.
  • Extensive Trial Experience
    As a former chief prosecutor, Mr. Shellist knows how to present a compelling case in front of a jury.
  • Highly Personalized Representation
    At Shellist Law, we believe every case requires tailored representation in order to achieve the best possible outcome for the client.
  • Legal Analyst on ABC-13
    Over the years, Mr. Shellist has been called on by ABC-13 News to share his expertise on many newsworthy cases.
We're Ready To Evaluate Your Case 

Call The Shellist Law Firm, PLLC at (713) 999-6855 today to speak with our experienced team.