While you can tell the police your name, address, date of birth and other identifying information, you DON'T have to answer questions about any alleged crime or where you were when it happened. Don't answer any questions or make any statements about your case to the police or the District Attorney (DA). Don't sign any prepared statements. Tell the police you want a lawyer whether they read your rights or not.

Don't make the mistake of thinking you can outsmart the police or that they will release you if you talk to them. You might be worried that hiring an attorney will make you look guilty, but this is a myth. Politely and calmly tell the police that you don't wish to answer questions without speaking to your lawyer first.

As a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Houston, I understand the intense stress and scrutiny a person and their family goes through when faced with a criminal charge. As a long-time member of the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association, I have been nationally recognized for my legal skills and ethics — and I'm fully prepared to use this experience to help you.