Attorney Tad A. Nelson

About Attorney Tad A. Nelson

Posts by Tad Nelson, Defense Lawyer:

Houston Restraining Order Violation Defense Lawyer

July 8, 2024

Defending You: Restraining Order Violations

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Criminal Justice Court Order Violation Defense, Court Order Violation Lawyer, Protective Order, Restraining Order

Restraining orders are intended to protect individuals from harassment, abuse, or threats. They’re also referred to as protective orders. These orders can be temporary or permanent. They impose strict rules that the restrained person must follow. As far as the criminal justice system is concerned, violating a court order in Texas is a crime. A conviction for violating a restraining order could mean up to a year of county jail time. This page is meant to give you information about court order violation offenses. However, if you’re looking for a criminal defense lawyer in Houston to help you fight criminal charges related to violating any type of court order, we’re here to help. You can reach Houston criminal defense lawyer Tad Nelson at 713-659-0909 or via our message form. Schedule your free consultation today! Types of Restraining Orders in Texas Temporary Ex Parte Protective Orders Temporary Ex Parte Protective Orders […]

June 24, 2024

DNA Evidence in Criminal Cases

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Legal Strategies DNA, DNA Evidence, Michael Morton, Next Generation Sequencing, NGS, O.J. Simpson

When you’re up against criminal charges in Houston, sometimes, the evidence can feel overwhelming. This is especially true when the evidence might involve DNA. It’s a key factor in many cases for the prosecution and the defense. DNA evidence has revolutionized the criminal justice system. It brings a scientific certainty to the courtroom that’s hard to refute. But what is DNA evidence? How does it work in criminal cases, particularly in sex crimes and murder cases? Today, we’ll go over a few important aspects of DNA evidence in Texas criminal cases. However, if you need to speak with a defense attorney about a situation you or a family member are involved in, feel free to contact our law offices at any time. Give us a call to schedule your free & confidential case review. You can reach Houston criminal defense attorneys Tad Nelson & Amber Spurlock 24/7 at 281-280-0100. Understanding […]

May 21, 2024

Enhancements: Prior Convictions & Your Current Case

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Criminal Justice Enhancements

If you’re ever slapped with a criminal charge in Texas, every aspect of your past will be put under a microscope. Prior convictions will matter in any new criminal proceedings you’re subject to. Prior criminal convictions can influence our defense strategy and, ultimately, the outcome of your case. If you’re facing new criminal charges but have a criminal history, our law firm can help you. The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates has tons of experience helping folks out of the most dire situations in Harris County. If you need to talk with an experienced Houston criminal defense lawyer, contact our law offices today at 713-659-0909. Criminal Enhancements In the criminal justice system, your past is never just that. Prior convictions that are similar to current charges can lead to enhancements of the criminal classification of your current case. This means that if you were previously convicted of a […]

Houston criminal defense lawyer Tad Nelson

May 9, 2024

The Importance of Early Legal Counsel in Criminal Cases

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Legal Strategies

When you’re facing criminal charges in Harris County, every second counts. The period before charges are formally filed is a window of opportunity—a chance for you to shape the outcome of your case. With the help of our seasoned legal professionals, it could mean shaping the outcome of the matter in your favor. At Tad Nelson & Associates, we’re here to offer you a lifeline if you’re expecting criminal charges. If you need help, speak with an experienced Houston criminal defense lawyer today by calling 713-659-0909. Why Act Before Charges Are Filed? It’s a common misconception that the involvement of a criminal defense lawyer begins at the moment charges are filed. However, if the groundwork is laid in advance, it can influence the favorable trajectory of your case. Engaging with our legal team early can drastically affect the amount and quality of evidence available to the prosecution. In fact, […]

March 28, 2024

Stand Your Ground Law As a Texas Legal Defense

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Legal Strategies Castle Doctrine, Self Defense, Stand Your Ground

In Texas, understanding self-defense laws and important for every citizen. The Stand Your Ground law in Texas is part of our protective legal landscape. It gives us legal protection to protect ourselves and others when facing threats. Most people have questions about their right to defend themselves and their property. Today, we’ll review a few aspects of the law with regard to self-defense. If you have questions or need legal representation following assault charges stemming from a self-defense situation, contact Houston criminal defense lawyer Tad Nelson today. We can be reached at 713-659-0909. Self-Defense & Texas Law The Stand Your Ground law is covered in Texas Penal Code under Sections 9.31 and 9.32. This legislation articulates that a person has no duty to retreat before using force or deadly force in certain situations if they have a right to be present at the location where the force is used, have […]

February 28, 2024

Burglary Charges & Effective Defense Strategies

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Legal Strategies Burglary, Burglary of a Habitation, Theft

When facing criminal charges related to burglary, understanding Texas law is going to be an important fundamental of any defense strategy. For criminal charges of this magnitude, you’ll need experienced legal representation. At Tad Nelson & Associates, we specialize in criminal defense for people on docket in Harris County. We’ve developed our reputation as criminal defense lawyers by leveraging decades of experience to protect our clients’ rights and interests. If you need to talk with a criminal defense lawyer in Houston about burglary charges, contact us at 713-659-0909 to schedule a free consultation so we can go over your case. Prefer to send us a message? Click here. In the meantime, feel free to browse over the rest of this article to learn more about burglary cases, defense strategies, and Texas law. What Constitutes Burglary in Texas? In Texas, burglary is defined as unlawfully entering or remaining in a building, […]

September 27, 2023

Domestic Violence Charges: Know Your Rights

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Criminal Justice Aggravated Assault, Assault, Assault on Family Member, Domestic Violence, Harris County

Let’s face it, no one plans on being arrested for a domestic violence charge. If you’re in such a predicament, knowing your rights is pivotal for ensuring your voice is heard and justice prevails. Whether you’re the accused person or you’re concerned about a loved one, contact our law firm for help. Tad Nelson & Associates has helped people fight back against family assault charges since 1995. Depending on the details of your case, we’ll know which defense strategies to consider and which ones to avoid. If you have questions about securing legal representation for your case, let’s talk about it. We provide free case reviews, and we welcome you to contact our law office to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. We can be reached at 713-659-0909. Domestic Violence & Texas Law Texas Penal Code § 22.01(a)(1) defines assault offenses. In Texas, domestic violence cases aren’t taken lightly. […]

August 24, 2023

How Delays of Justice Hurt Houston Defendants

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Criminal Justice 6th Amendment, Habeas Corpus, Harris County, Justice

For a person charged with a crime in Texas, time can prove to be either an ally or an adversary. For criminal defendants in Harris County, the clock doesn’t simply tick—it resounds like a drum, punctuating the wait for a fair day in court. Delays in justice can wreak havoc on the lives of these individuals. Let’s review the devastating consequences that such delays impose on criminal defendants in Harris County and, to a greater extent, Texas. A Strained System The Harris County Criminal Justice Center is no stranger to case backlog. Understaffed and overworked, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office runs its operation on the margins. This includes the additional pressure of a growing population. Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 32.01 mandates a defendant’s right to a speedy trial, aligning with the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Despite this, extended delays in the justice […]

August 3, 2023

Understanding Evidence in Criminal Cases

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Legal Strategies Challenging Evidence, Circumstantial Evidence, Direct Evidence, Fourth Amendment, Improperly Obtained Evidence, Physical Evidence, Unreliable Witnesses

Evidence is an important factor in both defending and prosecuting people suspected of crimes. In short, the evidence is everything. The evidence influences the trajectory of the case, the narrative, and determines the final outcome – guilt or innocence. When you have a case in the system, hiring the right attorney that knows the law and has an understanding of evidence is paramount. We’ll review some concepts related to evidence, but if you need to talk with a criminal defense lawyer, give us a call. What is Evidence? A Basic Overview At its core, evidence is any material or testimony used in court to establish the truth of a matter. Evidence includes everything from physical items, eyewitness testimony, documents, and even electronic data. In Texas, the Code of Criminal Procedure and Rules of Evidence dictate how evidence is supposed to be collected, preserved, presented, and considered by the court. Different […]

July 18, 2023

Texas Expunction: Sealing Criminal Records

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Legal Strategies Background Check, Criminal Record Sealing, Expunction, Expungement

For some of us, having a blotch on our background is like carrying a weight. The appearance of a criminal record in your background is never a good thing. Criminal records can lead to decreased economic options and even keep you from living in some neighborhoods. In some situations, having a criminal background can mean higher leasing fees and insurance premiums. Even contractors and professionals can experience trouble as a result of the appearance of a criminal record during background checks. However, Texas law offers a beacon of hope in the form of expungement. This process is also called criminal record sealing. If you qualify, this option can be just what you need to clear your criminal record. Although not everyone qualifies to have their criminal records sealed, we’re able to help those that do. Since 1991, we’ve helped people fight criminal charges and keep their backgrounds clean. If you […]

June 16, 2023

Fighting Domestic Violence Charges in Houston

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Legal Strategies Assault on a Family Member, Domestic Violence

If you’re facing criminal charges in Houston related to domestic violence, It’s a serious situation. As a Houston-based criminal defense lawyer with a specialization in criminal law, I want to provide you with an overview of domestic violence cases under Texas law. If you’re seeking legal counsel, I’ll provide insight as to how our seasoned legal professionals can assist you in such circumstances. If you have any questions, contact my office at 713-659-0909. Feel free to call at any time. Domestic Violence & Texas Law Under Texas law, domestic violence (also referred to as “family violence”) occurs when an individual commits or threatens a violent act against a family member, household member, or someone they’re currently dating or have dated in the past. This act can either be intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or a genuine threat that reasonably places the victim in fear of imminent […]

May 18, 2023

The Impact of Social Media on Texas Criminal Cases

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Legal Strategies Facebook, Instagram, Social Media, TikTok, Twitter

With the proliferation of smart phones, we’ve seen a dramatic shift in the way information is disseminated and consumed. Social media, in particular, has become an integral part of our lives. These online media outlets influence not only our business & personal lives, but can also have a powerful impact on the outcome of criminal investigations and open cases in the criminal justice system. As a Board Certified® criminal defense attorney with over three decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how social profile updates and other postings have significantly influenced the trajectory of criminal cases. Social Media & Criminal Investigations Federal & local law enforcement agencies take full advantage of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and use them as tools in their investigations. Local & federal police agencies see these platforms as treasure troves of information. Your updates on these platforms can provide police and others with tons of […]

June 10, 2015

DEA Capture of Drug Trafficker Yields Sentence

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Federal Criminal Justice, News & Press

As criminal defense attorneys, we can only cringe at the fact that the defendant, “Cheke”, plead guilty (admitted his crime), only to be sentenced to 35 years; federal time. It appears that after some investigation, police & federal agents managed to capture Esiquiel Rodriguez with less than 400 grams of meth, and a firearm. There’s more to this defendant however; he was also involved in a larger drug trafficking operation managed by some of the most dangerous drug cartels in Mexico. JUN 04 (SAN ANTONIO) – A former major drug trafficker in the Piedras Negras “Plaza,” 46-year-old Esiquiel Rodriguez (aka “Cheke”), was sentenced in San Antonio today to 420 months in federal prison for federal drug and firearm violations announced DEA Special Agent in Charge Joseph M. Arabit, Acting United States Attorney Richard Durbin, Jr., and San Antonio Police Chief Anthony Treviño. Rodriguez was arrested in April 2013 by the […]

June 2, 2015

East Houston Deputy Arrested for Child Porn Possession

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Sex Crimes & The Law, News & Press Galena Park, Harris County, Possession of Child Pornography, Sergio Jesus Moya

The crime of Possession of Child Pornography is a serious criminal offense in Texas, Houston, and anywhere else in the civilized world. You would think that a Harris County Precinct 2 Deputy (Constable) would know this, and he probably does. According to Channel 2 News (Houston) KPRC’s website, The son of Galena Park Mayor Esmeralda Moya appeared in court Monday for his arraignment. Sergio Jesus Moya, 26, is charged with up to three counts of possession of child porn. According to the Harris County Precinct 2 Constable’s Office, deputies raided his home Friday and arrested him on suspicion of child pornography. At the Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates we advocate a swift stall to any rush to judgement, and a careful review of the situation in full, prior to developing an opinion on a developing case. These are merely allegations, and if found to be frivolous, could warrant […]

May 20, 2015

Hit and Run: What’s the Law in Texas?

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Drunk Driving, News & Press DWI, First Offense DWI, FSGI, Hit & Run, Texas Penal Code

Just last month, a hit-and-run incident in North Houston left one man dead in what was a four-vehicle crash, according to a ABC 13 news report. One of the vehicles involved in the wreck was an area school bus. No students were on the bus at the time. The driver of a silver Ford Taurus ran through a red light, hitting a white station wagon squarely, killing a 36-year-old man instantly. The man who was killed was on his way to pick up his son from the local school, the report states. The driver of the Ford Taurus attempted to flee the scene on foot but was apprehended and arrested by the Houston Police Department. Police believe the driver may have been intoxicated during the time of the incident and he is facing charges in connection with fleeing the scene, among other possible criminal offenses, according to ABC 13 News. […]

May 12, 2015

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt: The Burden of Proof

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Legal Strategies Reasonable Doubt

The Burden of Proof in Criminal Cases If you or a loved one is charged with a criminal offense in Houston, TX, you may be wondering, “what type of defense do I need to prove to beat these charges?” Understand that the burden is not on you to prove your defense. The burden is on the Harris County District Attorney to prove – beyond a reasonable doubt – that you are guilty and a conviction is warranted. In Texas, the beyond a reasonable doubt standard is defined in Section 2.01 of the state’s Penal Code. It states: All persons are presumed to be innocent and no person may be convicted of an offense unless each element of the offense is proved beyond a reasonable doubt. The fact that he has been arrested, confined, or indicted for, or otherwise charged with, the offense gives rise to no inference of guilt at […]

May 7, 2015

A Review of Marijuana Laws in Texas

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Drug Offenses Controlled Substances, Drug Offenses, Marijuana, Texas Penal Code

According to this U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report, in 2011, there were 18.1 million Americans 12 and older who admitted to using marijuana within the past month. And while use of marijuana may be widespread, it continues to be illegal under federal and Texas state law. Further, the punishments for marijuana-related crimes can be severe. Schedule I Drug Under federal law, pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act, marijuana is classified as a schedule I drug. This means that the federal government has determined marijuana has a high potential for abuse, has no currently accepted medicinal use in the U.S., and lacks accepted safety for use under medical supervision. Texas Marijuana Laws Under Texas law, it is a crime to knowingly or intentionally possess a usable quantity of marijuana. It is important to note that it is unclear what “usable quantity” actually means. In theory, the wording of […]

April 27, 2015

RICO & Conspiracy Crimes are Serious

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Federal Criminal Justice Conspiracy Cases, RICO

Very often when discussing crime, we focus on the result. For instance, we highlight that someone killed another person (murder) or set fire to a building (arson). But, it is common for many crimes to involve more than one person and be planned in advance. When this happens, it introduces many other crimes known as preparatory offenses. One such preparatory offense is conspiracy, and both the Texas and federal government treat it very seriously. What Does it Mean to Conspire? Generally, conspiracy can be thought of as when two or more people agree to commit an illegal act, coupled with an action that furthers completion of the illegal act. It is important to note that the action does not need to be the intended crime itself. Additionally, a person can be convicted of both conspiracy to commit a crime and the crime that is committed. Texas Conspiracy Statute Under Texas […]

April 24, 2015

The Penal Consequences of Meth Possession

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Drug Offenses Controlled Substances, Drug Offenses, Meth

Most people, thanks to pop culture references, have at least heard of meth-amphetamines, even if they have never seen or been around them. “Meth,” as it is commonly called, is considered one of the most dangerous drugs in the world today, both for the effects using it, as well as the hazard of producing it in illegal labs. As a result, there are severe penalties for involvement with this drug. Meth: An Overview Meth is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system. While it is often associated with recreational use, there are (very limited) medicinal uses for meth. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) classifies it as a schedule II drug, which means a prescription is required to obtain it. These prescriptions are for doses that are significantly lower than the doses a person abusing it recreationally would use. Schedule II drugs have a […]

April 21, 2015

Sudden Passion Murder

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Criminal Homicide, Legal Strategies Crime of Passion, Homicide, Sudden Passion

In certain circumstances, it may be possible to lessen the severity of a murder conviction. The law has long recognized that intensely emotional situations may lead to immediate irrational behavior. While this behavior cannot be excused entirely, a finding of sudden passion can lead to more lenient punishment. Sudden Passion It is important to note that sudden passion is not a defense to a murder charge. In fact, the discussion of whether sudden passion existed is not brought up until after the defendant is convicted. Under Texas law, during the punishment stage of the trial, the defendant may introduce evidence that the death was caused under the immediate influence of sudden passion arising from an adequate cause. If this is proven by a preponderance of evidence, the murder is a second-degree, rather than a first-degree felony. The difference is significant as a first-degree murder is punishable by a mandatory minimum […]

April 20, 2015

A Look at Child Pornography Cases

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Sex Crimes & The Law Possession of Child Porn, Sex Crimes

Some of the most serious crimes in the eyes of Harris County prosecutors are those that victimize children. The possession of child pornography is one such crime with severe penalties for individuals convicted of it. A person accused of possessing child pornography not only faces the criminal justice system, but also the disdain of the public. Further, the reputational harm caused by an allegation of possessing child pornography may not go away, even if the person is found to be not guilty. Texas’ Statute Under Texas law, possession of child pornography is committed if a person knowingly or intentionally possesses, or knowingly or intentionally accesses with the intent to view, material that visually depicts a child under the age of 18 at the time the image was made who is engaging in sexual conduct. In addition, the person must know that the material depicts the child as described above. The […]

March 13, 2015

Marijuana Related Criminal Offenses

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Drug Offenses Controlled Substances, Marijuana

There have been a many of young person walk into my law office, with their parents, frightened because they were accused of the criminal offense known as the possession of marijuana (a serious criminal offense) and seeking legal representation to attempt to fight the charge against them. A Conviction Could Ruin College Admission A number of these young people are students looking to move into the realm of higher education and would have their enrollment into college threatened had it been found out they were accused of any form of drug crime including that of the possession of marijuana. At the Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates Houston criminal defense lawyer Tad Nelson has had a wealth of success in either getting these type of misdemeanor weed cases thrown out of court due to violations of the defendant’s Constitutional Rights’, or have either worked out a deal with the […]

March 2, 2015

Understanding Sex Crimes

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Sex Crimes & The Law Felony Offenses, Sex Crimes

Sexual assault is a serious criminal charge in which felony ramifications often apply. With Harris County, Texas having one of the largest concentrations of sex offenders in the United States, one can expect aggressive law enforcement from all levels of local law enforcement agencies on all matters involving sex crimes. Experienced Criminal Defense Houston criminal defense lawyer Tad Nelson has over 30 years of experience handling intense criminal litigation situations and holds a Board Certification from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in criminal law. If you’re facing criminal charges related to accusations of a sex crime on your part, Houston sex crimes attorney Tad Nelson is the person to talk to. Residual Penalties for Sex Crimes If you’re convicted of a sex crime in Texas you’ll face serious consequences in addition to lengthy prison sentencing that may be imposed by the court in which your case is assigned. If […]

February 19, 2015

Acts of Self Defense & Texas Law

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Criminal Homicide, Legal Strategies Deadly Force, Homicide, Self Defense

Self-defense is referred to as a justification defense, such that although the defendant has committed a criminal act as prescribed by statute, he or she should not be punished because the circumstances justify the defendant’s actions. Typically, one can use force that they reasonably believe is necessary to protect themselves from imminent unlawful force upon themselves. Texas has a broad self-defense law. Under Texas Penal Code, self-defense is a justification excluding criminal responsibility. The self-defense statute states that “a person is justified in using force against another when and to the degree the actor reasonably believes the force is immediately necessary to protect the actor against the other’s use or attempted use of unlawful force.” The belief that a force was immediately necessary for self-defense is presumed reasonable where the actor knew or had reason to believe that the person against whom the force was used: Unlawfully and with force […]

February 18, 2015

Two Texas Women Plead Guilty in Bank Fraud Case

Attorney Tad A. Nelson Theft & Fraud, Federal Criminal Justice Bank Fraud, Federal Offenses, Theft Cases

Petra Del Bosque, a former banker from Zapata National Bank, and Anita Arredondo, an accounts payable clerk for a local construction company, have both plead guilty to bank fraud. Their cases stem from an October 2014 arrest for their part in a check cashing scheme prosecutors say lasted over two years and netted the duo close to $800,000. The indictment stated that Arredondo used her position at the construction company to issue over 300 company checks, which she made payable to contractors. Del Bosque would then cash the checks at her bank, telling the tellers that she was working on the behalf of the contractors. Both women have plead guilty and face up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $1 million. DOJ: Two Ordered to Federal Prison for Bank Fraud Scheme at Zapata National Bank What a Guilty Plea Means The plea is a defendant’s response […]