College Station Criminal Defense Attorney

Experienced Defense For Criminal Charges Affecting Your Future

If you or someone you care about has been arrested or is under investigation in the College Station area, you are likely worried about what happens next. Criminal charges can threaten your freedom and your record, and for students, your education and career plans. You do not have to try to figure this out alone. Our team of College Station criminal defense attorneys at James, Reynolds & Ask focuses on guiding people through moments like this with steady, informed representation.

We are a criminal attorney team based in Bryan that has defended people in this community since 1983. Our criminal attorneys in College Station bring more than 90 years of combined criminal defense experience and include former prosecutors and a prior police detective. This all-sides perspective gives us a practical understanding of how cases are investigated and prosecuted, and how to look for weaknesses that may matter for your future.

We work with both long-time residents and students from nearby colleges who suddenly find themselves facing criminal charges or Title IX allegations. Our goal is to protect your rights, your record, and your reputation, and we start by offering a free consultation so you can learn about your options without any upfront cost.

To discuss your situation with a College Station criminal defense attorney at our firm, call (979) 227-3305 today for a free consultation. You can also contact us online.

Why People Turn To Our Criminal Defense Team

When you search for help after an arrest, you will see many law firms. People choose our criminal defense attorney College Station team because we understand how the criminal justice system operates from every angle. Several of our attorneys previously served as prosecutors, and one of our team members worked as a police detective. We have seen firsthand how investigations are run, how charges are filed, and where serious mistakes can occur.

This background helps us approach your case with a clear strategy. Our College Station criminal defense attorneys know how to examine police reports, body camera footage, lab results, and witness statements with a critical eye. Our attorneys work to identify gaps in proof, violations of constitutional rights, and other problems that may affect how charges are resolved. Clients often tell us they feel more confident knowing that the lawyers handling their case have been inside the same offices that are now trying to convict them.

We have represented people in Brazos County courts for decades, and our firm has been rooted in Bryan since 1983. That long history matters when you are facing a system that feels confusing and impersonal. We understand the procedures, we are familiar with local practices, and we know that your case is not just a file number. Our team of College Station criminal defense attorneys treats every client with respect, listens without judgment, and keeps the focus on protecting your life beyond this case.

Clients also rely on us because we have built a strong record of legal successes and have received positive feedback from many of the people we have helped. While every case is different and no outcome can be promised, history reflects the time and care we put into our work. From the first conversation, we explain the process plainly and help you understand what is realistic for your situation.

Criminal Cases Our College Station Criminal Defense Attorneys Handle For Residents & Students

Anyone can end up facing criminal charges, from long-time community members to students who have never been in trouble before. Our criminal defense lawyer team handles a wide range of cases that commonly arise here. If you are charged with driving while intoxicated, for example, you may be worried about jail, fines, and losing your license. We understand how DWI cases are built and the many ways that traffic stops, breath tests, and field sobriety exercises can be challenged when appropriate.

We also represent people accused of drug offenses, assault, theft, property crimes, and other misdemeanor and felony charges. These cases often raise questions about search and seizure, witness credibility, and whether the evidence really supports the accusation. Our College Station criminal defense attorneys draw on years of courtroom experience and investigative work to evaluate what the State can actually prove.

For students, the situation can be even more complicated. A criminal charge for offenses such as alcohol violations, drug possession, or alleged sexual misconduct may trigger both a criminal case and a school process. We handle criminal matters that may be related to campus incidents, and we also assist when allegations lead to Title IX proceedings or student disciplinary hearings. Our criminal lawyer College Station team understands how a negative result can affect scholarships, housing, and future career paths, and we keep those consequences in mind as we advise you.

We are prepared to step in during different stages of a case. Some clients contact us when they first learn they are being investigated. Others call after an arrest, a notice to appear in court, or a first hearing in Brazos County. In each situation, we review what has already happened, explain what is likely to come next, and outline steps we can take to start protecting your position.

After An Arrest Or Charge In The College Station Area: What You Should Do

An arrest or call from a loved one in jail can be frightening. In those first hours and days, the choices you make can affect your case. Many people are unsure what to say, whom to trust, and how quickly they must act. Our College Station criminal defense attorneys encourage you to take a breath, remember that you still have rights, and follow some basic steps to avoid common mistakes.

Several actions can help protect you after an arrest or charge:

• Use your right to remain silent. You are not required to answer questions about what happened, and anything you say can be used against you. It is usually safer to provide only identifying information and politely state that you want to speak with a lawyer before answering further questions.
• Avoid discussing the case with others. Conversations with friends, roommates, or on social media can later appear in reports or testimony. Even texts and messages that seem harmless can be misunderstood or taken out of context.
• Preserve important information. If you have text messages, emails, photographs, or contact information for witnesses that may matter, save them. Do not delete anything related to the incident until you have spoken with an attorney who can advise you about what is relevant.
• Pay attention to paperwork and deadlines. Bond conditions, court dates, or notices from Texas A&M or other schools can arrive quickly. Missing a date in Brazos County courts or failing to respond to a campus letter can create new problems.
• Contact a College Station criminal defense attorney that clients trust as soon as you can. Having a lawyer involved early can make a difference in how law enforcement interaction is handled and how information is gathered. During a free consultation, we can walk you through your situation and help you understand your options.

We speak with many people during the first days after an arrest, including parents who live elsewhere and have just learned that their child has been detained. Our team takes time in that first call to answer questions, describe the next court steps, and discuss how representation works. Even if you are not sure whether charges will be filed, it is often wise to get advice so you are prepared.

How A Local Criminal Defense Lawyer Helps You Navigate The System

Facing criminal accusations can feel like stepping into a system you do not understand. A College Station criminal defense attorney helps make that process clearer and less overwhelming. In Brazos County, cases typically move through several stages, starting with the initial court appearance and continuing through pretrial hearings, negotiations, and, in some situations, trial. Each stage presents different choices that can affect the outcome.

Our attorneys guide you through these steps and explain what each hearing means. For example, we can discuss what may happen at arraignment, how conditions of bond are set, and what to expect from status conferences or plea discussions. We understand that the setting, such as a courtroom in Brazos County, can be intimidating for someone who has never been there before. Our role includes not just legal analysis but also preparing you for what you will see and hear.

Because several of our attorneys previously served as prosecutors, we have first-hand knowledge of how charging decisions are made and how cases are evaluated from the government side. Combined with our prior police detective’s investigative experience, this helps us look at your case from multiple angles. We review the State’s evidence, consider additional information that should be gathered, and work to identify any issues with the way the investigation was conducted.

For students at Texas A&M University or Blinn College, criminal charges may overlap with campus processes. A single incident might lead to both a criminal file in Brazos County and a Title IX or student conduct matter on campus. We help you understand how information can move between these systems and how decisions in one setting can affect the other. Our goal is to protect not only your rights in court but also your academic and professional opportunities.

Throughout the case, communication is crucial. We work to keep you updated, answer questions in plain language, and make sure you understand the choices in front of you. Whether a case is resolved through negotiations, pretrial motions, or trial, we want you to feel that you were an informed participant, not just an observer.

What Sets James, Reynolds, Spiegelhauer & Ask Apart

Many firms handle criminal cases, but few can say that they have seen the system from as many sides as we have. At James, Reynolds & Ask, our team of College Station criminal defense attorneys includes former prosecutors and a prior police detective. This combination means we understand how officers are trained to investigate, how reports are written, and how prosecutors review those reports when deciding what charges to file. We draw on that insight when we examine the evidence in your case.

Our attorneys bring more than 90 years of combined criminal defense experience to the people of this community. Since 1983, our firm has been based in Bryan and has represented clients whose cases are handled in courts serving the College Station area. Over those decades, we have seen legal trends and local practices change, and we have adapted our strategies while maintaining a steady commitment to careful preparation and thorough investigation.

We know that for you, this is not just a legal problem; it is your life. A conviction or even a public accusation can affect employment, housing, professional licenses, and relationships. For students, it can change the course of an education. We take that seriously. Our attorneys work to understand your priorities, whether that is avoiding a particular consequence, protecting a license, or preserving eligibility for certain jobs.

Clients often tell us that what makes a difference is how they are treated. We strive to provide non-judgmental, respectful representation. People come to us at some of the hardest moments in their lives. Our role is to listen, explain what the law says, outline realistic options, and advocate for you within the system. We also recognize that legal fees are a concern, which is why we start with a free consultation so you can decide whether we are the right fit before committing.

Call us at (979) 227-3305 today. A conversation with an experienced attorney can help you understand the stakes, the process, and the options that may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Right After an Arrest in the College Station Area?

After an arrest, the most helpful steps are to stay calm, avoid talking about the facts of the case, and contact a College Station criminal defense attorney as soon as you can. You generally have the right to remain silent, and using that right can prevent statements from being misinterpreted or taken out of context. It is usually best to provide only basic identifying information until you have spoken with an attorney about your situation.

You should also keep track of any paperwork you receive, including bond conditions, court dates, and property receipts. If possible, write down details you remember about the incident and anyone present, because memories fade quickly. Family members who live outside the area can also reach out to us on your behalf so we can explain what is happening in Brazos County courts and discuss possible next steps.

How Soon Do I Need a Criminal Lawyer if I am Under Investigation?

If you know or suspect that you are under investigation, speaking with a lawyer early can be very important. Law enforcement may reach out to request an interview or ask you to provide information. Without advice, it can be hard to know what helps and what could unexpectedly harm your case. Having counsel before you talk with officers or investigators gives you a chance to understand your rights and make informed choices.

In some situations, early involvement allows a criminal attorney to gather helpful information, respond to inquiries in a controlled way, or advise you about how to handle contact with potential witnesses. Every case is different, and there is no single timeline that fits all situations, but waiting until charges are filed can limit options. We regularly speak with people during the investigative stage and use the free consultation to review the circumstances and discuss how we may be able to assist.

Can Your Attorneys Help if My College Student is Facing Both Criminal Charges and a Title IX case?

We can represent students who are dealing with both criminal charges and campus processes arising from the same events. When a student at a local college is accused of conduct that could violate both criminal laws and school policies, it can feel like two separate systems are closing in at once. Each system has its own procedures, and decisions in one setting can influence the other.

Our team has experience defending criminal cases that begin with campus incidents, including situations involving alcohol, drugs, and allegations of sexual misconduct. We also work with families and students to address related Title IX or disciplinary matters in a way that takes the criminal case into account. During a consultation, we can explain how these processes tend to unfold and discuss approaches for protecting both the student’s legal rights and academic future.

Will I Have to Go to Jail if I am Charged With a Crime?

Not everyone who is charged with a crime ends up serving time in jail or prison, but the risk depends on many factors, such as the specific charge, prior history, and facts of the case. Some offenses carry potential penalties that include incarceration, while others may allow for alternatives. Judges in Brazos County and across Texas generally consider the seriousness of the allegation, any criminal record, and the recommendations they receive when deciding on a sentence.

Our role is to review the evidence, examine your background, and advise you about the range of possible outcomes. During a consultation, we can explain what the law says about potential penalties and how similar cases are often handled, while making clear that results depend on the unique details of your situation. We then work to pursue outcomes that limit consequences wherever the facts and law allow, though no particular result can be guaranteed.

How Will Your Team Keep Me Informed About My Criminal Case?

Communication is a central part of how we represent clients. When you work with our criminal defense lawyer team, we explain the stages of the case and let you know when significant developments occur. You can expect us to discuss upcoming court dates, important filings, and any offers or decisions that require your input.

We encourage questions and strive to answer them in clear, direct language. Many clients prefer phone calls for complex issues and email or secure messages for updates and document sharing, and we work within those preferences as much as possible. Our goal is for you to understand what is happening and why, so that you feel involved and not left in the dark.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

The cost of hiring a criminal defense attorney can vary based on the nature of the charges, the complexity of the case, and the amount of work that may be involved. Serious felony matters, for example, often require more time and resources than minor misdemeanors. Because of these differences, it is difficult to provide meaningful fee information without first learning about your specific situation.

We address this by offering a free initial consultation. During that meeting or call, we review the basics of your case, discuss what representation might involve, and explain our fee structure in more detail. This allows you to ask questions and consider your options before deciding how to proceed. There is no obligation to hire us after the consultation.

What Should I Bring to My First Meeting With Your Defense Lawyers?

Bringing key documents and information to your first meeting helps us give you more focused guidance. Useful items can include any paperwork from the arrest, such as citations, bond documents, or notices from Brazos County courts. If you have already received letters from a college about potential discipline or a Title IX investigation, those are helpful as well.

You may also want to bring a list of questions and a brief timeline of events as you remember them. Contact information for potential witnesses or people involved in the incident can be valuable, especially while details are still fresh. If you do not have all of this information yet, do not let that stop you from reaching out. We can help you identify what else will be needed as we move forward.

Your first step can be as simple as reaching out for a free consultation to talk through what has happened and what comes next.