All of Our Partners Are Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and the National Board of Trial Advocacy

If you are facing the prospect of being accused of a crime, you could face the most stressful and challenging battle of your life.  The government at every level is a relentless opponent, and when you find yourself coming under scrutiny from local, state, federal or military prosecutors, you only have one choice in terms of how to react.

You need to fight back aggressively by building a strong defense, and this is your Constitutional right.  Simply sitting and hoping that the problem will solve itself is exactly the opposite of what you should do. 

We firmly believe in the jury system.  In order for the system to work, both sides must work hard and advocate on their client’s behalf.  You need an experienced and zealous advocate to investigate, prepare, and present your case.  Our lawyers will do everything within the bounds of the law and ethics to ensure that you receive the due process you deserve.

Former prosecutor and criminal trial judge in the United States Marine Corps

Former prosecutor in Chicago, Illinois and in Houston, Texas

Former prosecutor at the Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California.

Former prosecutor at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California

Former senior ZLZS law clerk, our newest lawyer

Types of Cases Handled

Below is an overview of the types of cases the firm handles:

• DWI/DUI – DWI/DUI is a very serious charge, and public policy is demanding that tougher penalties be imposed on those convicted of these charges, especially those who are convicted of DUI/DWI for the second time or more.  Therefore, anyone charged with this offense needs to do everything possible to assert his or her Constitutional rights and available defenses.
• Mail Fraud/Wire Fraud/Bank Fraud – Mail and wire fraud are both crimes that have been in existence for many years, but the advent of the Internet has only made the opportunities to be charged with these offenses more likely given the access to information that’s more available now than ever before.  These crimes are prosecuted in federal court and often require precharging investigation, creating the need to build an immediate and strong defense.
• White Collar Cases – Many people mistakenly believe that being convicted of what’s traditionally known as a ‘white collar’ crime is not serious relative to the penalties faced for a conviction on a ‘violent crime’ charge.  Nothing could be further from the truth, and operating under this assumption is a mistake that could cost a defendant his or her freedom for many years.
• Securities Fraud – The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is as aggressive a regulatory agency as you will find within the investigation and enforcement arms of the federal government. The Department of Justice routinely prosecutes cases arising from SEC investigations.
• Murder/Capital Murder – No charge is as serious as capital murder or murder.  In cases like these, the citizen’s life literally could be on the line, and this is a situation where every effort needs to be made to present the strongest defense possible.
• Rape/Sexual Assault/Aggravated Sexual Assault – These sorts of charges not only carry severe penalties if the individual is convicted, but the facts that surround these cases make it very difficult for a jury to understand how false allegations can be made. 
• Drug/Controlled Substances Offenses – The War on Drugs rages on throughout the United States, and it’s especially intense in Texas given its border with Mexico and other factors.  Drug-related charges can force an individual to defend himself or herself on both state and federal levels, and long-term prison sentences are becoming the norm rather than the exception in many instances.
• Military Criminal Law – Those who are defending our country are often charged with crimes similar to those found in civilian courts.  The military justice system, however, requires representation by counsel familiar with the procedures which are similar to, but different from, those found in civilian courts.  Often persons charged under the UCMJ prefer to exercise their right to be represented by civilian counsel before military courts at trial or on appeal.
• Administrative Discharges – The nature of a servicemember's discharge can carry a lifetime of consequences, especially if that discharge is negative in nature.  This battle is generally administrative in nature and requires a defense attorney with a high degree of experience and skill.
• Appeals – A state, federal, or military conviction is not always the end of the story. If you act within the guidelines of your court’s jurisdiction, you can ask a higher court to reverse the findings and/or sentence that resulted. Even if the time for an appeal has passed, you may have the right to ask for relief via a state or federal writ of habeas corpus.
• Professional Licensing – If you have a professional license in danger of suspension or revocation, you need a lawyer who will protect your rights and your livelihood.

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How to Proceed

If you or someone you love is facing prosecution for these or any other serious charges, you owe it to yourself and your chances at continued freedom to waste no time in building a strong defense.  Contact the criminal defense attorneys at the Texas law firm of Zimmermann, Lavine, Zimmermann, & Sampson, P.C. today to schedule an initial consultation and to get the process of building that necessary defense started.

Summary

Being charged with a crime in Texas, by the civilian federal government, or by the military is a serious matter.  This law firm handles cases that include DWI/DUI; mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, and other white collar cases; capital murder/murder; rape/sexual assault/aggravated sexual assault; drug/controlled substances cases; and we handle a wide range of cases involving military criminal and administrative law including representation at courts-martial and administrative separation proceedings, as well as correction of records and discharge upgrades.  We also handle appeals and postconviction writs of habeas corpus.  If you face any of these situations or any others involving criminal or military law, contact the criminal defense attorneys at the Texas law firm of Zimmermann, Lavine, Zimmermann, & Sampson, P.C. to schedule an initial consultation.

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