Right now everything feels like it’s collapsing. My job is to slow it down and give you a plan.
If you or someone you love has been arrested, you’re scared, overwhelmed, and flooded with worst‑case scenarios. That reaction is normal. It’s also exactly when you need someone who isn’t panicking.
- Stabilize the crisis: I explain what’s happening and what's important in the next few hours or days.
- Protect your future: We focus on the decisions that affect your record, your job, and your family.
- Restore control: You get a clear plan instead of a spinning mind and a stack of paperwork.
When everything feels out of control, you need a simple path.
People don’t hire a criminal defense lawyer because life is going well. They hire one because something has gone wrong, and they can’t afford to make it worse. My work is built around a simple, repeatable structure that brings order back into a chaotic moment.
Stabilize the situation
We talk about what happened, what you’ve been told, and what you’re afraid of. I explain the charges, the immediate risks, and what does—and doesn’t—need to happen right now.
Map the real options
I obtain the evidence, then we consider and discuss the evidence, your history, and the court you’re in. I walk you through the realistic outcomes, not sales pitches or guarantees, so you can make decisions with your eyes open.
Execute a defense plan
From careful review of evidence, to negotiations, to hearings, to trial, my job is to carry the legal burden so you can start breathing again. I will compassionately and forthrightly explain what we’re doing and why at every stage of your case.
Cases I handle
Every case is different, but there are always high stakes: your record, your freedom, and your future. I focus my practice solely on criminal defense so your case isn’t an afterthought.
DWI and intoxication offenses
First‑time and repeat DWIs, blood and breath cases, license consequences, and intoxication‑related felonies. Once seen as a less-serious crime, the penalties for driving while intoxicated have significantly increased in severity over the last half-century. The science behind detecting and prosecuting DWIs has also changed during that time period, as has the art of arguing these cases to juries. James Perl has worked on many DWI cases, as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney. When he was a prosecutor, James Perl served on the Texas District and County Attorneys’ Association DWI Task Force. He keeps abreast of the latest developments through continuing legal education programs on the topic. Let me put that experience to work for you.
Drug charges
Possession, delivery, and manufacturing cases, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. I examine search, seizure, and whether the State can actually prove what it claims. The nature and severity of punishment for crimes involving controlled substances in Texas is constantly evolving. It can be influenced by factors such as the prevalence of national media coverage, the shifting political landscape, or even which county the defendant is charged in. Whether you’re accused of possessing a single joint, or distributing a warehouse-full of fentanyl, The Law Office of James Perl PLLC would like the opportunity to serve you.
Assault and family violence
Allegations involving partners, family members, or roommates carry consequences far beyond the courtroom. In Texas, a traffic ticket is a Class C misdemeanor, and so is assault by threat, family violence. Family violence, however, is much more likely to impact your professional license, right to bear arms, immigration status, child custody, and/or reputation. The punishment for crimes of domestic violence has gotten increasingly severe over the last several decades, and these are the types of crimes where prejudice (on the part of jurors or prosecutors) can put you at great risk. Don’t go it alone—let an experienced guide work to get you the best outcome attainable. James Perl has worked on dozens of assaults, family violence assaults, and other violent crimes as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney. Get in touch and put me to work for you.
Sexual offenses
Sometimes it feels like the burden is on the accused to prove their innocence, even though that is contrary to what the law of the State of Texas and the United States Constitution dictate. This is never more so than in the most sensitive cases with the most shocking allegations. People facing these types of allegations need a lawyer who isn’t squeamish or easily shocked by the mere allegations in the indictment. James Perl is neither intimidated nor squeamish. I have represented people accused of sexual crimes ranging from indecent exposure to aggravated sexual assault of a child. I have connections with highly respected, industry-leading experts and investigators to give you the best chance for success. You deserve to put my experience, knowledge, and connections to work for you.
Theft and property offenses
Theft, fraud, and other property crimes can follow you into every job application. I work to protect my client's record and their ability to move forward in life. I have successfully represented clients accused of dipping into the cash register, as well as those accused of misappropriating tens of thousands of dollars through highly elaborate schemes. Let me shoulder the burden of sorting through the misunderstandings and false assumptions.
Other criminal charges
If you’re facing a charge that doesn’t fit neatly into a category, we can talk about whether it’s a good fit for my practice or whether I should point you elsewhere. Although I am very comfortable handling almost all criminal cases in the courts of the State of Texas, if I think another lawyer would be uniquely well‑situated to handle your case, or if ethics rules prevent me from handling your matter, I will tell you so plainly and refer you to one or more alternative options.
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The information on this website is about legal issues and is not legal advice. Information on the website and communications generated from this website should not be taken as legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Only a signed contract with The Law Office of James Perl PLLC constitutes an attorney-client relationship. Consultation is by appointment only.
Attorney advertising. Each case is unique, and case outcomes discussed on this website are exemplary in nature only and are not necessarily indicative of future results.