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Get the best resolution for your case possible with a criminal defense lawyer from The Carlson Law Firm.

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Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming and frightening. Understanding your rights after an arrest is the first step in protecting your freedom, your reputation, and your future. Even a single conviction can have lasting consequences for employment, housing, and education.

Criminal defense is not one-size-fits-all. The legal system is full of complex rules, strict deadlines, and procedures that can feel impossible to navigate alone.

Get in touch with our Criminal Defense Team

In the criminal justice system, the stakes are high. Every decision from the moment of arrest to the outcome in court can carry lasting consequences for your life, your family, and your future.

Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, having a knowledgeable attorney by your side can make all the difference. Our team works to ensure clients are protected at every stage and not pushed aside by prosecutors or a system that moves too quickly against the accused.

We fight for your rights, your future, and your freedom. Consultations are free.

Call 833-4-Carlson to get started

Free, No-Obligation Consultations with an experienced Defense Attorney

Why Choose Us?

The Carlson Law Firm has successfully represented thousands of defendants in Bell, Coryell, Lampasas and McLennan County since 1976.

With Carlson, you get a team of juvenile defense attorneys and staff who will work tirelessly for the best outcome possible.

We offer free consultations and flat fees for juvenile cases, depending on their complexity. The best way to get a quote for your child’s case is to schedule a free consultation.

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For Nearly 50 years, The Carlson Law Firm has helped thousands of people through the legal process by providing excellent customer service and keeping communication open and transparent.

Client reviews

Just wanted to say thank you to you all for the legal work being done in regards to my son King. Everyone I have had the pleasure to interact with regarding this matter has been very patient and kind and professionally mentored on how to put their clients at ease. I want to give a shout-out to Kaila S. She has been very helpful in all aspects regarding the case and has instructed me on how to obtain the important information needed. You all keep up the great work that you do. I'll definitely deal with Carlson Law Firm for any related legal matters I may encounter. As well as refer friends and family.  
-Allen S.
Baytown, TX
I have been working with Julie at Carlson Law Firm for almost a year, during this time Julie has become family! Julie has offered compassion, advice, understanding, and sympathy during our time of grief. Julie has always made me feel comfortable and made me feel that no matter what, she will always be there for us. I have enjoyed working with her, building a relationship with her, and I am so happy with the connection we have made. I am so happy to have Julie on our side and I highly recommend her!  
Shawna W.
Temple, TX
This law firm is amazing. I worked with Mr. Alejandro Lopez and Ms. Jami Nance for the custody of my son. Both Jami and Alejandro were there anytime I needed to speak to them, they offered compassion in difficult situations through the process, and reassurance that my case was being handled with the utmost care, respect, and best interest of my son. I highly recommend this firm and I hope I don’t have to but would definitely be working with them again in the future if I ever need legal services. Thank you for all the assistance and time you all gave.
Angelica A.
Killeen, TX
I wanted to express my gratitude for you and your firm’s efforts for providing me with the highest level of professional legal counsel available. It was quite a long process but the advice and representation I received throughout the very difficult process was everything I hoped for and everything you promised me since day one. I will never forget what you and your staff did for me throughout the 4+ years invested into correcting the many wrongdoings associated with my case. This whole process was, at times, difficult for me and sometimes painful, but, I knew I was always in good hands. Now I have a sense of closure and the peace of mind that we did everything we could to see that there was some form of accountability. None of this would have been possible without your expertise and experience.
Melvin M.
Austin, TX
An excellent law firm! I always felt the whole team was working toward the same goal for us and they have great communication through out the process. Definitely will recommend.
Gerry
Waco, TX
The Carlson Law Firm team was a beacon of hope in my time of need. After my accident, I was left with outstanding ER bills that I could not afford. It felt hopeless and the stress was unbelievable. Max was so helpful and reassuring and would answer all my questions. The process was long but they really pulled through in the end. Nick and Maximo were tremendous and I am very thankful and relieved I went to Carlson Law Firm for help.
Sarah M.
Lubbock, TX
I will be forever grateful to The Carlson Law Firm. My experience was one of a kind. I was represented better than I could have ever imagined. My needs were always put first and was treated in such a professional manner at all times. My opinions were valued and my doubts were always reassured. Mrs. Cynthia Castaneda (Paralegal Assistant) was beyond helpful in all my needs and concerns thank you so much. She was very attentive and informative throughout my case. I could not have asked for a better experience. To my attorney, Mrs. Elizondo fought hard for me. They went above and beyond and did everything possible to ensure a great outcome. I couldn't have asked for a better law firm or attorneys Thank you!!
Laura M.
Laredo, TX
Not only were they constantly in contact with me they took care of my medical needs and I went to the right doctor that was able to heal me unlike Memorial Herman hospital. I paid nothing out of pocket for doctors care. I will forever be grateful for Carlson Law Firm making sure I was nursed back to health. Then they did not just give me a check and say bye. My attorney and several other people came and thanked me for choosing them. I am so glad I did choose them and if they are ever needed in the future there is only 1 lawyer for me. Carlson Law firm
Hutch W.
Bryan, TX

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Being arrested or charged with a criminal offense can be one of the most stressful and scary moments of a person’s life. You see your life flash before your eyes, and possibly falling apart. As a result, marriages or relationships may end, you may be fired, and even lose your licenses (both driver’s and professional). That is why it is so important to know what to look for when hiring a criminal defense lawyer. You need an attorney who is willing to zealously advocate for you to get you the best resolution possible.

Do I need to hire a lawyer?

According to the latest data, there were a total of 842,055 arrests for all forms of crime in Texas for the 2017 calendar year. In criminal cases, it is often you vs. The State. Prosecutors working on behalf of the state have access to resources that the average person does not. Even if you've already been assigned a court-appointed lawyer, it may be in your best interest to seek alternate legal counsel. While there are some really great lawyers on the court-appointed lists, your assigned lawyer may not be the right fit for you. Your freedom and your reputation are on the line in a criminal case. You should seek alternate legal counsel if you experience any of the following:

The ideal criminal defense lawyer for your case understands that your charge is not just one moment. A criminal case can have lasting effects for the remainder of your life and can even affect where you are allowed to live.

How do I find the best criminal defense lawyer for me?

The relationship between a client and an attorney is closer than many people realize. In order to advocate for you, your attorney will need to know many details of your life. You will likely be discussing things with your lawyer that you have never told anyone else. For this reason, you need to be able to trust your attorney and feel comfortable sharing intimate details about your life.

Your lawyer should be able to articulate a plan of action to move forward with your case. We always start with reviewing the evidence the state or government has on the case. Additional investigation on our part may also be necessary. Experienced criminal defense lawyers can easily identify missing evidence that may be crucial to your case.

Always ensure you understand your lawyer’s fees. Some lawyers charge hourly, some charge per court appearance, and some lawyers charge a flat fee for all representation. Be sure you understand exactly how your lawyer will be charging you for your case.

Finally, does the lawyer and the lawyer’s staff appear to genuinely care about you as a person? To our experienced criminal defense lawyers, you are never just a case. We strive to help make this period of your life less stressful and provide needed guidance on how the criminal charge may impact other areas of your life. We understand your criminal case does not occur in a vacuum, but can have far-reaching implications in other areas of your life as well.

Get recommendations from friends and family

You should always hire a criminal defense attorney who practices in the county where you live. If you have friends and family who have been through a criminal case, they likely have criminal defense lawyer recommendations. It is important that you trust and follow the attorney’s advice, too.

Do your own research

There are several online resources aimed at helping people find legal counsel. Once you find an attorney in your area, visit the attorney’s website for more information about their practice. The attorney you choose should have extensive experience in criminal defense.

Schedule a consultation

You can contact The Carlson Law Firm 24 hours a day, seven days a week to schedule a free consultation. Our criminal defense attorneys offer free consultations for all criminal offense cases.

Prepare for your meeting

Once your consultation is scheduled, you should begin preparing for your meeting. During your consultation, you should be prepared to fill out paperwork describing your case and be ready to answer questions about your situation. Further, you should prepare for your meeting by:

Meet with your attorney

When you meet with your attorney, it’s important to pay attention to how they treat you and how they treat their staff. In addition, pay attention to their confidence when they answer your questions. Their comfort with the law will indicate just how knowledgeable they are.

Meet Our Criminal Defense Attorneys

Our Killeen criminal defense attorneys help you defend against charges in Bell, Coryell, Milam, and Lampasas Counties. Our criminal defense attorneys have the resources and know-how to get the best resolution for you.

Your legal needs do not need to be put on hold. If you are worried about a criminal charge or a recent arrest, contact us for a free consultation.

With Carlson, you’re never alone.

Facing a criminal charge is never easy, and the results of that criminal case can have lasting effects on many aspects of your life. If this is your situation, contact The Carlson Law Firm to find out how we can help you. If you are in the Killeen or Temple area, we have a criminal defense lawyer who will be with you every step of the way. Our attorneys will explain the court process to you in a way that you understand. We will make sure that your voice is heard.

Our attorneys will ease the process. Contact us today to schedule a free phone or virtual consultation.