Laredo, Texas Criminal Defense Overview
Criminal Defense | Laredo, Texas
Facing Criminal Charges? Call Joey First.
Former Chief Prosecutor Joey Tellez brings more than 24 years of legal experience to state and federal criminal cases in Laredo, Webb County, and throughout South Texas.
Principal office: 702 Corpus Christi St, Laredo, TX 78040
What You Do Next Matters
Do Not Let the Government Control the Story.
After an arrest, statements, searches, electronic evidence, witness accounts, and law-enforcement reports may begin shaping the case immediately.
Early legal review can help preserve evidence, identify deadlines, and prevent avoidable mistakes before the first court setting.
Speak With Joey TellezState and Federal Charges
Criminal Cases We Defend
DWI Defense
Cases involving traffic stops, field sobriety testing, breath or blood evidence, warrants, and driver's-license consequences.
Drug Charges
State and federal allegations involving possession, distribution, manufacturing, conspiracy, or cross-border trafficking.
Assault and Violent Offenses
Defense against allegations of assault, aggravated assault, family violence, and other serious violent charges.
Federal Criminal Defense
Representation in the Southern District of Texas involving federal investigations, indictments, border offenses, and complex prosecutions.
Sex Offenses
Confidential defense in cases involving serious allegations, digital evidence, witness credibility, and significant long-term consequences.
Expunctions and Record Sealing
Evaluation of eligibility for expunction or an order of nondisclosure after a qualifying arrest or case outcome.
Why Tellez Law
A Former Chief Prosecutor Now Defending You.
Joey Tellez understands how prosecutors review police reports, evaluate evidence, decide what charges to pursue, and prepare a case for court.
That experience helps him examine the case from both sides and identify issues involving probable cause, searches, statements, witnesses, forensic evidence, and the government's theory of prosecution.
Clients also receive direct access to the attorney handling their case—not a revolving list of lawyers they have never met.
What to Do Now
What Should You Do After an Arrest?
01
Remain Silent
Do not try to explain the situation to officers, investigators, witnesses, or people online.
02
Preserve Your Paperwork
Keep bond documents, citations, notices, property receipts, court papers, and release conditions.
03
Protect Digital Evidence
Do not delete texts, photos, videos, location data, social-media messages, or other potentially relevant records.
04
Get the Case Reviewed
Early review may identify deadlines, bond concerns, missing evidence, witness issues, or constitutional questions.
Different Systems. Different Stakes.
State and Federal Criminal Cases
Texas State Charges
State cases may be filed in municipal, county, or district court and can involve misdemeanors, felonies, bond conditions, protective orders, probation, or trial.
Federal Charges
Federal cases may involve federal agencies, grand-jury proceedings, detention hearings, federal sentencing rules, and prosecution in the Southern District of Texas.
How the Defense Develops
Our Criminal Defense Framework
01
Initial Case Review
Review the accusation, arrest, bond conditions, deadlines, and immediate risks.
02
Evidence Collection
Obtain reports, video, digital evidence, witness information, forensic records, and court filings.
03
Constitutional Review
Examine searches, seizures, statements, warrants, probable cause, and how evidence was obtained.
04
Strategy and Resolution
Evaluate negotiation, dismissal issues, pretrial motions, mitigation, or trial based on the evidence.
470 5-Star Google Reviews
Trusted by Clients Across Laredo
“From the very start, Joey made me feel welcome, heard, and cared for. He paid close attention to every detail of my case and showed genuine compassion for what my family and I were going through. Choosing Joey Tellez was the best decision I could have made.”
— Joseph
“Joey Tellez helped me with my case. He made a stressful situation much easier to handle. I'm glad I hired him. Don't hesitate to hire him—he gets the job done.”
— Mark C.
Past client experiences do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its own facts and circumstances.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Charges
What should I do immediately after being arrested?
Remain silent, request an attorney, keep all paperwork, follow release conditions, and avoid discussing the case online or with potential witnesses.
Can a criminal charge be dismissed before trial?
Possibly. The answer depends on the evidence, the legal issues, the charge, and whether the prosecution can prove every required element. No dismissal can be promised before the case is reviewed.
What is the difference between state and federal charges?
State charges are prosecuted under Texas law in state court. Federal charges are prosecuted under federal law and may involve federal agencies, federal detention procedures, and federal sentencing rules.
Should I speak with police if I believe I am innocent?
It is safer to speak with an attorney first. Statements can be misunderstood, taken out of context, or used to develop additional evidence.
Can I clear or seal my criminal record?
Eligibility depends on the charge, disposition, criminal history, and the type of relief requested. Expunction and nondisclosure are different remedies with different requirements.
How soon should I contact a criminal defense lawyer?
As early as possible. Important evidence, deadlines, bond conditions, and investigation decisions may arise before the first court setting.
Talk to Tellez Law
Speak With Joey Tellez About Your Criminal Case
Get clear answers about the charge, the evidence, the court process, and the decisions that may affect your future.
Call (956) 717-8200 Request a Consultation
Principal office: 702 Corpus Christi St, Laredo, TX 78040
Related Criminal Defense Resources
DWI Defense | Drug Charges | Federal Criminal Defense | Violent Crimes | Expunctions
Disclaimer: This page provides general information about criminal cases and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page or contacting Tellez Law does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case depends on its own facts, evidence, procedural history, and applicable law. Past results and client experiences do not guarantee a similar outcome.