Criminal Law

Criminal Defense in Brownsville and the Rio Grande Valley

If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in Cameron County or in federal court in the Southern District of Texas, what happens next matters. Charges that look minor can affect employment, immigration status, and your future for years. The Michael Gonzalez Law Firm provides experienced criminal defense at the state and federal levels — including representation as a CJA panel attorney for the Southern District of Texas and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Cases We Handle

• Federal criminal defense — drug offenses, immigration-related crimes, fraud, firearms
• State criminal defense — DWI, assault, theft, drug possession, family violence
• Probation revocations and motions to revoke
• Expunctions and orders of nondisclosure
• Criminal appeals (Fifth Circuit, Texas Thirteenth Court of Appeals)

Why Federal Experience Matters

The federal system is different from state court — different rules, different sentencing structures, different prosecutors. The Federal Sentencing Guidelines, mandatory minimums, and federal criminal procedure require specific experience that many Texas defense attorneys do not have. As a member of the CJA panel for the Southern District of Texas, Mr. Gonzalez is appointed by the federal court to represent defendants facing federal charges.

How We Work

Every criminal case starts with understanding what the government has and what it doesn’t. We obtain discovery, review the evidence carefully, and develop a strategy aimed at the best realistic outcome for you — whether that’s dismissal, suppression of evidence, a favorable plea, or trial. We’re honest about case strengths and weaknesses; you’ll know where you stand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I talk to the police or federal agents?
Generally, no. You have the constitutional right to remain silent and to have an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you, and even truthful statements can be misinterpreted. Politely decline to answer questions until you have spoken with an attorney.

What’s the difference between probation and deferred adjudication?
Both involve community supervision instead of jail or prison, but they treat the conviction differently. Successful completion of deferred adjudication can leave you without a final conviction on your record — critical for employment, immigration, and any future criminal cases. Discussing these options with an attorney before pleading is essential.

Can criminal records be cleared?
In Texas, certain offenses qualify for expunction (complete erasure) or orders of nondisclosure (sealing). The 2025 recodification of Texas expunction law (Chapter 55A of the Code of Criminal Procedure) changed many rules. Whether your case qualifies depends on the offense, the disposition, and time elapsed.

Do I need an attorney for a misdemeanor?
Yes. Even misdemeanor convictions can carry serious collateral consequences — immigration consequences, professional license issues, firearms restrictions, lasting employment effects. The “minor” charge label does not mean minor consequences.

Free Consultation — Hablamos Español

Call (956) 572-6792 to schedule a confidential, no-obligation consultation. Mr. Gonzalez has been licensed since 2011 and is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the bar of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Hablamos español.

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