Conroe criminal defense attorney
Thousands of criminal cases negotiated and tried across East Texas.
25+ Years of Courtroom Experience.
Defending Clients in Montgomery County Courts. Trial-Tested Criminal Defense Since 1998
what our clients are saying
Real Clients. Real Results. Real Defense.
The professional and exceptional, educated knowledge of a defense law attorney, such as Mr. Benton Baker is highly recommended for anyone facing uncertainty and unknown circumstances. Not only will Mr. Baker guide and lead you through, but you will be treated with respect & dignity following a successful and exonerated outcome!!! Very grateful, & Blessed, I had Mr. Baker as my defense law attorney! Thank You Sir! I wish you continued success now and moving forward.
-C.N
Baker is amazing! He has helped me out significantly over the past year and a half of using him. He has also helped my husband twice over the years. He is reliable, knowledgable, and great at what he does. He has helped me in more ways than one with my case. I appreciate his hard work and dedication to what he does. Recommend him 10 out of 10 !
-Angela A.
Very professional. Got my husbands felony charged dismissed. He listen to what we had to say. Was Straight forward with us. We expected the worse and prayed for the best n that’s what he gave us. I highly recommend him
-Tracy C.
Welcome to the Criminal Law Office of Benton Baker IV
You’ve come to a place where over two decades of legal expertise is paired with a commitment to integrity and transparency. Our family-owned and operated firm based in Conroe, TX, doesn’t just provide a service; it fosters relationships based on trust and outstanding customer care.
Trusted Criminal Defense Since 1998
Proven Experience inside Texas Courtrooms
Practice Areas
Defense Services Across East Texas
Why You Should Hire
Benton Baker IV
Texas
I can spend more time with your case.
At most, court will be in session for about three and one-half hours. That’s a maximum of 210 minutes to deal with 100 to 300 people. If you are lucky, you will get about four minutes to listen to and talk to the prosecutor about your case.
How can you possibly tell your side of the story and negotiate a good plea in four minutes? You can’t. However, I can set up an appointment to go to the prosecutor’s office and talk at length about your case. Again because there are so many defendants, you will not get that opportunity. Only by hiring a lawyer will the prosecutor have time to listen to your individual case.
My experience gives me perspective on your case.
Even though you may have spoken with friends, family, and co-workers who say they have “been there before,” you will never know all the factors that go into making sure you get a good plea offer. It is only through my careful study my experience in handling many criminal cases that I have developed the feel for what facts makes a “good” case or a “bad” case.
Judges and Prosecutors.
Judges and Prosecutors are people, and they each have their opinions and beliefs about the cases before them. Being that I have had the opportunity to become familiar with Judges and Prosecutors, I know how to negotiate with them. Just because your buddy was offered one plea by one Prosecutor, does not mean that you have to settle for the same plea or that the same deal will be offered to you. The Prosecutor assigned to your case may be more likely to bargain, but how would you know that?
I know the law.
The lawyers code of ethics prohibits a Prosecutor from prosecuting a case where there is no probable cause to support the charge. However, probable cause is a slippery concept, and as long as there is even a hint of probable cause, the Prosecutor can, and likely will prosecute you.
If you hire me to represent you, I will review your case file to see if the case is even prosecutable. You may be one of the lucky few whose case is defective. In rare instances, your case may be dismissed altogether, but at the very least, knowing whether there is something wrong with the case gives you a much stronger negotiating position. Unfortunately, unless you are a legal or Constitutional scholar, you will never be able to recognize some of the technical problems with the prosecution’s case.
Lastly, there are the incidentals.
There are many things that you either cannot do without a lawyer, or can’t do as easily. For example, because of the sheer number of cases that a court handles, it can be difficult to get your case reset if an emergency comes up. Furthermore, even if you do eventually get your case reset, it can be maddening trying to find the right person to talk to, to get it done. Again, because I am familiar with the courthouse, I can help smooth out the process for you.
Criminal Defense Results
Real Results. Serious Defense.
Felony Reduced
Major Drug Offense
Not Guilty
Assault Family Violence Case
Texas Criminal Defense FAQs
Experienced Answers for Serious Charges
How much does a criminal defense attorney cost in Conroe, Texas?
Attorney fees vary by case complexity. At this firm, misdemeanor plea negotiations are typically $500–$1,500; misdemeanor trials range from $1,500–$5,000. Felony representation starts at $1,000 for plea negotiations and $5,000 or more for trial, depending on the charges and anticipated length. Multiple-case discounts are available. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and American Express. Contact us for a case-specific quote.
What is the statute of limitations for criminal charges in Texas?
Under Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Art. 12.01–12.03, the limitations period depends on the offense: felonies (other than certain sexual offenses and murder) carry a 3-year or 5-year limit; Class A and B misdemeanors carry a 2-year limit. Some offenses — including murder and certain sex crimes — carry no limitations period. Contact Benton Baker IV immediately if you are concerned about charges related to past conduct.
Can a felony charge be dropped to a misdemeanor in Texas?
Yes. A charge reduction is negotiated through the plea bargaining process. Under Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Art. 26.13, a defendant may plead guilty to a lesser offense with the agreement of the prosecution. Whether a reduction is possible depends on the specific facts, the evidence, the prosecutor assigned, and your attorney’s ability to identify weaknesses in the case. Benton Baker IV has successfully negotiated felony reductions in Montgomery County and surrounding courts.
What are the penalties for a first-offense DWI in Texas?
Under Tex. Penal Code §49.04, a first-offense DWI is a Class B misdemeanor, carrying up to 180 days in county jail (minimum 72 hours), a fine up to $2,000, and license suspension of 90–365 days. If your BAC was 0.15 or higher, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor with a maximum 1-year jail term and a $4,000 fine. An Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing must be requested within 15 days of arrest to contest license suspension.
Will I have to register as a sex offender in Texas if convicted?
It depends on the offense. Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure requires sex offender registration for convictions under many sections of Tex. Penal Code Chapter 21 and Chapter 22. Registration requirements vary in duration — from 10 years to lifetime — depending on the specific offense and whether the defendant is adjudicated a sexually violent predator. Early intervention by an experienced attorney can sometimes result in a charge reduction that avoids registration requirements.
Can a juvenile criminal record be sealed in Texas?
Yes, in many cases. Under Tex. Fam. Code §58.003, a juvenile may petition to seal their records after turning 17 (for certain offenses), after completing any disposition, and after a waiting period. A sealed record is not accessible to the public or most employers. However, certain serious offenses — including those that would be felonies if committed by an adult — may not be eligible for sealing. An attorney who understands the Texas Family Code is essential to protecting your child’s future.
What happens at my first court appearance after an arrest in Texas?
Your first appearance is typically an arraignment or a preliminary hearing. At this proceeding, you will be informed of the charges against you, bail may be set or reviewed, and you will have the opportunity to enter a plea. If you have not yet hired an attorney, the court may appoint one. Retaining your own attorney before this date is strongly recommended — your attorney can negotiate bail conditions and begin reviewing the case file before the arraignment.
What practice areas does Benton Baker IV handle?
Benton Baker IV focuses on criminal defense across Montgomery County and Southeast Texas, including: DWI/BWI, sex crimes, juvenile crimes, domestic violence/family violence, cyber crimes, habitual offender cases, drug offenses, assault, and other state and federal criminal matters. He is admitted to practice in the Southern District of Texas Federal Court. Call (936) 521-1292 for a case evaluation.
