Friendswood is a residential city on the northern edge of Galveston County. Many of the people who call us after a Friendswood arrest have never been in trouble before: a DWI after dinner, a family argument that turned into an Assault Family Member charge, or a THC vape found during a traffic stop.
- Misdemeanor courtGalveston County Courts at Law No. 1, 2 and 3, Galveston County Justice Center, 600 59th Street, Galveston
- Felony court10th, 56th, 122nd, 212th and 405th District Courts, Galveston County Justice Center
- County jailGalveston County Jail, 5700 Ball Street, Galveston · (409) 766-2315
- Class C ticketsFriendswood Municipal Court
How a Friendswood arrest becomes a Galveston County case
Friendswood arrests are usually made by the Friendswood Police Department, the Galveston County Sheriff's Office, or Texas Department of Public Safety troopers. Whoever makes the arrest, the case is not decided by the officer. The officer writes a report, and the Galveston County District Attorney's Office decides what to file. As former prosecutors, Brian Foley and Luis Baez know that the charge on the arrest paperwork is a starting point, not the final word.
After booking, the person sees a magistrate, who sets bond and any bond conditions. In family violence cases the magistrate may also sign an emergency protective order. Misdemeanor cases are then assigned to one of the County Courts at Law, and felony cases go to a district court after indictment.
Friendswood sits in two counties
Friendswood straddles the line between Galveston County and Harris County. Where the arrest happened decides where the case is filed. An arrest on the Galveston County side goes to the Galveston County Justice Center; an arrest on the Harris County side goes to the Harris County courts. Your bond paperwork will show which county filed the case, and that tells you which courts, prosecutors and procedures you are dealing with.
THC vape and marijuana cases
THC vape cartridges are usually charged as possession of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 2, which can be a felony depending on the weight. See Penalty Group 2 / THC vape charges and marijuana charges.
Charges we defend for people arrested in Friendswood
- DWI, including breath test and blood test cases, and the 15-day license hearing
- Assault and Assault Family Member
- Drug charges, including marijuana, Penalty Group 1 and Penalty Group 2 / THC vape cases
- Theft and shoplifting
- Public intoxication
- Expunctions and nondisclosures once a case is resolved
What to do right now
Be polite, say as little as possible, and do not try to explain your way out of it. Statements made at the scene, in the patrol car and on recorded jail calls are routinely used later. If you are not sure what happens next, start with our guide: Arrested in Galveston County — What Happens Next.
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Your Galveston Criminal Defense Attorneys
