Texas is known for its tough laws and tougher punishments. Our legislature adds criminal offenses to the penal code on a regular basis with stiff penalties that carry lifelong consequences. The Criminal Defense lawyers of the Gutheinz Law Firm are committed to advocating the federal and state constitutional rights of an accused from the moment they come into contact with the police to the end of the judicial process. We will aggressively defend you against all criminal charges in either state or federal court. Divorce/Family Law
At the Gutheinz Law Firm, our family law lawyers know that divorce is a stressful and time-consuming process. Attorneys at the Gutheinz Law Firm are dedicated to making the divorce process as smooth as possible. We at the Gutheinz Law Firm understand that determinations on custody of your child can have a lasting impact on the rest of your life. We are determined to fight for your right to be granted custody of your children. Juvenile Law
Juvenile Law is unique because it is a hybrid between our civil and criminal systems of law. Juvenile Law lawyers at the Gutheinz Law Firm understand that representing a child for a criminal offense could have an influence on that child’s life. Experience Juvenile Law lawyers at the Gutheinz Law Firm will not only assist the child through this process, but also the family.
Our Attorneys Joseph R. Gutheinz, Jr.
Joe Gutheinz is licensed to practice in ten courts, including the Texas Supreme Court; the United States Court of Appeals for the 5th, 10th and 11th Circuits; the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; and the United States Supreme Court. He is a Commissioned Member of the Texas State Council on Sex Offender Treatment and a Former Member of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Advisory Committee on Offenders with Medical and Mental Impairments. As a college instructor, he has taught over 150 graduate and undergraduate Criminal Justice, Risk Management and Para Legal classes for three colleges. He is a retired Senior Special Agent with NASA’s Office of Inspector General and a former Special Agent with both the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General and F.A.A. Civil Aviation Security. He is a former Army Intelligence Officer and Aviator . For his service, he has received the President’s Council on Integrity and Efficiency Career Achievement Award, the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, and a Special Commendation from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas. He is a past top graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center’s Criminal Investigator’s Course, holds six college degrees and eight teaching credentials, and is a Certified Fraud Examiner. Michael J. Gutheinz
Michael Gutheinz graduated from the University of St. Thomas, Magna Cum Laude, with a B.A. in Political Science. He graduated from South Texas College of Law, Cum Laude, with a Doctorate in Jurisprudence. In February 2007, Mike joined the U.S. Army and served as an attorney with the Judge Advocate General Corps. While in the Army, he practiced in the following areas: family law, adoption, consumer protection, claims against the U.S. Government, and criminal law. In 2009, Mike deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While in Afghanistan, Mike was a part-time military magistrate issuing search authorizations. Mike is a former prosecutor with the U.S. Army and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney. James O’Leary Gutheinz
James O’Leary Gutheinz graduated from the University of St. Thomas, Magna Cum Laude, with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Theology. He was Commissioned as an Officer in the United States Army Reserve and graduated from Adjutant Officer Basic Course in 2005. James Gutheinz was mobilized as an active duty officer in the Army for five years and simultaneously completed law school at South Texas College of Law in December of 2010. While at South Texas College of Law, James interned at a certified domestic violence clinic-Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA)-where he participated in complex family law cases by assisting victims in need of legal services. He also interned for the Prosecutor's Office of Pearland, Texas, where he gained vast knowledge in municipal cases dealing with violations of the transportation code and various other misdemeanors. Currently James, an Army Captain, is a reservist serving as the Company Commander for the 1-289th Training Support Battalion in Houston, Texas. Since obtaining his Doctorate in Jurisprudence degree and passing the Bar, he has represented clients in civil, family and criminal law cases.
Payment method
amex, check, debit, diners club, discover, mastercard, visa
Amenities
The Gutheinz Law Firm is a family owned and operated law practice located in Friendswood, Texas. We zealously defend and advocate for our clients in all areas of the law, including criminal law, divorce/family law, and juvenile law. Attorneys for the Gutheinz Law Firm practice in Brazoria, Galveston, and Harris County courts and are licensed to practice in federal courts.
Child support: The spouse that gains the most custody rights over their children in the divorce usually can request to receive child support in regular monthly installments paid out by the other spouse.
Child Custody and Visitation
Child custody: If you share any children with your spouse, Texas law requires you to decide who will be the primary custodian of them, or if you want to use joint custody to evenly split the responsibility.
Adoption
Paternity
On the other hand, involuntary establishment of paternity takes place in court since one parent disputes the matter. If the father fails to appear in court, he is subject to a “default order” by the judge, which automatically makes him the legal father. If the father appears and disputes paternity, the judge may order a DNA test to determine paternity.
Spousal Support
Spousal support: If one spouse may experience undue financial hardship as a direct result of the divorce and the division of their finances, the other spouse may be ordered to pay them spousal support or alimony for a short while or for years.
At Gutheinz Law Firm, LLP, our law firm consists of father and sons, a family of experienced attorneys who are also all military veterans. In our legal practice, we fiercely defend and advocate for clients in the areas of criminal defense and family law.
DUI/DWI
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious crime in Texas that carries severe legal consequences. You can be charged even if you did not feel intoxicated. But the law is clear: operating a vehicle with a BAC of.08 or more for adults constitutes drunk driving. But just because you tested above the state's legal limit does not mean that your case is hopeless.
Sex Crimes
The client was charged with continuous sexual assault of a minor which was dismissed due to the advocacy of defense counsel.
Robbery
Burglary
Client was accused of burglary of a building. After delivering a packet for the grand jury the prosecution decided not to present the case to the grand jury and the charges were dismissed.
Theft
Misdemeanors
Theft crimes can encompass a wide variety of acts. When you are facing any type of theft offense, whether a misdemeanor or felony, contact the Gutheinz Law Firm and have a team of dedicated defense attorneys on your side. These types of crimes are prosecuted heavily in Texas and can carry serious implications in your life. We fight to win each case so you can preserve your future and freedoms. If you are being investigated or charged with theft, our law firm can aggressively and effectively advocate for your interests.
Embezzlement
Drug Crimes
Texas has some of the strictest drug laws in the nation. When you have been arrested for a drug crime, contact an attorney immediately. At the Gutheinz Law Firm, we are focused on providing aggressive, effective defense of all types of drug offenses. We have a proven track record of results and are skilled at reaching favorable outcomes at all stages of the criminal process, from grand jury hearings all the way to a trial.
Assault
Client was charged with felony Aggravated Assault. After zealously representing our client the case was dismissed.
Juvenile Crimes
Juvenile crimes require a team with in-depth knowledge of the juvenile justice system. The Gutheinz Law Firm has extensive experience representing minors and can advocate for your child's best interests. Throughout the process, we can help you make informed decisions.
Identity Theft
Shoplifting
Restraining Order
Forgery
Client was charged with 25 counts of felony forgery. We were able to reduce the 25 counts to a deferred probation for a misdemeanor.
Manslaughter
Subsequent offenses require higher fines, longer jail time, and longer license suspension periods. If you are facing a third DWI offense, this is considered a felony. Other DWI felonies also include intoxication manslaughter and DWI with child passenger.
Internet Crimes
Prostitution
Client was charged with prostitution, but defense was able to secure a pretrial diversion which led to a dismissal. The case was subsequently expunged by the Gutheinz Law Firm.