Frequently Asked Questions

Board certification in criminal law is awarded by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and requires demonstrated expertise, extensive experience, peer reviews, and passing a rigorous examination. Fewer than 1% of Texas attorneys hold this credential. It is the highest level of recognition a Texas attorney can receive in their field, and it means you are working with a verified expert - not just someone who practices criminal law occasionally.

Yes. When you hire Attorney Canlas, you work directly with him - not a junior associate or paralegal. He personally answers his phone, reviews your evidence, and appears in court on your behalf from start to finish. This 1-on-1 approach is a core part of his practice.

Yes. Your first consultation with Attorney Canlas is completely free and 100% confidential. There is no obligation, and everything you discuss is protected by attorney-client privilege.

Yes. In honor of those who have served our country, Attorney Canlas proudly offers discounted legal fees for active-duty military personnel and veterans. Please mention your military status when you call or submit a contact form.

Attorney Canlas represents clients throughout The Woodlands, Conroe, Spring, Tomball, Humble, Cypress, Magnolia, and all of Montgomery County and the Greater Houston area in Texas. He also handles federal cases in the Southern District of Texas.

Remain calm and do not physically resist arrest. Clearly and calmly state that you are invoking your right to remain silent and that you want an attorney. Do not answer any questions from law enforcement, even if they seem routine or harmless. Call Attorney Canlas at (936) 788-6999 as soon as you are permitted to make a phone call. The sooner he is involved, the better he can protect your rights.

No. You have the constitutional right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during any questioning. Statements you make to police - even innocent-sounding ones - can be used against you in court. Politely but firmly decline to answer any questions until you have spoken with Attorney Canlas.

Absolutely. Innocent people are charged and convicted of crimes. Without experienced legal representation, navigating the criminal justice system is extremely risky. Attorney Canlas will work to ensure your innocence is established as effectively as possible, challenging improper investigations, unlawful searches, and weak evidence.

As soon as possible - ideally immediately after an arrest or the moment you learn you are under investigation. Early legal intervention can protect your rights during interrogations, potentially prevent charges from being filed, and preserve critical evidence. In DWI cases, you have only 15 days to request an ALR hearing to protect your driver's license.

In Texas, DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) applies to adults with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, or who are otherwise mentally or physically impaired by alcohol or drugs. DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Texas applies specifically to minors under 21 who have any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. Both are serious offenses that require experienced legal defense.

After a DWI arrest in Texas, your license may be automatically suspended through the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process. You have only 15 days from your arrest to request an ALR hearing to contest the suspension. Attorney Canlas can request this hearing on your behalf and fight to preserve your driving privileges while your criminal case proceeds.

Yes, in many cases. Attorney Canlas will examine the legality of the traffic stop, the administration of field sobriety tests, the accuracy and calibration of breathalyzer or blood testing equipment, and whether your constitutional rights were respected. If any of these issues are identified, it may be possible to have the charges reduced or dismissed entirely.

In addition to his board certification in criminal law, Attorney Canlas holds a FINRA Series 7 securities license. This combination is extremely rare among criminal defense attorneys and gives him an in-depth understanding of the financial instruments, regulatory frameworks, and business practices that form the foundation of white-collar crime cases.

Yes - this is the most critical time to involve an attorney. Pre-charge intervention can prevent charges from being filed at all. Attorney Canlas can communicate with investigators on your behalf, protect you from making self-incriminating statements, and begin building your defense before the prosecution has fully assembled its case.

In most Texas criminal cases, you have 30 days from the date of sentencing to file a notice of appeal. For habeas corpus petitions, different deadlines apply. These deadlines are strict - missing them can forfeit your right to appeal. Contact Attorney Canlas immediately if you believe grounds for appeal exist.

Common grounds for appeal include: ineffective assistance of trial counsel, prosecutorial misconduct such as withholding evidence, newly discovered evidence, violations of your constitutional rights during the investigation or trial, incorrect jury instructions, and sentencing errors. Attorney Canlas will conduct a thorough review of your case to identify every available ground for relief.