General Practice Attorney in Houston

Serving the everyday legal needs of Texas individuals and businesses

Burton Law Firm has a distinguished record of representing clients during what are often the most trying times of their lives. Clients throughout Harris County count on Tom Burton’s significant knowledge of the law and his ability to craft tailored solutions to problems in a wide range of areas.

• Misdemeanor criminal defense
• Estate planning and probate
• Business counseling
• Consumer rights
• Real estate / landlord-tenant

Misdemeanor criminal defense

Tom Burton has a remarkable depth of understanding — of Texas criminal law and of his clients.  He represents clients charged with misdemeanor:

Frequently asked questions about criminal defense

What's the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor offense is a crime that is punished by a maximum of one year in the county jail. Felonies are more serious crimes which are punishable by more than one year in the state prison system. Behaviors punishable only by fine, such as traffic violations, are usually not considered crimes at all, but are infractions.

What are the penalties for misdemeanors in Texas?

• A Class A misdemeanor carries a punishment of up to $4,000, jail time of up to a year, or both.
• A Class B misdemeanor is punishable with a fine up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail, or both.
• A Class C misdemeanor carries a fine of up to $500.

If I'm charged with a crime, will I have a trial by a jury?

The U.S. Constitution gives a person accused of a crime punishable by a sentence longer than six months the right to be tried by a jury.

Should I contact an attorney if I’m under investigation but have not been charged?

Absolutely. Representation at an early stage in a case can increase the odds of no charges or reduced charges being filed. An attorney also can protect your rights during the investigation.

Estate planning and probate

Attorney Burton is an experienced wills and estates lawyer who knows how important it is to have proper documentation in place to ensure assets are distributed as clients desire. He has seen too many families struggle with legal and tax messes because loved ones failed to plan, prepared their own wills or even used an online estate planning tool.

He drafts and implements estate plans that ensure proper distribution of assets and beneficial tax liability positioning.  He also is skilled in estate administration, probate and will contests.

The firm’s estate planning services include:

Attorney Burton is not a tax professional. While he can provide guidance on estate and probate law, he will advise you if you would benefit from advice from a tax professional.

Frequently asked questions about estate planning

Do I need a will?

A will protects your property and can especially be helpful if you want to distribute your property to people other than your relatives. Without a will, state law dictates the distribution of your property. The default plan normally distributes property to relatives.

Is it necessary for a lawyer to draft my will?

While it may seem straightforward for you to draft your will yourself, personally-drafted wills tend to be incomplete and are, therefore, invalid under state law. An attorney familiar with Texas estate laws can legally draft a will that is valid in Texas.

What happens if someone dies without a will?

Texas law uses a default will for anyone who dies without a will. Typically, the spouse and children of the person who died take the property. If there is no spouse and no children, the decedent’s parents take the property, followed by siblings, grandparents, and children of the grandparents. If no close relation can be found, the property eventually belongs to the state. Note, though, that as part of the probate process, the decedent’s creditors lay claim to the property after certain allowances for spouse and children.

Business counseling

Tom Burton has the experience to assist with all phases of his clients' business operations, from inception through closure.  Large and small Houston businesses rely on his business and corporate law experience to guide them through the successes and difficulties that go along with running a company.

He handles:

What is business formation or choice of entity?

Determining whether to operate as a closely held business, limited liability company, partnership, or corporation can have serious tax and operational implications for a business. Attorney Burton is well-versed in all of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of business entity.

Attorney Burton advises and assists clients in the choice and formation of the most appropriate entities for their individual needs.

What is breach of contract?

Financial losses due to corporate malfeasance can be devastating for victims and their families. Consumer law attorney Tom Burton investigates allegations of financial wrongdoing and helps recover financial losses. He handles a wide range of consumer law cases:

Frequently asked questions about consumer rights cases

I think I was the victim of a scam. Can I get my money back?

Federal and state laws prohibit unfair or deceptive trade acts or practices. If you think you've been cheated, you should immediately let the Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Bureau know. Unfortunately, government agencies are rarely able to get your money back. A consumer protection attorney can investigate your claim and pursue a lawsuit to recover your lost money.

For additional information see our resources page.