Attorney Profile
Houston Criminal Attorney
Attorney Representation in Houston, Texas since 1992
About Tad Nelson
Tad Nelson is a native Texan and a lifelong resident of the Houston/Galveston area. Mr. Nelson was born on Galveston Island and graduated from the local public high school, Galveston Ball, in 1983. After graduation, Mr. Nelson traveled to Austin to attend the University of Texas.
After graduating from law school, Tad Nelson started his legal career as a State Prosecutor for the Galveston County District Attorney's Office under the direct supervision of Michael J. Guarino. Mr. Guarino was elected District Attorney of Galveston County in 1982 and served in that capacity until he stepped down to enter private practice in 2003 after five terms. Tad Nelson was fortunate to serve under Mr. Guarino and served as an Assistant District Attorney from 1992 to 1995. It was during this time that Tad Nelson learned the importance of service and its importance to the community.
In 1995 after a successful career as a prosecutor, Mr. Nelson opened the doors to a different type of law practice. Mr. Nelson wanted to build a unique law firm that was more concerned with a client's well being than the fee the client was generating. Well being does not always just mean getting the client a "good deal", well being means helping the client understand the process, well being means explaining all the obstacles that the client faces, and most of all well being means assuring the client that you are doing all that you possibly can to get the client a satisfactory outcome. Houston criminal defense attorney Tad Nelson has created a unique law firm that provides the client with "Big City Experience, Small Town Values".
At Tad Nelson & Associates, we understand the trauma that accompanies being arrested. We understand most people have never had to get a friend or a loved one out of jail, and people do not know what to do in that situation. We also realize the stress and anxiety associated with that first visit to an attorney's office. Usually a prospective client sits in a waiting room surrounded by diplomas and plaques while filling out an information form. Then the client gets invited to an office with more diplomas and certificates and sits across a huge desk from an attorney while they discuss the case. This is all very intimidating. At Tad Nelson & Associates we do all we can to make a prospective client feel both comfortable and confident; and we do our best to alleviate any stress you may have about the uncertainty of the criminal judicial system. In both our Galveston and League City offices, we provide an atmosphere that is more of a home than an office. We allow clients to relax and we encourage them to ask questions until they are satisfied that they understand the road ahead. Small town values is more than just a slogan at the Houston criminal law firm of Tad Nelson & Associates.
How can you tell if a lawyer is concerned about your case more than their bottom-line? When you sit down and talk with them about your case, always note what percentage of the conversation is about the fee you need to pay them. You also look to see what they do outside the office. Are they involved in their community? Do they donate their time and money to make their community a better place to live? Do they do things that help those less fortunate than himself? The reality is; if a lawyer does not care enough about the community he lives in he probably will take the same approach with his clients.
Tad Nelson has been entrenched in his community for many years now. Mr. Nelson has served in numerous capacities throughout Galveston and League City to make his community a better place to live. Mr. Nelson has served on the League City City Council, and he has been a Board Member of the Gulf Coast Big Brothers Big Sisters since 1999 and is currently serving as Past President. Mr. Nelson is active in the Galveston Rotary Club and the League City Lions Club. He is also a sponsor for Bowl for Kids Sake, Meals on Wheels yearly Christmas funds drive, The Yagas Wild Game Dinner, and The Village Fair.
Tad Nelson's involvement in his community is an indication of how he will approach his involvement in your case. If you are looking for a Law Firm that will take the time and the interest in your case, call Tad Nelson & Associates at 281.280.0100.
Professional
- 1995 - Present
Criminal Defense Practice (Houston/Galveston Area) - 1998 - 2000
Adjunct Professor of Business Law, Galveston Community College - 1996
Received Board Certification in Criminal Defense. (Earliest time to possibly be qualified to sit for the Certification Exam) - 1992 - 1995
Assistant District Attorney, Galveston County District Attorney's Office
Admitted to Practice
- State of Texas, November 1991
- Texas Supreme Court
- United States Supreme Court
- United States District Court, Southern District of Texas
- State of Texas Certified 1st Chair: Capital Murder Trials Pertaining to the Death Penalty
Memberships and Affiliations
- Board Certification in Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Texas State Bar Association
- Texas Trial Lawyers Association
- Texas Association of Criminal Defense Layers
- Harris County Lawyers Association
- Galveston County Criminal Lawyers Association
- Harris County Bar Association
- Galveston County Bar Association
- State Bar College
- National College for DUI Defense
Service and Community Organizations
- Board Member Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Gulf Coast
- Past President, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Gulf Coast
- Rotary Club of Galveston
- Lions Club of League City
- Former City Councilman, League City, Texas 1999-2002, 2005-2008.
Practice Areas include:
- DWI
- Drug Crime
- Capital Murder
- Murder
- Probation Violation
- Domestic Violence
- Traffic Tickets
- Theft
- Fraud
- Assault
- Sexual Assault
- Sex Crimes
- Rape
- Weapons Charges
- Aggravated Crime
- Federal Crimes
- Federal Drugs
- Felonies & Misdemeanors
- Juvenile Crimes
- Expunction
Put a *Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist and
Former Assistant District Attorney in Your Corner — Call (281) 280-0100
Our firm and Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney Tad Nelson provide skilled legal representation and services to people throughout Galveston, Harris, and Brazoria County and the Greater-Houston metro area. If you have been arrested for any criminal activity or need Criminal Law advice — call our League City law offices directly or contact us online today.
Major Credit Cards Accepted
Evening, Weekend, and Off-Site Appointments Available
*The Texas Board of Legal Specialization certifies attorneys in 20 specific areas of law; certification in any of these areas requires substantial demonstrated experience and skill, positive peer evaluations, ongoing legal education commitments, and the passage of a rigorous test.



