Texas state court · Trial
Felony Trial Defense
Detailed case profile coming soon, with outcome summaries from prior trial-level felony representations.
Trial-level matter
Criminal Defense · Houston, Texas
Strong defense.
Clear answers. Real advocacy.
Matthew Novak represents clients across Texas in felony trials, post-conviction appeals, and writs of habeas corpus, pairing disciplined courtroom advocacy with plain-language guidance.
TX
Licensed in Texas
Felony
Trial & appellate focus
Writs
Post-conviction habeas
1:1
Attorney-led representation
About the practice
A defense built on clarity.
Matthew Novak is a criminal defense attorney at Paul Morgan Law Office, PLLC, representing clients both on retainer and through court-appointed cases, ensuring strong, dedicated defense regardless of how someone comes through the door.
Beyond the courtroom, Matt believes people are better served when they actually understand the law. A core part of his work is demystifying it, breaking down legal concepts in plain language, correcting common misconceptions, and helping people see how local and national politics shape their rights and daily lives.
Trial Experience
Felony defense at every level of Texas state court.
Appellate Discipline
Post-conviction writs and direct appeals.
Plain-Language Counsel
Complex law, explained without the jargon.
Civic Commitment
Helping clients understand their rights.
What I do
Defense that fits
the case.
Whether you're facing a trial, fighting a conviction on appeal, or weighing a post-conviction writ, every matter is handled personally, with a clear plan and clear communication.
01
Felony Trials
Trial-level representation in Texas state felony cases ranging from state jail offenses through first-degree charges.
02
Post-Conviction Appeals
Direct appeals of Texas state felony convictions, including issue preservation review and full appellate briefing.
03
Writs of Habeas Corpus
Post-conviction writs in Texas, raising ineffective assistance, new evidence, and constitutional claims.
04
Legal Research & Consulting
Targeted research and case analysis for individual clients and attorneys who need a second set of eyes.
05
Court-Appointed Defense
Dedicated representation for court-appointed clients with the same care given to private retainer cases.
06
Pre-Charge Representation
Early intervention during investigations, before formal charges are filed, to protect rights and shape the outcome.
Matthew Novak
Criminal Defense Attorney
Meet Matthew
Defense, and a commitment to making the law make sense.
Matthew practices criminal defense at Paul Morgan Law Office, PLLC in Houston. He works alongside other attorneys and professional staff to deliver coordinated, high-quality representation in trial, appellate, and post-conviction matters.
He takes both retained and court-appointed cases, and approaches each with the same belief: clients deserve a lawyer who fights hard and explains the process honestly.
"People are better served when they actually understand the law that shapes their lives."
Trials
Texas state felony defense
Appeals
Direct appellate practice
Writs
Post-conviction habeas corpus
Fees
Honest, transparent pricing.
Overall case price depends on client goals and case complexity. The figures below are starting points, not ceilings. Final fees are quoted after the initial consultation.
01
Consultation
$500
flat consult fee
An initial sit-down to understand your situation, review documents, and outline realistic options.
02
Attorney Consult & Case Analysis
$100
per hour
Hourly research, case analysis, and strategic consulting for clients and other attorneys.
Common
03
Felony Trials
from $5,000
state jail · 2nd° $10k · 1st° $20k
Minimums vary by offense level. Final fee depends on case complexity, evidence, and client goals.
04
Felony Appeals
from $5,000
plus record costs, if applicable
Direct appeals of Texas state felony convictions, including transcript review and full briefing.
05
Post-Conviction Writs
from $12,500
plus record & expert fees, if applicable
Writs of habeas corpus and other post-conviction relief actions in Texas state court.
06
Motions & Pretrial Hearings
from $1,500
per motion or hearing, varies by complexity
Bond hearings, suppression motions, and other pretrial matters handled on a per-matter basis.
Insights & commentary
The law, explained.
Breakdowns of current political and legal events in a clear pros/cons or "what this actually means for you" format. Added to over time.
Speaking
Invite Matt to speak.
CLE programs, civic panels, law-school classrooms, and media commentary on criminal law and the rights of everyday Texans.
Common questions
Answers, in plain English.
The questions clients ask most, answered without the legalese.
Portfolio
Cases, briefs, & testimonials.
Selected case profiles, writing samples, and client feedback. Updated as new work is published and available for review.
Direct appeal · Brief sample
Post-Conviction Appeal
Selected appellate briefing on display, with a summary of the issues raised and the disposition.
Appellate matter
Post-conviction · Writ
Writ of Habeas Corpus
Case profile illustrating issue framing, evidentiary development, and procedural posture on a habeas writ.
Habeas matter
Attorney support · Memo
Research & Consulting
Examples of targeted legal research memos and case-analysis work prepared for other attorneys.
Consulting work
What clients say
Trusted by clients.
Honest impressions from people who worked with Matt through trial, appeal, and post-conviction matters.
"Matt explained every step of my case in a way I could actually follow. I always knew where we stood."
Former client
Trial representation
"Clear strategy, thorough briefing, and a steady hand through a long appellate process."
Former client
Felony appeal
"He treats court-appointed clients the same as anyone else, and that meant everything to my family."
Family member
Court-appointed case
Get in touch
Start a
conversation.
Share your question through the form and Matt's team will follow up. For urgent matters, reach out by phone.
Phone
(281) 346-4351Office
Paul Morgan Law Office, PLLC1523 Yale Street
Houston, Texas 77008