Corpus Christi Criminal Defense Attorney
When you’re facing criminal charges in South Texas, you need an attorney who practices in these courthouses every day — not someone commuting from Austin or Houston. Phil Goff is local, and his reputation in these courts precedes him.
DWI Defense
Phillip W. Goff
The Law Office of Phillip W. Goff
30+ years in South Texas courts. NCDD member. Trained in the science prosecutors rely on — and uses it to dismantle cases.
30+ Years Dismantling DWI & Criminal Cases in South Texas
Breath tests fail. Blood draws get contaminated. Field sobriety tests are designed for failure. Attorney Phillip Goff is trained in the science prosecutors rely on — and he uses it to dismantle criminal cases in South Texas courts every week.
Most attorneys defend DWI cases by negotiating plea deals. Phil Goff defends them by attacking the evidence. He’s a member of the National College for DUI Defense, a Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association member, and a DUI Defense Lawyers Association member — which means he’s trained in the same science the state uses against you, and he knows exactly where it breaks down.
From the Nueces County Courthouse in Corpus Christi to the courtrooms of the Rio Grande Valley, The Law Office of Phillip W. Goff has built its reputation over three decades on one thing: knowing the science, knowing the courts, and fighting every case like it matters. Because it does.
South Texas criminal defense is different from the rest of the state. The border region brings federal cases that smaller-market attorneys rarely see. Drug trafficking charges along the I-37 and I-69 corridors. Immigration-related offenses that cross between state and federal jurisdiction. These cases require an attorney who understands both systems — and who has relationships in both sets of courtrooms.
10 counties. 30+ years. Science-based defense. When you’re arrested in Kleberg County at 2 AM or facing a federal indictment in Cameron County, Phil Goff’s office is who you call — and it’s a local call, not someone driving three hours from a big-city firm.
The Corpus Christi office of Texas Defense Team operates as an independently owned practice. Phil Goff makes every legal decision, manages every client relationship, and handles cases on his own terms. The Texas Defense Team brand connects his office to a statewide network of independent attorneys who share technology, marketing, and cross-referral capabilities — but never client information.
Criminal Defense Cases We Handle in Corpus Christi & South Texas
South Texas criminal cases come with unique factors — border proximity, federal jurisdiction overlap, and courts that operate differently from county to county. Here’s what the Corpus Christi office handles.
DWI / DUI Defense
Phil Goff is NCDD-trained in the science behind breath tests, blood draws, and field sobriety testing. He doesn’t just challenge DWI evidence — he dismantles it using the same science prosecutors rely on. 30+ years of results in South Texas courts.
Drug Charges
From simple possession to federal trafficking charges. South Texas is a major corridor for drug enforcement — the stakes are higher, the penalties are harsher, and the federal government is more likely to get involved.
Assault & Family Violence
Assault charges in Texas range from Class A misdemeanors to first-degree felonies. Family violence allegations trigger protective orders, enhanced penalties, and long-term consequences for gun rights and employment.
Theft & Property Crimes
Shoplifting, burglary, robbery, fraud, and embezzlement. Texas theft charges escalate quickly by dollar amount. A $2,500 theft is a state jail felony — and the consequences follow you for life.
Federal Crimes
The Southern District of Texas is one of the busiest federal districts in the country. Federal drug cases, immigration offenses, conspiracy charges, and weapons cases all require specific federal court experience.
Weapons Charges
Unlawful carry, felon in possession, and weapons enhancements on other charges. Texas gun laws interact with federal regulations in border counties in ways that trip up even experienced attorneys.
Sex Crimes
Sex crime allegations carry some of the most severe penalties in Texas law and life-long registration requirements. Early, aggressive defense is critical before the prosecution builds momentum.
Probation Violations & Warrants
A technical violation can send you to prison on the original charge. If you have a warrant, handling it proactively with an attorney almost always gets a better result than waiting to get picked up.
Why Criminal Defense in South Texas Is Different
The Border Factor
South Texas isn’t just state jurisdiction — it’s one of the most active federal law enforcement regions in the country. The DEA, Border Patrol, HSI, and FBI all operate heavily in the 10 counties this office covers. That means cases that might be state charges anywhere else can become federal cases here. You need an attorney who knows the difference and can navigate both systems.
Local Courts, Local Knowledge
The way a DWI is handled in Nueces County is different from how it’s handled in Cameron County or Hidalgo County. Different judges, different prosecutors, different diversion programs, different sentencing tendencies. Phil Goff’s office practices in all of these courts regularly — not occasionally, not when a big case happens to land there, but as part of the daily rhythm of the practice.
Available When You Need Representation
When you call Texas Defense Team, Sarah — our 24/7 lifelike receptionist — answers live and routes your call based on your location and case type. If you’re in South Texas with a criminal matter, you’re connected to The Law Office of Phil Goff. No runaround, no waiting until Monday. (361) 720-2341 reaches the Corpus Christi office directly.
10 South Texas Counties Served by the Corpus Christi Office
From the Coastal Bend to the Rio Grande Valley, The Law Office of Phil Goff handles criminal defense across the broadest coverage area in the Texas Defense Team network.
Corpus Christi, Robstown, Port Aransas, Agua Dulce
Brownsville, Harlingen, San Benito, South Padre Island, Los Fresnos
McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, Pharr, Weslaco, Mercedes
Rockport, Fulton, Holiday Beach
Portland, Sinton, Ingleside, Aransas Pass, Taft
Kingsville, Riviera
Alice, Premont, Orange Grove
Raymondville, Lyford, Port Mansfield
Falfurrias, Encino
Sarita, Armstrong
Don’t see your county? Call us anyway — Sarah will connect you with the right Texas Defense Team office for your area, whether that’s the Corpus Christi office or another independently owned location closer to you.
Facing Charges in South Texas?
Every hour matters. Call The Law Office of Phil Goff for a free, confidential consultation. Available 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What criminal charges does the Corpus Christi office handle?
The Corpus Christi office handles all criminal defense matters including DWI/DUI, drug charges (including federal trafficking), assault and family violence, theft and property crimes, weapons charges, federal crimes, sex crimes, probation violations, and warrants across 10 South Texas counties.
What counties does the Corpus Christi office cover?
The Corpus Christi office covers Nueces, Aransas, San Patricio, Kleberg, Kenedy, Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Wells, and Brooks Counties. This includes Corpus Christi, Brownsville, Harlingen, McAllen, Edinburg, Kingsville, Rockport, Portland, Alice, Raymondville, Falfurrias, and all surrounding communities.
Do you handle federal cases in the Southern District of Texas?
Yes. South Texas is one of the most active federal law enforcement regions in the country, and the Corpus Christi office regularly handles federal criminal cases including drug trafficking, conspiracy, immigration offenses, and weapons charges prosecuted in the Southern District of Texas.
How much does a consultation cost?
Nothing. Your initial consultation is completely free and confidential. Call (361) 720-2341 directly, or call the Texas Defense Team main line anytime — Sarah, our 24/7 lifelike receptionist, will connect you with the Corpus Christi office if your case falls within their coverage area.
I was arrested in South Texas. What should I do?
Call an attorney immediately. Do not speak to police, investigators, or federal agents without legal representation. Do not post about your arrest on social media. Whether you’re in Nueces County or Cameron County, the sooner you have an attorney involved, the better your chances. We answer 24/7.
Is this office independently owned?
Yes. The Corpus Christi office of Texas Defense Team is independently owned and operated by The Law Office of Phil Goff. All legal decisions, client relationships, and case management are handled independently. Client information is never shared with other offices in the Texas Defense Team network. Learn more about our independent office structure.