Criminal Defense Case Results in Austin, TX

Charge

Criminal Mischief (Felony)

Location

Travis County, 460th District Court

Allegations

A brief dispute in a store parking lot ended with our client accused of scratching a vehicle with a key and an estimate claiming more than $4,000 in damage. We first neutralized the active warrant through a courthouse walk through and secured a personal bond so the client stayed free while we worked. We obtained the full discovery, including any surveillance, body camera video, witness statements, and repair documentation. The file lacked any direct observation tying our client to the damage and the valuation raised serious questions. The grand jury returned a no bill, and the case was dismissed.

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Driving While License Invalid (With Prior)

Location

Bell County, CCL2

Allegations

During a traffic stop, the client was cited for driving while license invalid with a prior. He had just learned that a license previously only expired was suddenly flagged by DPS for SR22 and a reinstatement fee. He obtained the SR22, paid the fees, and submitted proof, but the status was still in flux when the charge was filed. We compiled his DPS record, payment confirmations, and correspondence showing compliance and inconsistencies in the notice and timing. After we presented this to the prosecutor and pressed the issue, the case was dismissed.

Charge

DWI - Second Offense

Location

Bell County, CCL2

Allegations

After leaving a friend’s apartment and worried about towing, the client drove and was stopped on a highway, where the officer quickly shifted to a DWI investigation. He refused field sobriety tests, a warrant was obtained, and blood was drawn that later indicated a high BAC. With an older prior on the record, the case risked being screened as a felony. We moved quickly, secured discovery, and pressed negotiations to keep it in misdemeanor court. The case resolved with probation including an ignition interlock, classes, community service, and work‑release days, avoiding jail and any felony filing.

Charge

DWI - First Offense

Location

Bell County, County Court at Law #2

Allegations

The case stemmed from a minor collision with a parked vehicle in a residential area. The client remained at the scene, performed roadside tests, and declined both breath and blood testing, so there was no chemical result. We obtained the body and dash camera footage and challenged how the field tests were instructed and conducted, noting the client had just been in a crash and was not an ideal candidate. We used the lack of scientific evidence and the reliability issues to push negotiations. The state agreed to deferred adjudication, sparing a permanent conviction.

Charge

Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon

Location

Bastrop County

Allegations

After a 911 report of reckless driving, police stopped our client and found a lawfully owned pistol in the vehicle. They added an unlawful carrying charge tied to an alleged non-Class C offense from the same stop. We obtained the 911 audio and all videos, scrutinized the basis for the detention and the officer's handling of consent and paperwork, and showed that the weapon was legal and the UCW theory hinged on proving another crime. We put those defects in front of the prosecutor and prepared suppression litigation. The state dismissed the UCW case.

Charge

Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon

Location

Bell County, County Court at Law #3

Allegations

The client was stopped in a vehicle and officers discovered a handgun in the center console. Relying on that and a belief the client was engaged in other criminal activity, they filed an unlawful carrying charge. We obtained the reports and evidence, scrutinized the basis for the stop and the search, and challenged the legal predicate for UCW. We emphasized that car carry is lawful absent proof of a qualifying offense and highlighted gaps in the state’s evidence. With those issues raised, the state dismissed the case.

Charge

Assault - Family Violence

Location

Williamson County, County Court at Law #2

Allegations

Police arrested our client after a domestic argument at a hotel, and the state later obtained security video that captured much of the encounter. We promptly requested and reviewed all discovery to evaluate what the state could actually prove. We also opened a dialogue with the complaining witness, who did not wish to pursue the case, and assembled mitigation to show the client was taking responsibility. Using those points, we pushed for a non-conviction resolution. The case ended with deferred adjudication, avoiding a final conviction.

Charge

DWI - First Offense

Location

Travis County, County Court at Law #3

Allegations

Our client was arrested for DWI after a crash at a busy intersection. Officers noted signs of intoxication and collected two breath samples around .09. We scrutinized the crash paperwork and police reports, pointing out conflicting descriptions of the impact and evidence that another driver failed to yield. We also attacked the field sobriety testing conditions and the procedures and maintenance behind the breath machine. At trial, cross examination of the officers and breath test personnel exposed gaps in the state’s case. The jury found our client Not Guilty.

Charge

Possession of Marijuana

Location

Travis County, Precinct Five

Allegations

During a traffic stop triggered by a sudden turn, an officer said he smelled marijuana. Our client admitted having a small amount in a pocket and was cited for possession. We were retained quickly and obtained the dash and body camera footage along with the reports. We compared the video to the narrative and scrutinized the basis for the stop and the scope of the search. After presenting our analysis and engaging the prosecutor on the strength of the evidence, the state dismissed the case.

Charge

DWI - First Offense

Location

Bell County, County Court at Law #2

Allegations

After a low-speed collision where another car turned wide into our client's lane, police investigated and arrested the client for DWI. The client told officers about a long-standing balance condition, yet field sobriety tests were still used. We obtained the crash file and all videos and compared them with the license-suspension paperwork, which contained conflicting entries about whether a breath sample was provided. We documented how the medical issues undermined the testing and highlighted procedural errors. The prosecution dismissed the case.

Charge

Accident Involving Damage Over $200

Location

Bell County, County Court at Law #2

Allegations

After a two-vehicle collision in which another car turned wide into the client's lane, the client pulled over a short distance away and waited for officers, but was cited for failing to stop and exchange information. We obtained the crash documentation and insurer correspondence confirming the other driver received the client's insurance details and that the property-damage claim was opened and paid. We showed that, given those facts, the elements of the offense were not met. The prosecution dismissed the case.

Charge

Criminal Mischief

Location

Bell County, CCL2

Allegations

Police alleged the client damaged a door during a dispute at a residence, and a criminal mischief case was later filed off a family member’s report. We pulled the paper trail, collecting texts and messages showing friendly contact after the date of the alleged damage and statements that conflicted with the original account. The file lacked photos, repair invoices, or a reliable valuation of loss. We compiled the contradictions, pressed the State on proof of damage and identity, and set the matter for trial. The prosecution dismissed the case.