Criminal Defense Case Results in Austin, TX

Charge

Possession of THC (State Jail Felony)

Location

Bell County, 478th Judicial District Court

Allegations

School staff reported vaping on campus, and a search of the backpack and person led to two vape pens, with field tests indicating THC. After months of delay and errors in the warrant paperwork, we obtained discovery from law enforcement and the DA, including lab results, photos, and videos. We scrutinized the quantity, chain of custody, and the basis for the searches, and managed the surrender process to avoid unnecessary jail time. Using those issues in negotiations, the felony was reduced to a lesser offense.

Charge

DWI - Second Offense

Location

Bell County, County Court at Law #2

Allegations

After a collision with a parked car near home, police arrested our client for a second DWI. He provided a breath sample reportedly well over the legal limit. We dug into the discovery, examined the roadside investigation, and built mitigation showing his prior DWIs were decades old and out of state, along with a long stretch of sobriety and current treatment. We kept the case in misdemeanor court and pushed for a resolution that avoided a conviction. The State ultimately agreed to deferred adjudication with conditions.

Charge

Theft (Class A or Class B Misdemeanor)

Location

Coryell County

Allegations

Loss prevention stopped the client after a self checkout at a retail store, and police alleged several grocery items were not scanned. We documented that most items were paid for, the unscanned items were unbagged, and the total value was near the lowest misdemeanor threshold. We gathered medical records showing a recent infection and new prescription with potential behavioral side effects, along with proof of a clean history. The client completed a theft awareness class and provided character letters. We leveraged this to secure pretrial diversion, and after full compliance the case was dismissed.

Charge

Misdemeanor Motion to Revoke Probation

Location

Williamson County, County Court at Law #2

Allegations

The client faced a motion to revoke misdemeanor probation after missed portable breath tests while the vehicle was in the shop and the device repeatedly malfunctioned. Bond conditions added a SCRAM bracelet and an ignition interlock, and a later stop in another jurisdiction produced a low 0.072 BAC that was not prosecuted but was cited as a violation. We gathered SCRAM and interlock reports, documented equipment issues and work schedule conflicts, and obtained records confirming the other case was rejected. We also presented proof of completed education programs, community service, and restored license eligibility. Negotiations resulted in straight probation, avoiding jail.

Charge

Driving While License Invalid (Prior Alcohol Suspension)

Location

Williamson County, CCL2

Allegations

During patrol, an officer ran the vehicle’s plate, saw the registered owner was listed as "not eligible" due to an ignition-interlock requirement, and initiated a stop. The driver was cited for Driving While License Invalid. We obtained the patrol video and reports, which showed no independent traffic violation and that the officer could not identify the driver before the stop. We also gathered proof of interlock installation and DPS records confirming the license had been restored to eligible. After we challenged the basis for the stop and presented the corrected status, the prosecutor dismissed the case.

Charge

Assault Causing Bodily Injury

Location

Travis County, County Court at Law #5

Allegations

The client was arrested after a late-night sidewalk encounter where officers reported seeing a single open-hand strike that led to an assault causing bodily injury charge. The client had little memory of the event and denied any ongoing aggression. We demanded body-worn camera and jail video, scrutinized the arrest tactics and use of force, and highlighted credibility issues in the reports. Using that leverage, we negotiated a dismissal path tied to an evaluation, targeted classes, and brief community service. After completion, the State dismissed the case.

Charge

Misdemeanor Motion to Revoke Probation

Location

Williamson County, County Court at Law #2

Allegations

The client faced a motion to revoke misdemeanor DWI probation after multiple alcohol-related violations, including hot blows on an interlock, a positive UA, and later SCRAM alerts. They had already completed classes, community service, and payments. We gathered monitoring data and the probation file, distinguishing true positives from device issues and stressing there were no new offenses. We pushed for credit on prior custody and a narrow sanction limited to proven conduct. The State reduced its demand, and the court accepted a time served resolution, closing the case.

Charge

DWI - Second Offense

Location

Williamson County, County Court at Law #2

Allegations

Police approached the client while they were parked roadside, without lights or a traffic stop, then initiated a DWI investigation. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the client later consented to a blood draw. We scrutinized the basis for the detention, evaluated how the tests were administered, and obtained the blood-draw video and paperwork. We also documented early compliance with bond conditions, including arranging ignition interlock and alcohol education. Using these issues and mitigation, we negotiated straight probation.

Charge

Assault - Family Violence

Location

Lampasas County, County Court at Law

Allegations

A family-violence assault case was filed after a domestic dispute while the client was moving out of a residence. The client reported a history of abuse and said the encounter turned physical when the other party initiated contact, prompting the client to defend themself. In the aftermath, the other party vandalized the client’s vehicle, was later arrested for stalking, and a protective order was issued. We documented that pattern, asserted self-defense, and challenged the State’s theory. The prosecution dismissed the case.

Charge

DWI - First Offense

Location

Williamson County, CC3

Allegations

After leaving a bar, the client made a prohibited U-turn at a red light and was stopped. Officers conducted field sobriety tests, where balancing was an issue, and obtained consent for a breath test that reported a high result. We pulled the patrol video, examined how the tests were instructed and performed, and obtained the breath machine's maintenance and calibration records. We raised serious reliability concerns and made clear we were prepared to litigate. The prosecution dismissed the case.

Charge

DWI - Second Offense

Location

Hays County, County Court at Law #3

Allegations

After a minor collision with a parked car, officers found our client asleep in the driver’s seat. No roadside sobriety tests were performed. At the hospital, the officer insisted on a blood draw and told the client he had to comply. We obtained the videos and reports, emphasized the lack of standardized testing, and challenged whether any consent to the blood draw was truly informed and voluntary. Using those leverage points, we negotiated a reduction to a lesser charge with deferred probation, avoiding a second DWI conviction.

Charge

Assault - Family Violence, Impeding Breath or Circulation

Location

Travis County, 460TH DC

Allegations

After a domestic argument at a residence, neighbors called 911 and officers arrived. The client was arrested on an allegation of impeding breath. The client told us they were being struck and only used restraint to prevent further harm, and declined to give officers a detailed statement. We relayed that context, scrutinized the reports, and made clear we would contest the elements of the offense. The State reviewed the file and dismissed the case.