Criminal Defense Case Results in Austin, TX

Charge

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Location

Coryell County

Allegations

A routine traffic stop for a minor equipment issue led officers to claim they smelled marijuana and to search the vehicle. The search turned up only trace residue and items the officer labeled as drug paraphernalia. We dissected the reports and patrol narrative, challenging the credibility of the claimed odor and the scope of the search. We also emphasized the minimal amount of material and the weak link between the items and our client. After sustained negotiations with the prosecutor, the state dismissed the paraphernalia charge.

Charge

Possession of a Fictitious or Fraudulent ID

Location

Coryell County, None

Allegations

During a traffic stop for an equipment issue, officers reported smelling marijuana and conducted a search. In the client’s bag they located several identification cards belonging to other people, which formed the basis for a fictitious or fraudulent ID charge. We challenged the justification for the search and pressed the state on any evidence of intent to use those IDs. Through focused negotiations, we secured a plea to straight probation consistent with the court’s terms.

Charge

Assault - Family Violence

Location

Bell County, County Court at Law #3

Allegations

A domestic argument at a residence escalated, and the complainant reported being pushed and showed officers a facial bruise. There were no independent witnesses and the client was not present when police arrived, so the file consisted largely of the initial statement and photos. We obtained and reviewed the reports, documented the lack of corroboration, and highlighted the client’s prompt enrollment in counseling and sobriety treatment. The complainant later signed an affidavit of non-prosecution, which we presented to the prosecutor. The case was dismissed.

Charge

Motion to Modify Probation

Location

Hays County, 22nd District Court

Allegations

Our client was on probation with a large community service requirement but suffered severe, documented anaphylaxis and extensive environmental allergies. We compiled ER records, allergy testing, and FMLA paperwork, and showed how attempts to find an indoor, filtered placement had failed. After conferring with probation, which did not oppose a pay-in-lieu arrangement, we presented a focused set of exhibits to the court. The court approved a modification that reduced the obligation and allowed a monetary conversion of the remaining hours. The terms of probation were eased accordingly.

Charge

Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

Location

Travis County, 147th District Court

Allegations

An early morning warrant led to our client being booked on an allegation of failing to register as a sex offender. From the start, he reported that he had been checking in regularly with supervision and the local registration unit. We moved quickly to secure his release and pulled the case file and related records. The paperwork did not line up with his reporting timeline, and we pressed the prosecution on those discrepancies and the lack of proof of a willful lapse. After negotiations and prosecutorial review, the charge was dismissed.

Charge

Unlawful Use of a Criminal Instrument

Location

Williamson County, County Court at Law #3

Allegations

After a traffic stop, officers seized our client's work tools and claimed they were criminal instruments. We documented legitimate reasons for having the tools, including regular work and parts pickups, and obtained statements supporting that explanation. Reviewing the police reports, we found no evidence of intended criminal use, no modifications, and no offense linked to the tools. We presented those gaps and made clear we were ready to litigate the issue. The prosecution dismissed the case.

Charge

Felony Motion to Revoke Probation

Location

Travis County, 147th District Court

Allegations

While on felony probation, the client was accused of violations after being booked on a new registration case. Probation also alleged a missed polygraph and a remote monitoring issue. We moved quickly, obtained the violation report, and coordinated with probation and the prosecutor. We documented that the polygraph delay was provider caused and the tech issue had been corrected, then pressed to avoid a custody hold. The State agreed to a resolution and the court kept the client on straight probation rather than revoking.

Charge

Obstruction or Retaliation

Location

Travis County, 331st District Court

Allegations

Prosecutors filed a felony obstruction or retaliation case after a domestic disturbance report alleged our client made threats toward law enforcement during a severe mental health episode. The accusation rested on a third party statement, not on any direct contact with an officer or overt act. We obtained the police reports and underlying statements, documented the crisis context and treatment efforts, and pressed the state on proof of a true, specific threat. Faced with those evidentiary gaps, the prosecution dismissed the case.

Charge

Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon

Location

Bell County, County Court at Law #3

Allegations

After a traffic stop for speeding, our client was a passenger in a rental when the driver consented to a search. Officers found ammunition in the console and two unloaded pistols in boxes in the trunk, with paperwork showing they belonged to another individual. No weapon was on or near our client, yet he was arrested for unlawful carrying. We obtained and reviewed the body camera footage, documented the location of the items, and emphasized lack of access and ownership. After pressing the state on proof of possession, we secured a dismissal, with the client completing brief online classes and agreeing to forfeit the seized firearm.

Charge

Possession of Marijuana

Location

Bell County, County Court at Law #3

Allegations

After a traffic stop for speeding, officers obtained consent from the driver of a rental car and searched the vehicle. Marijuana was located in a door pocket and behind a seat, not on our client, and officers did not question him about ownership at the scene. We obtained the body camera footage and reports, highlighting the lack of evidence tying him to the contraband and the shared control of the car. We negotiated a resolution requiring a brief online class. After completion, the prosecutor dismissed the case.

Charge

Illegal Dumping of Trash

Location

Williamson County, County Court at Law #5

Allegations

After clearing out a residence, the client and two others left bulky items at dumpsters behind a commercial complex when their usual facility was closed. Investigators later traced them through a document found in the debris. The client promptly cooperated, met with officers, and tried to fix it by going back to clean up, providing a truck receipt as proof. We got involved early, documented the remediation, and challenged the reliability of the statements taken and the lack of clear notice against dumping. The state dismissed the case.

Charge

Illegal Dumping

Location

Williamson County, County Court at Law #5

Allegations

The client was accused after assisting two others with a cleanout and leaving household debris near dumpsters when a usual site was closed. Law enforcement contacted them later, and they gave statements by phone and at an office about the items and vehicles. We reviewed the investigative materials and analyzed each statement, noting they were non-custodial and equivocal about roles and location. We pressed the State on proving the alleged volume that elevated the charge and the lack of direct proof tying our client to a specific dump site. Faced with these weaknesses, the prosecution dismissed the case.