Criminal Defense Case Results in Austin, TX

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Open Container of Alcohol

Location

Williamson County, Liberty Hill Municipal Court

Allegations

A traffic stop resulted in a citation for open container after officers said they smelled alcohol and noted an open can in the passenger footwell. The passenger told police the alcohol, including the open can, was his. We pulled the reports and video, flagged the passenger’s admission and the location of the can, and pointed out gaps in the bodycam audio during key moments. With no reliable way to tie the container to the driver, the prosecution agreed to dismiss the case.

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Speeding

Location

Williamson County, Liberty Hill Municipal Court

Allegations

A routine traffic stop resulted in a citation for speeding, written as about 10 percent over the posted limit. We obtained the police report and dashcam from the stop and scrutinized how speed was determined. Comparing the officer’s notes with the video, we identified issues we were prepared to litigate. We set the matter on a contested track and pressed the state to prove the allegation with reliable evidence. The prosecution elected to dismiss the case.

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Felony Motion to Revoke Probation

Location

Williamson County, 277th DC

Allegations

The client was on felony community supervision when the State filed a motion to revoke tied to new accusations from another county. We obtained the offense reports, pushed for full discovery, and challenged the State’s reliance on untested allegations and hearsay. We insisted on the client’s right to confront witnesses and made clear the State would need live testimony, particularly with the other case still unresolved. We also presented mitigation and a structured treatment plan to show compliance. Faced with these proof and timing issues, the prosecution dismissed the motion.

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Minor in Possession of Alcohol

Location

Milam County, Milam County JP Precinct 4

Allegations

After a traffic stop for speeding, the officer claimed to smell alcohol and searched the vehicle, finding an open container and more alcohol. The client was cited for minor in possession. We entered a not guilty plea to preserve defenses, obtained discovery on the basis for the search and the container evidence, and pressed negotiations. Emphasizing the absence of impairment indicators and the limited facts supporting the charge, we pushed for a nonconviction path. The prosecution agreed to deferred probation with alcohol education, keeping a conviction off the record.

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Fictitious or Fake ID

Location

Bastrop County

Allegations

A traffic stop for speeding led to an arrest after the officer saw two driver's licenses and, during a vehicle search, found an out-of-state ID with the client's name showing an older birth year. The second in-state license existed because the agency had mistakenly issued one with the wrong sex listed, which the client had already corrected. We gathered bodycam and dashcam, pulled the client's correspondence documenting the correction, and presented the full context to the prosecutor. After sustained pressure, the state dismissed the fake-ID case.

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Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon in a Prohibited Place

Location

Travis County, 460th District Court

Allegations

The client was arrested after entering a bar while carrying a holstered handgun that briefly became visible when a shirt rode up. Staff alerted police, the weapon was recovered, and the client was cooperative with no prior record. We moved quickly before indictment and prepared a targeted mitigation package, including proof of a firearms safety course, documented community service, and a voluntary forfeiture of the gun. After a face to face conference with the prosecutor, the state declined to pursue the case and it was dismissed.

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Assault - Family Violence by Strangulation

Location

Bell County, 426th Judicial District Court

Allegations

A domestic dispute at a residence led to an arrest after the partner alleged strangulation. Bond was set high, and we moved quickly to obtain the reports, videos, and photos, which showed the case rested largely on the complainant’s account and competing versions of events. We filed a motion for speedy trial and set the case for trial to apply pressure. That leverage shifted the State from a prison-only position to offering deferred adjudication. The client accepted deferred probation and entered a plea, awaiting sentencing to keep a conviction off the record.

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Deadly Conduct (Misdemeanor)

Location

Williamson County, Count Court at Law #3

Allegations

Police alleged the client committed misdemeanor deadly conduct after a tense encounter at a convenience store and parking lot with two strangers. According to our client, the pair shouted threats, followed him inside, and later moved toward him near their vehicle. Fearing an attack, he displayed his firearm and left. We moved quickly to obtain surveillance video and witness accounts to document the threats and his attempts to disengage. Using that context, we negotiated a non-jail resolution and secured a term of probation.

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Forgery of a Financial Instrument

Location

Bell County, 478th Judicial District Court

Allegations

The client was arrested for felony forgery after depositing a high value check that later proved stolen. From the outset, the client explained an acquaintance asked for help depositing it, claiming it was tied to a legitimate business deal. We documented a witness account that the acquaintance later admitted the scheme, reviewed discovery including bank and ATM records, and pointed out identification inconsistencies in the reports. We also arranged a polygraph on the key issues, which the client passed. Faced with our evidence, the state dismissed the case.

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Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon

Location

Gillespie County, None

Allegations

During a traffic stop, officers searched our client's vehicle and located a handgun secured beneath the driver's seat. The report labeled it as in plain view, yet it could only be seen by leaning into the car and looking underneath. We challenged the justification for the search and the plain view claim, and we documented that the firearm had been promptly returned after the incident. After presenting these issues and making clear we were prepared to litigate them, the state dismissed the case.

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Public Intoxication

Location

Williamson County, Georgetown Municipal Court

Allegations

Officers responded to a disturbance at an apartment complex. At their request, our client stepped outside to give a statement and was arrested for public intoxication despite planning to remain at the residence and posing no danger. We requested and reviewed available discovery, including the 911 audio, body cam footage, and police reports. The materials showed our client was cooperative, on premises connected to the residence, and exhibited no safety risk. We highlighted the missing elements of the offense in negotiations. The prosecution dismissed the case.

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Public Intoxication

Location

Gillespie County, JP1 Gillespie

Allegations

Officers encountered our client while he was walking back to a hotel after drinks. He had lost his wallet and could not get a room key, and the officer had him bring his companion downstairs. Both were arrested for public intoxication. We entered the case, reset the initial appearance, and demanded the reports and video. We challenged whether he was a danger to himself or others given he was steps from lodging, then leveraged proactive completion of an alcohol education course. The prosecutor dismissed the case.