Criminal Defense Case Results in Austin, TX

Charge

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.

Charge

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.

Charge

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.

Charge

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.

Charge

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.

Charge

Interference with an Emergency Call

Location

None County, CCC4

Allegations

After a domestic dispute, police accused our client of interfering with an emergency call. We reviewed the case file, compared the complainant’s initial account to later follow up, and noted the report came well after the alleged incident with no injuries or witnesses. We documented those inconsistencies along with the complainant’s limited cooperation and presented them to the prosecution. Faced with credibility and proof problems, the state agreed to reduce the case to a lesser, non violent property offense. The client received deferred adjudication probation on the reduced charge, keeping a conviction off the record.

Charge

Stop Sign Violation (Class C Misdemeanor)

Location

Bastrop County, Smithville Municipal Court

Allegations

The client received a Class C ticket after an officer alleged a rolling stop at a stop sign. We pulled the citation and police report, then scrutinized whether the state could actually prove a failure to stop. We challenged the clarity and consistency of the observations described and the lack of corroborating evidence. After pressing these issues with the prosecutor and making clear we were ready to try the case, the state dismissed the citation.

Charge

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.

Charge

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.

Charge

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.

Charge

Terroristic Threat

Location

Gillespie County, County Court at Law

Allegations

The case arose from a dispute at a private residence after the client went to ask about repayment of money loaned. Several people confronted the client at the door. Fearing an attack, the client displayed a toy pistol while it remained in a purse, then left when told to go. Police later pursued a terroristic threat charge, and a warrant issued after a missed setting tied to medical treatment. We addressed the warrant, documented the nonviolent exit and lack of a real weapon, and used that context in talks with the state. The matter resolved with probation.

Charge

Public Intoxication

Location

Gillespie County, JP1 Gillespie

Allegations

After a night out, the client and a companion argued while walking back to their hotel. She reached her room door when officers contacted the companion and directed him to bring her down. No breath test was performed, and officers kept her from reentering the hotel before arresting her for public intoxication. We obtained the offense report and body camera video, and sought any hotel footage. Our review showed no evidence she posed a danger and that officers initiated the encounter. We presented these issues to the prosecutor, and the case was dismissed.