Criminal Defense Case Results in Denton, TX

Charge

DWI - First Offense

Location

Denton County, CCL3

Allegations

Officers stopped our client after a U-turn they labeled illegal and claimed the vehicle accelerated quickly. The client declined roadside sobriety tests and refused a breath sample. After reporting chest pain, a blood draw was taken at a hospital under a warrant several hours after the stop. We scrutinized the basis for the stop, the reliability of the officer’s speed estimate, and the long gap between driving and the blood test. Using those weaknesses, we negotiated with the prosecutor and secured a reduction of the charge.

Charge

Theft (Misdemeanor)

Location

Denton County, County Criminal Court #1

Allegations

After a contentious business split, our client was accused of using a former business account to make two payments to a personal credit card. The client immediately called the bank and the card issuer to reverse the charges and documented those calls. We prepared for trial by building a precise timeline, obtaining financial records confirming the reversals, and presenting witnesses who explained the account mix-up and the lack of intent to deprive. We also challenged the complainant's credibility. The jury agreed, and the client was found not guilty.

Charge

DWI - First Offense

Location

Denton County, County Criminal Court #1

Allegations

During a rainstorm, the client hydroplaned in a rental car, struck a curb, and collided with another vehicle. Officers conducted field sobriety tests, and a breath sample later read 0.09. We obtained the dashcam, which showed the poor weather conditions and that the client did not appear severely impaired, and documented that she had hit her head in the crash. We requested maintenance and calibration records for the breath device and gathered letters of support while the client completed recommended classes. Using those issues and mitigation in negotiations, we secured deferred probation, keeping a conviction off the record.

Charge

Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Misdemeanor)

Location

Denton County, County Criminal Court #1

Allegations

The case stemmed from a collision with a parked vehicle, after which the driver left the immediate area. A witness called police and officers made contact with our client within minutes at a nearby location. We closely reviewed the report and timeline, highlighting the rapid contact and challenging whether the state could prove an intentional failure to stop and provide information. We pressed these issues with the prosecutor and prepared to litigate. The state dismissed the charge.

Charge

DWI - First Offense

Location

Denton County, CCC4

Allegations

The client was stopped for an alleged headlight issue and arrested after officers reported a marijuana odor. The initial portion of the dash video was missing, and when the recording began the headlights were on. Field sobriety tests were given, but our client appeared steady and no marijuana was found. A consensual blood draw later showed low THC levels with a wide margin of error. We challenged the basis for the stop, the missing video, and the reliability of the tests and lab results. The state reduced the case to a non DWI offense with deferred terms, keeping a conviction off the client's record.

Charge

DWI - Second Offense

Location

Denton County, CCC1

Allegations

After a minor collision with a parked vehicle near the client's residence, a witness called police and the client drove home. Officers arrived as the client parked. No field sobriety tests were conducted, the client refused roadside testing, and a blood sample was later taken. We obtained the police reports and blood records, emphasizing the lack of standardized testing and the rapid timeline from first contact to arrest. Leveraging those issues, we negotiated a reduced charge with deferred probation.

Charge

Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon

Location

Denton County, CCC4

Allegations

A traffic stop for an alleged headlight issue escalated into a DWI investigation. Officers claimed the vehicle smelled like marijuana, conducted roadside tests, arrested the driver, and during a search found a handgun in the glove compartment, adding a UCW charge. We obtained the patrol video and reports and pointed out gaps around the basis for the stop, noting the headlights appear on when the video begins. We challenged the legality of the search and whether the facts actually proved unlawful carrying. Facing these proof problems and a suppression fight, the state dismissed the UCW case.

Charge

DWI - First Offense

Location

Denton County, County Criminal Court #1

Allegations

The client was stopped for speeding and acknowledged drinking. After roadside tests, officers obtained a blood draw that reportedly showed a BAC over .15. We secured the video evidence and laboratory records, dissected the field test instructions, and examined the blood analysis paperwork for reliability issues. Using those concerns as leverage, we pushed back on the enhancement and penalty exposure. The state agreed to drop the over-.15 enhancement and reduce the case to a standard first-offense DWI with deferred probation.

Charge

Fleeing a Police Officer

Location

Denton County, County Criminal Court #2

Allegations

Police accused the client of fleeing after an attempted traffic stop near a residence. The client maintained that no emergency lights or siren were activated. We obtained home security video showing the patrol vehicle trailing without lights moments after the client passed, then pressed for dash and bodycam and compared them to the report. The inconsistencies undercut the allegation that the client knowingly evaded. Using that leverage, we negotiated deferred adjudication probation with reduced financial terms, keeping a conviction off the client’s record.

Charge

Misdemeanor Motion to Revoke Probation

Location

Denton County, County Criminal Court #3

Allegations

The client was on misdemeanor probation when the state filed to revoke, alleging violations. We pulled the probation file, scrutinized the violation report, and compiled documentation showing meaningful steps toward compliance. Armed with that record, we pressed negotiations to narrow the allegations and to credit time already spent in custody. The state agreed to reduce the sanction. The court accepted a plea with credit for time served, and the matter was closed.

Charge

Assault - Family Violence

Location

Denton County, County Criminal Court #2

Allegations

Police responded to a domestic dispute after an argument at a residence. The client asked for a safe escort out, but was arrested when officers focused on minor injuries to the other party and an item the client allegedly threw. We obtained discovery, underscoring the client’s account of being restrained and struck, which raised self-defense concerns. We also provided proof of post-incident counseling and reconciliation. The complainant later stated they did not wish to pursue. The prosecution dismissed the case.

Charge

DWI - First Offense

Location

Denton County, County Criminal Court #5

Allegations

Stopped after a U-turn and an unsignaled lane change, our client was investigated for DWI, performed roadside tests, and was later taken to a hospital where a blood draw showed a high BAC. We pulled the videos and reports and flagged problems with the HGN test being done under bright flashlight glare and the client's documented shoulder injuries affecting balance tests. We also compiled completion of the alcohol evaluation, victim impact panel, and other certificates. Leveraging those issues and mitigation, we pushed the state to walk back the Class A filing. The prosecutor reduced it to a first-offense Class B.