Criminal Defense Case Results in Ellis, TX

Charge

Assault - Family Violence (Class C)

Location

Ellis County, Waxahachie Municipal Court

Allegations

Police issued mutual Class C family violence citations after a domestic argument at a residence escalated to pushing and a struggle over a phone. The client had visible bruising and was the one who called 911. We got involved immediately and demanded the full file, including 911 audio, body and dash cam, officer photos, and relevant messages. We used that evidence to show the mutual nature of the encounter, the client's cooperation, and the absence of an ongoing threat. After sustained negotiations and review with the prosecutor, the case was dismissed.

Charge

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Location

Ellis County, Italy Municipal Court

Allegations

The client was stopped for an expired registration. The officer said he smelled marijuana, searched the car, and wrote a citation after finding two small pipes in the center console. We forced production of the police report and video, then dissected the search and evidence handling, including the officer’s own notes about spilling material and the lack of clear documentation for other property he seized. We also showed the car was borrowed and registered to someone else, weakening any link to our client. Faced with these problems, the prosecutor dismissed the case.

Charge

Assault - Family Violence (Class C)

Location

Ellis County, Midlothian Municipal Court

Allegations

A domestic dispute during a pending divorce resulted in a Class C family violence citation. The client reported only brief wrist contact as both reached for a phone, with no visible injury, and 911 was called by a third party. We obtained the police report, bodycam, 911 audio, and the complaining affidavit. Comparing them, we highlighted contradictions in the accounts, the absence of injury, and that officers initially cited both parties before voiding one. Ready for trial, we pressed the prosecutor on these weaknesses, and the case was dismissed.

Charge

DWI - First Offense

Location

Ellis County, CCL3

Allegations

Stopped for alleged swerving, the client admitted to having drinks and declined a breath test, requesting a blood draw instead. The draw occurred hours later and no standardized field sobriety tests were performed. We secured the reports and video, then focused on weaknesses in the stop, the absence of roadside testing, the delay and warrant language tied to the blood draw, and a documented medical condition that can mimic intoxication signs. Using those issues as leverage, we pushed negotiations until the state reduced the charge and agreed to deferred probation.

Charge

Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon

Location

Ellis County, CCL3

Allegations

During a late-night traffic stop in Ellis County, the individual immediately informed the officer there were two handguns in the vehicle. That disclosure led to an arrest and a UCW charge premised on other alleged criminal activity arising from the same stop. We obtained the reports and video, challenged the basis for the stop, and targeted the element that would convert otherwise lawful vehicle carry into a crime. We also opposed any attempt to forfeit the firearms. After we laid out these issues and signaled we were ready to litigate, the prosecution dismissed the UCW.

Charge

DWI - First Offense

Location

Ellis County, CCL3

Allegations

Police found the client stuck off the roadway and shivering in wet clothes. Field sobriety tests were conducted roadside in the cold after the client had removed soaked pants, and a requested roadside breath test was not allowed. A later blood draw showed no alcohol, only cough-syrup components and THC metabolites. We obtained the video and lab records, challenged the reliability of the testing conditions and the link between the lab results and actual impairment, and pushed back against a lengthy offer. The case resolved with a plea to straight probation, avoiding jail.

Charge

DWI - First Offense

Location

Ellis County, COUNTY COURT AT LAW NO 3

Allegations

After a stop for allegedly touching the center line, officers administered roadside tests that our client reports he performed well. A second officer then directed a blood draw even though the client did not consent. We pulled the videos, reports, and lab materials, and pressed on three fronts, the minimal lane violation used to justify the stop, how the field tests were conducted and scored, and the lack of clear consent and procedures surrounding the blood draw. Faced with those issues, the State reduced the charge and offered straight probation.

Charge

DWI - Second Offense

Location

Ellis County

Allegations

Our client was stopped after an alleged rolling stop at a sign and arrested for a second DWI. They asserted their rights, declined roadside testing and a breath test, and officers later obtained a warrant for a hospital blood draw, which came back elevated. We pulled the dash and body cam, scrutinized the basis for the stop, and pressed on the blood draw procedures and the lab analyst’s qualifications. We also emphasized the age of the prior and proactive compliance with an interlock device. The prosecution agreed to probation, avoiding additional jail time.

Charge

DWI - First Offense

Location

Ellis County, COUNTY COURT AT LAW NO 2

Allegations

Stopped for speeding, the client was arrested after the officer noted signs of intoxication and observed an open container in the vehicle. They attempted field sobriety tests but struggled, and a blood sample was ultimately taken despite paperwork initially reflecting a refusal. We dug into the reports and evidence, challenged the reliability and applicability of the roadside testing given the client’s physical limitations, and highlighted inconsistencies in the implied consent documentation. We also presented the client’s cooperation and clean history. The state agreed to reduce the charge, and the client received straight probation.

Charge

Assault on a Peace Officer

Location

Ellis County, 443RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT

Allegations

After a collision brought police to the scene, our client was arrested during a tense encounter and accused of assaulting an officer. She reported painful, overly tight handcuffs and reacted to being yanked, but denied trying to strike anyone. We obtained body cam and station video that showed rough handling and no clear intent to assault. We paired that with injury photos and argued any contact stemmed from restraint, not an attempt to cause harm. Confronted with these issues, the state reduced the felony to a lesser misdemeanor with deferred probation.

Charge

DWI - Second Offense

Location

Ellis County, COUNTY COURT AT LAW NO 3

Allegations

The client was involved in a collision after turning across traffic and was investigated for DWI at the scene. They reported having several drinks earlier, and officers obtained a blood sample. We pulled the dash cam and body cam video, reviewed the lab paperwork, and pushed for a probationary resolution. We coordinated the mandatory 72 hour jail component to minimize disruption and set clear terms for ignition interlock and treatment. The case concluded with straight probation.

Charge

DWI - First Offense

Location

Ellis County, County Court at Law 3

Allegations

After a single-vehicle crash, officers arrived and shifted to a DWI investigation after spotting an open container. The client consented to a search, performed field tests, and a blood draw was taken. No one else was injured and this was a first offense. We obtained the bodycam, reports, and lab results, which showed a BAC below .15, and had the client complete alcohol education in advance. Using that mitigation, we negotiated Deferred Adjudication, sparing the client a conviction and allowing the case to be dismissed upon successful completion.