Criminal Defense Case Results in Ellis, TX

Charge

Continuous Violence Against the Family (Felony)

Location

Ellis County, 504TH DISTRICT COURT

Allegations

Police responded to a domestic dispute after a third party called 911. The complainant later alleged two incidents, claiming a gun was displayed and that our client pushed them down stairs, leading to a felony continuous family violence charge. We reviewed bodycam and interviews showing minimal details at the scene and a different story later. Messages and household witness accounts supported an accidental fall to explain bruising, and the complainant admitted it was too dark to confirm any gun was out. We pressed those credibility problems and prepared for trial, and the state dismissed the case.

Charge

Deadly Conduct - Discharge of a Firearm (Felony)

Location

Ellis County

Allegations

Police filed a felony deadly conduct case after a shots-fired incident outside a residence. Home security video and witnesses showed an aggressor blocking the drive, pointing a rifle, nearly striking people with a vehicle, then firing as he drove away. The client returned fire to protect those nearby and was later arrested on a warrant. We secured the footage, organized statements, and documented the vehicle threat, emphasizing that the other party fired first. We also exposed contradictions in the complainant’s later account of where he was shot. The State dismissed the case.

Charge

Criminal Mischief (Class C)

Location

Ellis County, Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2

Allegations

While checking into a treatment facility, the client arrived intoxicated and in the commotion a decorative item was knocked over, prompting staff to call police. The client was cited for Class C criminal mischief for minor property damage. We obtained the body cam video, confirmed the loss was minimal, and highlighted the client's employment stakes and recovery efforts. After firm negotiations, we secured deferred adjudication with a short nonreporting period and a modest fee. If conditions are met, no conviction is entered and the matter can later be cleared.

Charge

Forgery (Felony)

Location

Ellis County, 504TH DISTRICT COURT

Allegations

During a routine traffic stop, officers discovered an outstanding warrant tied to an older allegation that our client tried to deposit a check not in their name at the request of another person. The deposit was rejected and no funds were ever paid out. We obtained the case file, highlighted the absence of financial loss and weak proof of intent, and pressed the prosecution on those problems. After sustained negotiations, the felony was reduced to a misdemeanor with deferred probation, keeping a felony conviction off the record.

Charge

Felony Motion to Revoke Probation

Location

Ellis County, 443RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT

Allegations

While on deferred probation, the client was later arrested for driving while license invalid, and probation filed a felony motion to revoke. He was initially held without bond. We moved quickly to seek a bond setting and compiled proof that fees were current, classes were completed, and an occupational license had been pursued and approved. We reviewed the violation report, corrected inaccuracies about nonpayment, and delivered documented compliance to the prosecutor. After sustained negotiations, the State withdrew the revocation, and the court dismissed the motion.

Charge

Misdemeanor Motion to Revoke Probation

Location

Ellis County, 443RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT

Allegations

The state filed a motion to revoke a misdemeanor probation alleging a positive alcohol test and missed fee and reporting obligations. We moved quickly to address the warrant, coordinated a controlled turn-in to secure a bond, and obtained the probation file. We compiled proof of current compliance, including clean UAs, enrollment in the required intervention program, and payments toward arrears, along with a concrete plan to finish remaining conditions. After presenting that record and pressing our case with the prosecutor and probation, the state dismissed the motion.

Charge

Driving While License Invalid (With Prior)

Location

Ellis County, None

Allegations

Following a roadside dispute, the client was stopped and charged with driving while license invalid with a prior after officers could not verify insurance and ran his information. The suspension traced to unpaid out-of-state tickets and administrative holds. We obtained his driving record, pinpointed the holds, and had the client clear them and pay the reinstatement fee, documenting every step. We delivered that proof to the prosecutor and pressed the weaknesses in pursuing a case where the license issues were being resolved. The state dismissed the charge.

Charge

Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon

Location

Ellis County, COUNTY COURT AT LAW NO 3

Allegations

The client was stopped after a 911 complaint from a road incident, and officers found a handgun in the glove box while also learning the license was invalid, leading to a UCW charge. We pulled the police reports, 911 audio, and body cam video and scrutinized the basis for the stop and the weapon's discovery. We also worked around scheduling issues and helped the client address license problems to show mitigation. Using those leverage points, we negotiated a reduction, and the case closed with a time served resolution in court.

Charge

Driving While License Invalid (With Prior)

Location

Ellis County, COUNTY COURT AT LAW NO 3

Allegations

Our client was cited for driving while license invalid with a prior. We immediately pulled the case materials and assembled proof that the license issue was being resolved, including court approval of an occupational driver’s license and records showing financial obligations were current. We shared this documentation with the prosecutor, emphasized that the allegation was technical rather than dangerous conduct, and prepared to litigate if needed. The State dismissed the case.

Charge

Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony)

Location

Ellis County, 504TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT

Allegations

During a traffic stop, an officer reported the odor of marijuana, and our client acknowledged a small amount in the vehicle. The search uncovered a single pill later identified as fentanyl disguised as a prescription opioid, leading to a felony possession charge. Soon after, a bond drug test came back positive, which put the client at risk in a show cause setting. We moved quickly to get the client into verified recovery meetings, gathered proof of consistent attendance, and emphasized the absence of prior criminal history. Using that mitigation, we negotiated a resolution for deferred adjudication.

Charge

Criminal Mischief

Location

Ellis County, COUNTY COURT AT LAW NO 2

Allegations

After a brief refueling stop, the client accidentally drove away with the nozzle still attached, realized it in a crowded lot, removed it, and could not immediately return. She later went back, apologized, and offered to pay for any damage. Weeks later a detective sought charges and a warrant issued for misdemeanor criminal mischief. We stepped in, contacted the investigator, arranged a controlled surrender and bond, and compiled her communications showing immediate remorse and restitution offers. We highlighted the lack of intent and pressed the weaknesses in the case. The prosecution dismissed.

Charge

Child Grooming

Location

Ellis County, 443RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT

Allegations

Our client was accused of child grooming after a weeklong visit with a teen family member. We secured the forensic interview and patrol videos, then mapped the timeline using messages, device access, and household routines. Records showed ongoing issues with the teen’s image sharing at school and multiple opportunities to contact other adults, which undercut parts of the allegation. We also put a recorded phone conversation in context. With that leverage, we negotiated deferred adjudication probation, avoiding a conviction.