Criminal Defense Case Results in Ellis, TX

Charge

Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon

Location

Ellis County, CCL2

Allegations

The client was stopped for alleged speeding. The officer claimed to smell marijuana and conducted a vehicle search, locating a holstered handgun and filing a UCW charge. We obtained the police records and dissected the basis for the stop, the odor claim, and whether the search exceeded what the law allows. We also examined how and where the firearm was found and whether the elements of UCW were actually met. After we laid out these evidentiary problems and signaled we were ready to litigate, the prosecution dismissed the case.

Charge

Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon

Location

Ellis County

Allegations

During a traffic stop for alleged speeding, the officer claimed to smell marijuana and conducted a search. A holstered pistol was found and the client was arrested for unlawful carrying of a weapon. We scrutinized the basis for the stop and the scope of the search, focusing on how the firearm was located and documented. We outlined the legal and evidentiary problems to the prosecutor and made clear we were prepared to pursue suppression. Confronted with those issues, the state dismissed the case.

Charge

Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony)

Location

Ellis County, COUNTY COURT AT LAW NO 2

Allegations

After a traffic stop for alleged speeding, an officer claimed to smell marijuana and searched the car, finding pills the state identified as oxycodone. We examined the basis for the stop and the justification for expanding it into a search, focusing on the claimed odor and scope. We identified inconsistencies in the state's account and argued that the search lacked probable cause. After we put those issues in front of the prosecutor and prepared to litigate suppression, the state dismissed the case.

Charge

Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony)

Location

Ellis County, 443RD Judicial District \u200bCourt

Allegations

Stopped at night for nonfunctioning rear lights, the officer said he smelled marijuana and searched the vehicle over the client’s objection. A very small amount of crystalline substance was found in the center console, and although other items were present, only felony possession under a gram was filed. We obtained discovery, scrutinized the basis for the stop and search, and pressed the state on the lab result identifying MDMA in a trace amount. Leveraging the clean history and swift compliance, we secured pretrial intervention. After completing testing and program requirements, the state dismissed the case.

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

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

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

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

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.