Criminal Defense Case Results in Galveston, TX

Charge

Motion for Early Termination of Probation

Location

Galveston County, 212th DC

Allegations

After completing all conditions of probation, the client asked us to seek early termination. We gathered proof of compliance, counseling, employment stability, and impending relocation, then drafted and filed the motion. Our team coordinated with supervision in both the originating and supervising counties and worked to secure no opposition from the prosecutor. We set the matter on the court's administrative docket and prepared backup requests. Confronted with our record and documentation, the state did not oppose and the court dismissed the case.

Charge

Illegal Use of an Unmanned Aircraft to Capture an Image

Location

Galveston County, Kemah Municipal Court

Allegations

Our client received a citation alleging they used a drone to capture images of a person or private property with the intent to conduct surveillance. We pulled the reports and demanded all evidence. On close review of the statute, we focused on a required element, that an actual image must have been captured. The materials produced contained no proof of any photo or video tied to our client and nothing showing surveillance intent. We raised the deficiency with the prosecutor and made clear we were prepared to fight it. The state dismissed the case.

Charge

Misdemeanor Motion to Revoke Probation

Location

Galveston County, 10th DC

Allegations

After the client was placed on probation, a new arrest in another county triggered a motion to revoke. He turned himself in on the warrant, bonded out, and continued reporting. During that period he submitted to alcohol and drug testing, installed an ignition interlock, and completed alcohol education and a victim impact panel on his own. We compiled documentation of his compliance, coordinated with his probation officer, and pressed the prosecutor that continued supervision was the right outcome. The motion was dismissed.

Charge

Possession of Marijuana

Location

Galveston County, Galveston Municipal Court of Record

Allegations

While waiting to board a trip, a K9 alerted near the client’s companion and security directed both to secondary screening. Officers searched the client’s backpack and found a THC vape pen with cartridges. There was no arrest, only a citation that sent the case to city court. We pulled the reports, requested video, and emphasized the thin nexus between the alert and our client. After negotiations, the state reduced the fine and agreed to a short term of deferred probation, keeping a conviction off the record.

Charge

Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information (10–50 Items)

Location

Galveston County, 122nd DC

Allegations

After a traffic stop, officers searched our client’s vehicle and reported finding a stack of other people’s mail in the glove compartment. The client said a passenger had placed it there. We pulled the reports and affidavits, then attacked the basis for the stop and the justification for the search. We also emphasized the weak link between the items and our client’s knowledge or control. Faced with those issues and our readiness to litigate, the prosecution dismissed the case.

Charge

Assault by Contact (Class C)

Location

Galveston County, Galveston Municipal Court of Record

Allegations

During a gathering at a rental home, a verbal dispute escalated after drinking. The complainant struck our client several times, and the client extended his arms to create space. Police issued a Class C assault by contact citation, referencing a video on the complainant's phone. We collected photos of injuries and property damage and secured sworn statements from three witnesses. After presenting that packet and arranging a short online anger management course, the state dismissed the case.

Charge

Forgery of a Financial Instrument

Location

Galveston County, 122nd DC

Allegations

During a traffic stop that followed ongoing surveillance, officers searched our client’s vehicle after claiming an odor of marijuana and found mail in the glove box and another person’s wallet under a seat. Soon after, several deposited checks were flagged and she was charged with forgery. We dug into the police reports and discovery, challenged the legal basis for the stop and search, and stressed that nothing tied her to creating or presenting the checks. After sustained pressure and highlighting those proof gaps, the prosecution dismissed the case.

Charge

Forgery of a Financial Instrument

Location

Galveston County, 122nd DC

Allegations

The client was accused of forgery after a traffic stop that occurred while giving an acquaintance a ride. Investigators later pointed to several checks deposited into an account and claimed she was involved. We obtained the discovery, scrutinized the basis for the stop and search, and compared police narratives with banking records. The materials did not show who created or passed the checks, and the link to our client was weak. We presented these defects to the prosecution, the grand jury no billed the case, and it was dismissed.

Charge

Forgery of a Financial Instrument

Location

Galveston County, 122nd DC

Allegations

Following a traffic stop tied to an ongoing investigation, officers alleged our client was involved in forgery after several questionable checks appeared in the client’s bank account. We pulled the bank records and police reports and showed there was no proof the client created or presented the checks, and that another person had access to the account and left items in the vehicle. We also challenged the legality of the stop and the search. After we laid out these evidentiary and constitutional problems, the prosecution dismissed the case.

Charge

Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon

Location

Galveston County, CC3

Allegations

The client was pulled over while driving after dropping off a passenger. Officers claimed to smell marijuana, searched the car, and found a lawfully possessed handgun, then filed an unlawful carry charge on the theory it was present during alleged illegal activity. We obtained the arrest paperwork and probable cause affidavit, scrutinizing the basis for the stop and the search, and challenged the link between any alleged offense and the weapon. After we pressed these issues with the prosecution and prepared suppression arguments, the state dismissed the case.

Charge

Prohibited Substance in a Correctional Facility

Location

Galveston County, 405th DC

Allegations

After a traffic stop, the client was arrested and booked into jail. Although an initial search had been done, officers later reported finding a small amount of marijuana in the client’s clothing at the facility, triggering a felony contraband charge. We obtained the body and intake videos and scrutinized the reports, pressing the state on how multiple searches missed the item and on chain-of-custody and intent issues. With sustained pressure in negotiations, the felony was reduced to simple possession with credit for time served.

Charge

Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon

Location

Galveston County, None

Allegations

The client was pulled over after leaving a gym for a minor equipment issue. The officer said he smelled marijuana, searched the vehicle, and found a handgun in the glove box. The firearm was holstered and lawfully possessed. We challenged the basis for the stop and the leap to a UCW charge, stressing the lack of an independent offense tied to the carry and that the statutory elements were not met. After pressing the state for evidence and signaling we were ready to litigate, the prosecution dismissed the case.