Criminal Defense Case Results in Galveston, TX

Charge

Theft (Class B Misdemeanor)

Location

Galveston County

Allegations

The client was detained by store security after a self checkout incident where several items were not scanned, with the alleged value a few hundred dollars. We were hired quickly and contacted the prosecutor while the case was still in intake. Our team requested the surveillance video, loss prevention reports, and any officer recordings, and reviewed the elements of the offense. We presented mitigation that all merchandise was recovered at the scene and that the client had no criminal history. Faced with those points and our posture to litigate, the State chose not to move forward and dismissed the case.

Charge

Assault - Family Violence

Location

Galveston County, None

Allegations

Police were called to a residence after an argument between household members turned physical. Both sides had minor marks and were arrested for family violence despite describing it as mutual combat. We moved quickly to gather the 911 audio, bodycam, and written statements, and documented that neither party wished to prosecute. We framed the event as a brief, alcohol influenced dispute with no ongoing safety concerns and no prior history. After presenting these issues to the prosecutor and applying pressure, the state dismissed the case.

Charge

Possession of Marijuana

Location

Galveston County, None

Allegations

Following a traffic stop prompted by a citizen report, officers searched the vehicle and said they found marijuana. We moved quickly to obtain the discovery, then examined whether the stop and subsequent search could be justified. We identified weaknesses in the state's evidence and prepared to challenge admissibility. After sustained pressure and with a suppression fight looming, the prosecution dismissed the case.

Charge

Possession of a Controlled Substance (Misdemeanor)

Location

Galveston County, None

Allegations

A traffic stop following a caller report led to an arrest, and officers reported finding a small bottle with a few pills suspected to be a controlled substance. We dug into the stop from top to bottom and requested all discovery on how the pills were located. Our review raised problems with the legal basis for extending the stop and with the search that produced the pills. We laid out those defects to the prosecutor and made clear we were prepared to file suppression motions. The State dismissed the possession case, clearing our client of the charge.

Charge

Driving While License Invalid (With Prior Conviction)

Location

Galveston County, None

Allegations

The stop began after a caller reported a driving complaint. During the stop, the officer ran our client's information and filed a charge for driving while license invalid with a prior conviction. We were retained quickly, requested the state's file and the driver's record, and scrutinized both the basis for the stop and the proof supporting the alleged prior. After we engaged the prosecutor with our findings at the first setting, the state dismissed the DWLI charge.

Charge

Minor in Possession of Alcohol

Location

Galveston County, JP3

Allegations

An officer approached after the driver drew attention trying to turn around near a party. Our client was a passenger, and officers later reported finding alcohol in the trunk. No one claimed it, so everyone was cited. We gathered group chat messages where other occupants apologized and admitted the alcohol was theirs, and we provided medical records showing the client avoids alcohol due to a documented allergy. After presenting these materials and making clear we were prepared to litigate the stop and search, the prosecution dismissed the case.

Charge

Minor in Consumption of Alcohol

Location

Galveston County, JP3

Allegations

Police broke up a large house gathering and detained multiple young people, including our client, for minor in consumption. No breath or blood test was taken and there was no objective testing to confirm alcohol use. We obtained the incident and booking records, challenged the lack of individualized observations, and questioned the basis for ordering everyone outside. We also disputed the admissibility of any statements after custodial questioning without Miranda warnings. Faced with these evidentiary problems, the prosecutor dismissed the case.

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

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.