Criminal Defense Case Results in Austin, TX

Charge

Assault - Family Violence (Misdemeanor)

Location

Western District - Federal County

Allegations

After a domestic dispute, investigators opened a misdemeanor family violence case alleging an assault months earlier. We were retained during the investigation and advised the client not to give a statement without counsel. We compiled messages and photos documenting vandalism and a break in at the client's home, and built a timeline showing the accusation surfaced only after those reports. We also highlighted inconsistencies between the complainant's accounts and the lack of any contemporaneous report. Faced with those credibility issues, the government dismissed the case.

Charge

Terroristic Threat

Location

Hays County, County Court at Law #2

Allegations

Police responded to a domestic dispute where the complainant alleged our client made a threatening statement during the argument. The case rested largely on that single account. We secured the reports and recordings, compared them to the later interview, and documented material shifts in the complainant’s story with no independent corroboration. We also assembled context messages that undercut motive and credibility. After presenting these issues and making clear we were ready to litigate, the prosecution dismissed the case.

Charge

Eluding a Police Officer

Location

Williamson County, County Court at Law #5

Allegations

The stop began when an officer activated lights behind our client. Rather than speed away, the client turned on hazards, signaled, obeyed traffic controls, and drove a short distance to a familiar, well lit location to park, then immediately complied. We obtained the bodycam and dashcam, which confirmed the careful driving and calm surrender and captured remarks that undercut any intent to flee. We challenged whether the elements of eluding were met and pressed those issues with the prosecutor. Faced with weak proof of intent, the state dismissed the case.

Charge

Arson

Location

Milam County, 20th Judicial District Court

Allegations

The case stemmed from a fire at our client's own residence during a period of drug-induced crisis. After the arrest for felony arson, we shifted the focus to rehabilitation and risk mitigation. We compiled treatment records from inpatient and outpatient programs, months of clean drug tests, and progress reports from his mental-health providers. We also addressed supervision issues and kept him compliant while the case was pending. Using that mitigation package, we negotiated a deferred adjudication, allowing the client to avoid a conviction if he completes probation.

Charge

Abandonment of a Child with Intent to Return

Location

Bell County, 27th Judicial District Court

Allegations

Our client was charged after briefly leaving young children asleep at home while taking an older child to school. A passerby called police, the children were taken for safety checks, and the client was questioned at the station before being arrested. We obtained the discovery, secured CPS records showing no findings of abuse or neglect beyond lack of supervision, and highlighted discrepancies between the report and the home’s actual condition. We compiled character letters and proactive parenting coursework. Leveraging those issues, we negotiated straight probation, avoiding jail.

Charge

Public Intoxication

Location

Travis County, DACC CourtRoom 1

Allegations

Our client was detained near a residential complex after a night out and cited for public intoxication based on an officer’s brief observations. We pulled the reports and challenged whether the evidence actually showed the required risk to self or others. Using those weaknesses, we negotiated a dismissal pathway tied to voluntary steps instead of a fine or plea. The client completed an alcohol education evaluation and community service. After we submitted proof of completion, the prosecutor dismissed the case.

Charge

Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon

Location

Lampasas County, County Court at Law

Allegations

During a traffic stop, an officer claimed to smell marijuana, searched the car, and seized our client's lawfully owned handgun. The weapon was alleged unlawful only because the officer believed a separate offense was occurring in the vehicle. We demanded the dash and body camera footage and the full report, then challenged whether odor alone justified the search, especially with our client riding as a passenger. After we pressed those defects and prepared a suppression fight, the prosecution dismissed the UCW.

Charge

Tampering with Identification Numbers

Location

Williamson County, County Court at Law #5

Allegations

After a traffic stop while returning from picking up a used truck, our client was arrested on suspicion of tampering with identification numbers tied to the vehicle. He speaks limited English and spent several days in jail while his phone was seized. We notified the court and prosecutor, obtained the reports and discovery, and pressed the state on gaps in proof. We emphasized his clean record, his occasional vehicle purchasing, and the lack of evidence he altered or knew about any irregular numbers. The charge was reduced, and he received credit for time served to resolve the case.

Charge

Assault - Family Violence

Allegations

Our client was arrested after a dispute at a residence where the other party, reportedly intoxicated, claimed assault and displayed facial scratches. The client consistently said the injuries were self inflicted by the complainant while she was trying to leave. We obtained the police reports and case file, lined them up against the timeline, and found significant inconsistencies and credibility problems in the complaining witness’s account. We emphasized the lack of corroboration and the questions around how the injuries occurred, and made clear we were prepared to litigate. The prosecution dismissed the case.

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Possession of THC (State Jail Felony)

Location

Bell County, 478th Judicial District Court

Allegations

School staff reported vaping on campus, and a search of the backpack and person led to two vape pens, with field tests indicating THC. After months of delay and errors in the warrant paperwork, we obtained discovery from law enforcement and the DA, including lab results, photos, and videos. We scrutinized the quantity, chain of custody, and the basis for the searches, and managed the surrender process to avoid unnecessary jail time. Using those issues in negotiations, the felony was reduced to a lesser offense.

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Theft (Class A or Class B Misdemeanor)

Location

Coryell County

Allegations

Loss prevention stopped the client after a self checkout at a retail store, and police alleged several grocery items were not scanned. We documented that most items were paid for, the unscanned items were unbagged, and the total value was near the lowest misdemeanor threshold. We gathered medical records showing a recent infection and new prescription with potential behavioral side effects, along with proof of a clean history. The client completed a theft awareness class and provided character letters. We leveraged this to secure pretrial diversion, and after full compliance the case was dismissed.

Charge

Driving While License Invalid (Prior Alcohol Suspension)

Location

Williamson County, CCL2

Allegations

During patrol, an officer ran the vehicle’s plate, saw the registered owner was listed as "not eligible" due to an ignition-interlock requirement, and initiated a stop. The driver was cited for Driving While License Invalid. We obtained the patrol video and reports, which showed no independent traffic violation and that the officer could not identify the driver before the stop. We also gathered proof of interlock installation and DPS records confirming the license had been restored to eligible. After we challenged the basis for the stop and presented the corrected status, the prosecutor dismissed the case.