Criminal Defense Case Results in Denton, TX

Charge

Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon

Location

Denton County, County Criminal Court #4

Allegations

The client was stopped for a traffic violation and, while retrieving documents, opened the glove compartment where a recently purchased handgun was stored. The officer seized the firearm and filed an unlawful carrying charge. We scrutinized the basis for the stop and the manner in which the weapon was discovered, gathered proof of lawful purchase, documented the client’s clean record, and had them complete a firearm safety course. Using these mitigators in negotiations, we secured deferred probation with no final conviction.

Charge

DWI - First Offense

Location

Denton County, County Criminal Court #4

Allegations

After a minor intersection collision, officers investigated for DWI. The client declined a breath test, and field sobriety tests were done while the client was bruised from the crash and had longstanding balance issues. A later blood warrant reported a BAC over .15. We reviewed the videos and toxicology, raised concerns about the testing conditions and timing, and compiled mitigation by completing courses and an evaluation up front with no prior record. The prosecutor agreed to deferred probation, keeping a conviction off the record.

Charge

Assault - Family Violence

Location

Denton County, County Criminal Court #2

Allegations

Police were called after a domestic argument at a home, and the client was arrested on the complainant's initial account. The client had taken prescribed sleep medication, the complainant had been drinking, and there were no significant injuries. We obtained the body cam and reports, emphasized inconsistencies and the client's clarifying statement about brief contact, and filed the complainant's affidavit of non-prosecution. We rejected diversion or pleas and set the case for trial to apply pressure. Facing a noncooperative witness and weak proof, the state dismissed.

Charge

Theft (Class C)

Location

Denton County, Denton Municipal Court

Allegations

The client was cited for Class C theft after a self-checkout incident at a retail store where a small item scanned twice and a higher value item did not register. Loss prevention detained the client and an officer issued a citation, but there was no arrest or trespass. We got involved promptly, obtained discovery, and made clear we would contest the required intent element at trial. We emphasized the client's clean history and proactive posture. After negotiations with the prosecutor, the case was dismissed.

Charge

Misdemeanor Motion to Revoke Probation

Location

Denton County, County Criminal Court #3

Allegations

The client was on deferred adjudication for a misdemeanor theft when probation filed a motion alleging missed check-ins, unpaid fees, and incomplete programs. The problems started after a transfer between counties, where the client was instructed to report by mail while awaiting reassignment and then stopped receiving guidance. We gathered records showing the transfer mix-up, attempted compliance, and partial program completion. We challenged the accuracy of the violation timeline and presented mitigation showing no willful absconding. After sustained negotiations, the state dismissed the motion and the case was closed.

Charge

Theft Under $100 (Class C)

Location

Denton County, Cross Roads Municipal Court

Allegations

Loss prevention detained our client after a self checkout incident where several items were not scanned, and police issued a Class C theft citation instead of making an arrest. The client, with no prior record, reached out to keep a conviction off their record. We reviewed the citation, requested police and store materials, and engaged the prosecutor, emphasizing the low value, cooperation, and mitigating circumstances. The result was unsupervised deferred probation for a short term with a nominal fee and a stay-out-of-trouble condition.

Charge

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Location

Denton County, Hickory Creek Municipal Court

Allegations

The client was stopped for speeding and issued a citation after the officer saw two small jars in the back seat, one containing only a trace amount of marijuana residue. No arrest was made. We secured the video evidence, reviewed the dash and body camera recordings, and highlighted the client's cooperation and the minimal amount involved. We pushed for a resolution without a conviction and negotiated deferred probation with brief conditions. By completing those terms, the client avoids a conviction and the case is set to be dismissed.

Charge

DWI - Second Offense

Location

Denton County, County Criminal Court #1

Allegations

A traffic stop for speeding led to our client being investigated for a second DWI. The officer noted the odor of alcohol and conducted field sobriety tests before making an arrest. The case was filed as a misdemeanor with an alleged BAC over .15. We obtained dash and body camera video, sobriety testing paperwork, and the chemical test records, scrutinizing the procedures and chain of proof. After sustained negotiations, the state agreed to straight probation, avoiding jail time and allowing the client to keep working while meeting court obligations.

Charge

DWI - First Offense

Location

Denton County, County Criminal Court #1

Allegations

Stopped at night for driving without lights during a short trip to get food, our client was arrested for DWI. The car used automatic headlights and the client believed they were on, but the officer said the rear lights were off. Field sobriety tests were performed in cold conditions and went poorly. The client consented to testing and a BAC over .15 was later reported. We obtained discovery, highlighted the minimal driving and circumstances of the stop and FSTs, and guided the client through DWI classes and a victim impact panel. With that leverage, we negotiated the charges down.

Charge

Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony)

Location

Denton County, 462nd Judicial District Court

Allegations

A traffic stop for a minor equipment issue became a felony case when the officer claimed to smell marijuana and searched the car, finding a bag in the passenger area. There was no corroborating officer, and our client, upset during the arrest, blurted out a statement taking responsibility. We obtained the police reports, dissected the stated reasons for the stop and the odor claim, and challenged the legality of the search and the reliability of the statement. We pressed these defects with the prosecutor and made clear we were ready to litigate suppression. The prosecution dismissed the case.

Charge

Injury to a Child (Felony)

Location

Denton County, 16th Judicial District Court

Allegations

During a volatile custody dispute, our client accompanied a relative to pick up the children and went inside to ask police to supervise. Outside, a struggle broke out as the other adult pulled a child away. The client used pepper spray toward the adult to protect the child, but a sudden wind shift blew it back, affecting the child and others, not the intended target. We obtained surveillance and body cam video, documented the prior request for police help, and gathered records showing CPS later placed the children with their mother. We pressed the lack of intent and were ready for trial. The state dismissed the case.

Charge

Assault - Family Violence (Class C)

Location

Denton County, The Colony Municipal Court

Allegations

During a heated argument between partners outside a commercial venue, an officer arrived and, after seeing a brief push, issued a Class C family violence citation. We gathered the citation and police narrative and focused on the limited scope of what the officer actually observed. The other party later indicated they did not wish to pursue charges. We relayed that position and challenged whether the elements were met by a momentary contact. The prosecution dismissed the case.