DWI & intoxication
A defense can involve the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, and the collection and analysis of breath or blood evidence. A test result is one part of the case.
Protect your rights. Understand your options.
Facing criminal charges in Dallas? Get clear answers and a defense strategy built around the facts of your case.
Arrested in Dallas?
Protect your freedom and good name.
A criminal charge can put your family, career, and reputation at risk. You deserve a defense that takes all of it seriously.
Texas Defenders represents people facing criminal charges in Dallas and across Dallas County. Whether you were arrested in Deep Ellum, cited in Oak Cliff, or charged after a stop in North Dallas, your defense starts with the facts of your case.
We evaluate the evidence, explain your options, and build a defense around your circumstances. That may mean challenging the charge, negotiating a resolution, or preparing for trial. No outcome can be guaranteed.
Criminal charges we defend
From a criminal citation to a felony allegation, we look at the evidence, the potential consequences, and the options available in your case.
We handle criminal Class C cases in Dallas Municipal Court. We do not handle traffic tickets.
Building your criminal defense
Your lawyer should look beyond the accusation. A defense may turn on what a recording shows, whether a search was lawful, or what the State can actually prove.
- Review reports, body-camera footage, witness accounts, and available recordings.
- Examine the legal grounds for the stop, arrest, and search.
- Evaluate lab evidence and testing procedures where relevant.
- Consider suppression motions and other challenges supported by the facts and law.
- Assess dismissal, reduction, diversion, negotiation, and trial options.
Available defenses and resolutions depend on the evidence, charge, criminal history, and court.
Case examples
Selected results from criminal cases handled by Texas Defenders in Dallas County. Explore the charges, our approach, and the outcome in each case.
Gun charge dismissed
September 2026
- Charge & location
- Felony gun charge in Dallas County following a traffic stop over an alleged taillight defect.
- Our approach
- We challenged the reason for the stop and asked the court to exclude the evidence obtained afterward.
- Outcome
- The court suppressed the evidence, and the gun charge was dismissed.
DWI deferred adjudication
July 2026
- Charge & location
- Misdemeanor DWI in Dallas County after an accident.
- Our approach
- We reviewed the evidence, prepared mitigation, and negotiated with the prosecutor for deferred adjudication.
- Outcome
- Deferred adjudication was secured. The charge is to be dismissed upon successful completion of probation.
Robbery charge dismissed
November 2025
- Charge & location
- Felony robbery allegation after an incident at a Garland gas station; Dallas County District Court.
- Our approach
- We reviewed video and witness evidence to challenge the allegation that our client intended to steal.
- Outcome
- The robbery case was dismissed, avoiding a felony conviction in that case.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case depends on its own facts and circumstances.
Your Dallas defense attorneys
Learn who is behind your defense and why local experience and clear communication matter.
David Payma
Managing Criminal Defense Attorney
David leads the firm's criminal defense practice, handling misdemeanors and felonies across Dallas, Collin, Tarrant, and Denton counties. His approach emphasizes individual case strategy and accessible communication.
Read David's background
Ben Pamenari
Of Counsel
Ben represents clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges across Dallas County and the greater DFW area. His practice includes DWI, drug, assault, property, and weapons cases, with an emphasis on personal attention and clear communication.
Read Ben's backgroundSelected Google review excerpts.
Reviews
★★★★★5.0900+ Google reviews
★★★★★
“Great service respond very quickly and answered all my questions…”
Ana IReviewer
★★★★★
“Quick response an honest opinion…”
Isaiah GriffithReviewer
★★★★★
“They stayed on top of my case…”
Rakayla LawtonReviewer
Understanding the Dallas criminal courts
The type of charge and where it was filed determine the court. Check your notice and confirm the location with your attorney.
Dallas Municipal Court
Criminal Class C misdemeanors
Handles fine-only Class C cases within its jurisdiction, including certain public-intoxication, paraphernalia, and offensive-contact assault allegations.
Photo: GSR Andrade Architects
County Criminal Courts
Class A and Class B misdemeanors
Dallas County's county-level criminal courts generally hear Class A and Class B misdemeanor cases.
Photo: Dallas County
Criminal District Courts
Felony cases
Felony cases are heard in district courts. The Frank Crowley Courts Building is at 133 N. Riverfront Boulevard, Dallas.
Photo: Dallas County
Magistration after arrest
Rights, counsel, and bail
Texas law generally requires presentation before a magistrate without unnecessary delay and within 48 hours. The magistrate explains rights and addresses bail and the process for requesting appointed counsel.
Photo: Dallas County
What happens in a criminal case?
Arrest & early decisions
Understand the allegation, release conditions, upcoming dates, and any urgent steps to preserve evidence. Every case follows its own timeline.
Charges & investigation
The State evaluates filing charges. Felony cases generally involve a grand jury. Your defense can include reviewing discovery and investigating independently.
Motions & negotiations
Your lawyer assesses legal challenges and discusses available options. A diversion program or negotiated resolution may be appropriate when eligibility and circumstances allow.
Resolution & next steps
A case may end in dismissal, a plea agreement, or trial. Afterward, ask whether any record-clearing option is available and what requirements apply.
A grand jury's “no bill” means it declined to indict at that time; it is not a trial acquittal or a guarantee against later prosecution. Court settings, available procedures, and timing vary by case.
Dallas is our home.
We represent clients throughout the city, from Downtown and Deep Ellum to Oak Cliff, North Dallas, and the neighborhoods in between.
Downtown · Oak Cliff · Deep Ellum · North Dallas · Pleasant Grove · Lake Highlands · South Dallas / Fair Park · West Dallas · Uptown · Bishop Arts · Knox–Henderson · East Dallas / Casa View
Dallas criminal defense FAQs
Practical answers to the questions that come up when you are deciding what to do next.
Ask about your caseIs a Class C citation a criminal charge?
Yes. A Class C misdemeanor is a criminal offense, generally punishable by a fine rather than jail for the offense itself. It can still create a criminal record. Ask an attorney about the charge, possible resolutions, and any separate record-clearing requirements.
Can a DWI be challenged after a breath or blood test?
Yes. A result above the legal limit does not eliminate every defense. The stop, arrest, sample collection, testing procedures, and admissibility of the evidence may still need examination. A dismissal or reduction depends on the particular facts and law.
Can the alleged victim drop an assault charge?
An alleged victim cannot unilaterally end a criminal prosecution. An affidavit of non-prosecution may communicate that person's wishes, but the State can continue based on other evidence. It does not guarantee dismissal, and existing protective orders or no-contact conditions must still be followed.
What happens at my first court date?
It depends on the court and the case's stage. A setting may address scheduling, counsel, a plea, or other matters. Read your notice carefully, follow your attorney's instructions, and allow extra time. Do not assume your first appearance is only a formality.
How long does a Dallas criminal case take?
There is no dependable timeline for every case. The charge, court docket, evidence, testing, motions, and whether the case goes to trial all affect timing. Your attorney can explain the current posture and update expectations as the case develops.
Will an arrest appear on a background check?
It can, even without a conviction. A dismissal does not automatically erase the arrest record. Expunction or an order of nondisclosure may be available in qualifying cases, but eligibility, waiting periods, and exclusions must be assessed individually.
What is the difference between expunction and nondisclosure?
Expunction removes qualifying records under Texas law. Nondisclosure restricts public disclosure of eligible records, while specified agencies may retain access. Completing deferred adjudication does not make everyone eligible, and certain convictions may have separate nondisclosure options. Neither remedy should be assumed automatic.
Can a drug charge be dismissed or diverted?
Potential outcomes depend on the evidence, charge, prior record, and program requirements. Search issues or weaknesses in proof may matter. Diversion is available only when the person and case meet the applicable criteria; it is not a promised result.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer in Dallas cost?
Fees depend on the charge, complexity, and work required. Texas Defenders offers a free consultation so you can discuss your circumstances and ask about representation and fees. A consultation does not obligate you to hire the firm.
Speak with a Dallas criminal defense lawyer
Tell us what you are facing. We'll help you understand the questions to ask, the options to consider, and how a Dallas criminal defense lawyer can help.
(214) 306-9696Texas Defenders
3302 Swiss Circle · Dallas, TX 75204
