Criminal Defense Attorney in Waco, Texas

A first DWI is generally a Class B misdemeanor. Prior convictions, a high blood alcohol level or a child passenger can raise the charge, sometimes to a felony. A DWI arrest also starts a license suspension process with a short deadline. We review why you were pulled over and how the tests were done. Learn more about DWI defense.

Assault ranges from a threat or offensive touch, usually a Class C misdemeanor, to bodily injury, generally a Class A misdemeanor. Family violence findings can affect firearm rights and immigration status. Aggravated assault, involving serious injury or a deadly weapon, is a felony. These cases often turn on credibility and self-defense. Learn more about assault defense.

The charge depends on the substance, penalty group and amount. A small amount of marijuana is generally a Class B misdemeanor; under a gram of cocaine or methamphetamine is a state jail felony. Many cases begin with a vehicle search, so the officer's basis for that search matters. We examine the search and the lab results. Learn more about drug possession defense.

Theft is graded by value, from a Class C misdemeanor under $100 to felonies starting at $2,500. Shoplifting, bad checks and keeping property you were supposed to return can all be charged as theft. A theft conviction is generally treated as a crime of dishonesty, which can matter for jobs and immigration. We look closely at value and intent. Learn more about theft defense.

Felonies are handled in the McLennan County district courts and generally require a grand jury indictment. Texas divides them into state jail, third, second and first degree and capital felonies, with punishment ranging from 180 days in state jail to life in prison or, for capital felonies, death. A conviction can affect voting, firearms, licenses and jobs. We prepare these cases from the first day. Learn more about felony defense.

Class C offenses carry a fine only and are generally heard in municipal or justice courts. Class B and A misdemeanors are heard in the McLennan County courts at law and can carry up to 180 days or one year in county jail. Because these cases move quickly, people often plead without understanding that a conviction stays on their record. We explain each option, including deferred adjudication, before you decide. Learn more about misdemeanor defense.