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Was someone you know arrested in Dallas County? Texas Defenders explains how to find someone in the Dallas County Jail or a local city jail, what happens during magistration, how bail and release work, and what to expect before a transfer to the Lew Sterrett Justice Center. If you need help after an arrest in Dallas, Carrollton, Garland, Irving, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, Richardson, or anywhere in Dallas County, call Texas Defenders at 214-306-9696.

Texas Defenders has been named the 2026 Law Firm of the Year in Dallas by the Consumer Ratings Institute. Learn what the recognition means, how client reviews factored into the award, and how Texas Defenders represents people facing DWI, drug, assault, theft, weapons and other criminal charges throughout Dallas-Fort Worth.

Domestic violence allegations during a Texas divorce can severely impact child custody under Texas Family Code § 153.004. Even without a conviction, assault family violence accusations may lead to protective orders, supervised visitation, or loss of joint custody rights. If you’re facing charges in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, or Denton County, understanding how criminal and family courts intersect is critical to protecting your parental rights.

Can a DWI be non-disclosed in Texas? In some cases, yes—even if the case resulted in probation. This guide explains when a first-time DWI can be sealed from public view, the difference between deferred adjudication and straight probation, waiting periods under Texas law, and which DWI cases are never eligible. Learn how Texas nondisclosure laws work, what mistakes to avoid, and when a dismissed DWI may qualify for expunction. Written for Dallas and North Texas residents looking to move forward without a past DWI holding them back.

Texas Defenders is proud to announce that attorney David Payma has been selected to the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys' prestigious Top 10 Under 40 for Texas in 2026. Learn why this recognition reflects David's dedication to protecting the rights of clients throughout Dallas-Fort Worth and across Texas.

Texas Defenders is proud to announce that San Antonio criminal defense lawyer Monica Guerrero has been admitted to the Texas Bar College for 2026. Membership recognizes Texas attorneys who exceed standard continuing legal education requirements and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to professional development. Monica leads the Texas Defenders San Antonio criminal defense practice and represents clients throughout San Antonio and Bexar County.

Carrying a gun without a permit is legal in Texas — but only under specific conditions. Many people in Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, McKinney, Frisco, and Denton are surprised to learn they can still be arrested for unlawful carry, carrying in prohibited places, or possessing a firearm while intoxicated. This guide explains when permitless carry is legal, when it becomes a crime under Texas law, and what penalties you could face in Dallas County, Tarrant County, Collin County, or Denton County. If you’ve been charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon, Texas Defenders is ready to protect your rights and fight to get your case dismissed.

Dallas criminal defense attorney David Payma of Texas Defenders was recently featured on The TrustCast Show. Learn more about Payma's approach to criminal defense, his work representing clients throughout North Texas, and watch the full interview.

Dallas Police are taking a much larger role in freeway and tollway enforcement across Dallas. For drivers, that means increased interaction with DPD officers on major highways—and potentially more traffic stops that develop into DWI, drug possession, weapons, warrant, and other criminal investigations. Texas Defenders explains what is changing, what Dallas drivers should do when pulled over, and how to protect their rights if a routine traffic stop becomes an arrest.

Using an Apple AirTag to locate your own property is one thing. Secretly using an AirTag to monitor another person's vehicle or movements can potentially lead to criminal charges in Texas. Learn about Texas tracking-device laws, stalking allegations, protective orders, penalties, and possible defenses.

Dallas police say they will enforce Texas' new THC restrictions that took effect July 31, 2026. Learn which hemp-derived THC products are affected, why some possession cases can now result in felony charges, how Dallas' approach differs from other Texas jurisdictions, and what to do if you are arrested for a THC product in North Texas.

Texas Defender and criminal defense attorney David Payma has been published in The Dallas Morning News. In his August 24, 2026 commentary, Payma uses Dallas budget and performance data and his firsthand experience in the courts to examine case backlogs, outdated technology, taxpayer costs, and the need for greater accountability at Dallas Municipal Court.

Texas Defenders is proud to announce that San Antonio criminal defense lawyer Monica Guerrero has been selected for membership in The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 – Criminal Defense for the first time. This recognition highlights her experience, professional reputation, and commitment to defending clients throughout San Antonio and Bexar County.

In Texas drug possession cases, prosecutors must prove more than proximity — they must prove you knowingly and intentionally possessed the substance. This article explains how police attempt to establish “intent to possess” through affirmative links, traffic stop evidence, shared residences, statements, and circumstantial factors. If you were arrested for drug possession in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, or Denton County, understanding how the State tries to prove intent is critical to building a strong defense.

Many Texas drivers ordered to install an ignition interlock device cannot find the $10 DPS restricted license fee online. Learn why this happens, how to get the fee activated, and the exact process for obtaining your Texas ignition interlock restricted driver's license.

Texas Defenders has been recognized as one of the Top 3 Criminal Defense Lawyers in San Antonio for 2026. This recognition reflects our commitment to defending people facing misdemeanor and felony criminal charges throughout San Antonio, Bexar County, and surrounding communities. Learn more about the award, our San Antonio criminal defense team, and what to consider when choosing an attorney to protect your freedom, record, and future.

Texas Defenders proudly announces that attorney David Payma has been re-selected to The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 – Criminal Defense. Learn what this prestigious national recognition means and why continued excellence matters when choosing a criminal defense attorney.

Texas has officially banned many popular hemp-derived THC products, including delta-8, delta-10, THCP, and THCA flower. This guide explains what changed on July 31, 2026, which products remain legal, how the law could impact consumers and retailers, and what to do if you're facing drug charges in Texas.

Shoplifting is on the rise across the United States, with a new survey revealing that 30% of Americans admit to stealing from stores. This article explores why retail theft is increasing, how Texas prosecutes shoplifting offenses, the criminal penalties for theft, common legal defenses, and why hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney can make a significant difference if you're facing theft charges.

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's recent arrest is making headlines, but it also shines a spotlight on one of the biggest misconceptions about Texas DWI law. In Texas, you can be arrested for DWI even if your vehicle never moved because the law prohibits operating—not simply driving—a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

Texas hemp laws allow products with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, but widespread confusion continues to lead to arrests across Dallas and throughout Texas. This guide breaks down what hemp, CBD, Delta-8, THC gummies, drinks, and vape products are actually legal, where the gray areas exist, and why people can still face criminal charges even after purchasing products from stores. It also explains how law enforcement handles these cases and what to do if you are arrested for a hemp-related offense.

Shoplifting at Target in Texas is far more serious than most people realize. What may seem like a minor incident can quickly escalate into multiple criminal charges, including felony theft or even organized retail theft. In this article, we break down how Texas law classifies shoplifting offenses based on value, how retailers like Target use advanced surveillance and facial recognition to build cases over time, and how a single stop can lead to charges for prior incidents.

As North Texas prepares for its final FIFA World Cup match, dozens of arrests have already been made at AT&T Stadium. Learn the most common charges, what happens after an arrest, and what to do if you or a loved one is taken into custody.

Texas THC laws have changed dramatically in recent years, leaving many Texans confused about what is and isn't legal. From THCA flower and Delta-8 to THC vape pens, gummies, hemp, and traditional marijuana, this guide explains the current legal landscape, why people are still being arrested for products sold in stores, and how ongoing court battles continue to shape cannabis laws in Texas. Learn what every Texan should know before buying, carrying, or using THC products—and what to do if you're facing THC-related criminal charges.

Texas DPS has announced increased enforcement for the Fourth of July and America's 250th birthday celebration. Learn why arrests spike during holiday weekends, the criminal charges people commonly face, and what to do if you or a loved one is arrested anywhere in North Texas.