Blog

Texas Defenders founding attorney Robert Abtahi has been selected to the prestigious National Trial Lawyers Top 100 for Criminal Defense—an honor reserved for the most elite trial lawyers in the country. In this article, we break down what this recognition means, how it reflects real courtroom experience, and why it matters when choosing a criminal defense lawyer in Dallas, Fort Worth, Collin County, and Denton County. If you’re facing charges, learn how hiring a nationally recognized trial attorney can impact your case outcome and protect your future.

If you’re facing a misdemeanor charge in San Antonio or Bexar County, understanding the penalties is critical. This guide breaks down the most common misdemeanor offenses — including DWI, assault, theft, and marijuana possession — and explains what you can expect under Texas law.

Arrested for DWI while visiting Dallas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? This guide explains what happens after a DWI arrest in Texas, including jail, bond, license suspension, court process, and what out-of-state or international visitors need to know next.

The Dallas County Pretrial Diversion Program allows first-time offenders to avoid a criminal conviction by completing a supervised reform program that leads to dismissal and expungement. Texas Defenders explains how it works, who qualifies, and how to apply before the window closes.

A breakdown of the Markquese Bell drug charge case in Collin County and how similar situations affect everyday people. Learn how routine traffic stops turn into felony charges, how prosecutors build cases, and what steps to take immediately after an arrest.

A comprehensive guide to the most common misdemeanor charges in Dallas County, including DWI, assault and family violence, theft, marijuana possession, criminal trespass, and resisting arrest. Learn the differences between Class A and Class B misdemeanors, potential jail time in Dallas County Jail, long-term consequences of a conviction, and how to protect your record with an experienced Dallas criminal defense lawyer.

Texas Defenders has been named the top criminal defense firm in Dallas for 2026 by ThreeBestRated. This recognition reflects an independent evaluation of reputation, experience, and client trust, and highlights why individuals across Dallas County rely on Texas Defenders when facing serious criminal charges.

Heading to Dallas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? This guide breaks down every alcohol-related offense visitors can face under Texas law, including DWI, public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and more. Learn what behaviors can lead to arrest, how enforcement increases during major events, and what happens if you are charged while visiting Dallas or Arlington.

This post explains Texas’s permitless carry (constitutional carry) law, clarifying when carrying without a license is legal and when it can lead to charges for Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon (UCW). Includes examples of common mistakes, prohibited locations, and key defense strategies.

Texas lawmakers are moving to ban many hemp-derived THC products, including vape pens, gummies, and THC drinks currently sold in stores and bars. Learn what the March 31 THC ban could mean for Texans and potential criminal charges.

Texas Defenders was featured in D Magazine after a new mural by Dallas artist Jeremy Biggers appeared on the historic building that houses the criminal defense law firm. The article highlights the surprising connection between the building and Bonnie Parker, who once worked at a café located there before becoming part of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde story.

KSAT meteorologist Elliot Wilson was recently charged with Assault Causing Bodily Injury involving a family member in Bexar County. This article explains what the law says about assault charges in Texas, how family violence allegations are handled in San Antonio courts, and the penalties someone can face if convicted.

A former Dallas police official recently pleaded guilty to making a false statement to investigators during a fatal crash investigation. The case resulted in deferred adjudication probation, a fine, surrender of the defendant’s peace officer license, and court-ordered DWI education and substance abuse evaluation. This article explains the underlying incident, the Texas criminal charge for making a false statement to law enforcement under Penal Code §37.08, and why courts sometimes impose alcohol-related conditions even when a DWI charge is not filed. The victim’s family has also filed a civil lawsuit, meaning additional details about the crash and investigation may emerge as the case proceeds.

Can you get a DWI in Dallas if your Tesla is driving itself? This in-depth guide explains why Tesla Autopilot and Full Self-Driving do not protect drivers from DWI charges under Texas law. Using recent Dallas-area incidents—including a Cybertruck DWI arrest on the Dallas North Tollway and a fatal Tesla crash in Uptown—this article breaks down the Texas Penal Code, SB 2205, and how prosecutors define “operating” a motor vehicle. Learn how vehicle data, automation technology, and intoxication intersect, and why Dallas drivers can still face serious criminal consequences even when advanced self-driving features are engaged.

Dallas County officials and local news outlets including WFAA and Yahoo News are warning families about a growing scam targeting loved ones of inmates in the Dallas County Jail. Scammers pose as bail bondsmen, often using real booking information from the jail system to demand payments through Cash App, Zelle, or gift cards. Texas Defenders has seen a significant uptick in these calls affecting our own clients. Learn how the scam works, how to verify bond information, and how to safely navigate the Dallas County jail release process without becoming a victim.

Texas lawmakers are considering a ban on intoxicating hemp products like THC gummies. Learn what the proposed 2026 THC ban could mean, what is currently legal, and the potential penalties for THC possession in Texas.

Collin County criminal defense attorney David Payma of Texas Defenders was featured in Lawyer Magazine discussing costly discovery mistakes that can impact criminal case outcomes. The article highlights how careful evidence review in McKinney, Plano, Frisco, and throughout Collin County can make the difference between dismissal and conviction.

Visiting Dallas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Learn what Texas laws visitors should know before attending matches at AT&T Stadium. This guide explains common reasons people are arrested during major sporting events, what happens if someone is taken to jail in Dallas, and how the criminal process works for tourists and international visitors.

Texas Defenders attorney Monica Guerrero was featured in Lawyer Magazine discussing habits that help high-performing lawyers reduce stress and stay focused while representing clients in San Antonio and Bexar County criminal cases.

Traveling with a firearm in Texas can quickly turn into a serious criminal case if airport rules are violated. This article explains Texas and federal gun laws at airports, what areas are strictly prohibited, potential criminal penalties, TSA fines, and what to do if you are stopped or arrested at a Texas airport with a firearm.

This in-depth guide explains the legal difference between hemp and marijuana in Texas, how THC testing affects criminal prosecutions, and why marijuana arrests in Dallas and North Texas may hinge on laboratory proof.

Texas Defenders was featured in Lawyer Magazine for its use of legal technology to improve flexible work management and client service. The article highlights how our Dallas-based criminal defense firm leverages modern tools to operate efficiently while staying focused on real courtroom advocacy for clients across North Texas.

Choosing the right criminal defense lawyer in Dallas can have a major impact on your case and your future. This guide explains what qualifications matter most, what questions to ask during consultations, and the biggest red flags to avoid. Learn how Texas Defenders serves Dallas County and surrounding North Texas counties with focused criminal defense, responsive communication, and payment plans. Call 214-306-9696 for a free consultation.

San Antonio police often claim the odor of marijuana gives them probable cause to search a vehicle. But does it still hold up after hemp legalization? Learn how Texas law applies in Bexar County and what defenses may be available if your case started with “I smell marijuana.”

Texas Defenders was featured again in Lawyer Magazine, this time for leadership in legal communication and personal branding. The national article highlights how our Dallas-based criminal defense firm uses modern content platforms to educate clients, build trust, and provide clear guidance to individuals facing charges across North Texas.