Blog

Texas Defenders and its historic Dallas office at 3302 Swiss Circle were recently featured in The Dallas Morning News article spotlighting D-FW landmarks tied to Bonnie and Clyde’s legacy. The piece highlighted the deep criminal-law history surrounding Swiss Avenue — now home to one of Dallas’ most respected criminal defense firms. From Bonnie and Clyde’s era of outlaws to modern-day justice, Texas Defenders continues the city’s legal tradition by fighting for clients in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Denton Counties.

Overview of the Dallas County DWI Taskforce’s 2025 End the Night Right campaign — a Dallas County initiative featuring free Lyft rides, public education, and law enforcement partnerships to prevent impaired driving during the holidays.

If you’re facing a first-time DWI in Texas, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device—a type of car breathalyzer—as a condition of bond or probation. This post explains what an IID is, when it’s required, how it works, and what to expect in counties like Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Bexar. We break down common scenarios, potential penalties for violations, and how Texas Defenders helps clients limit or avoid IID requirements when possible. Whether you're trying to stay on the road or protect your record, understanding your options is key.

This post explains the laws surrounding carrying firearms into hospitals in Texas, with a focus on Methodist Dallas Medical Center and Baylor University Medical Center. It covers Texas Penal Code § 46.03, potential felony charges, signage requirements, and real-life cases involving guns in hospitals. It also offers legal defenses and steps to take if charged. Relevant for gun owners, LTC holders, and anyone facing unlawful carry charges in a hospital setting.

THC possession in Tarrant County is treated as a felony—even for small amounts. Learn how Texas Defenders helps clients fight THC-related charges in Fort Worth and surrounding areas.

Arrested for the First Time in Texas? Here's What You Need to Know Getting arrested for the first time in Texas—especially in cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, McKinney, or Plano—can be terrifying. You're suddenly thrown into a system you don't understand, facing charges that could follow you for ...

You can be charged with drug possession even if the drugs weren’t yours and you didn’t know they were there. In Texas, constructive possession allows prosecutors to assume knowledge based on circumstantial evidence. Learn how Texas Defenders defends against these difficult charges.

Dallas criminal defense lawyer David Payma has been named to the Top 100 National Trial Lawyers for criminal defense. This honor reflects his trial experience, reputation, and dedication to protecting clients across Dallas, Fort Worth, Collin County, Denton County, and surrounding areas.

Possession of psilocybin mushrooms, chocolate bars, and other infused products in Texas is a felony PCS charge under Penalty Group 2. The state weighs the entire edible, which can quickly elevate charges to serious felonies. This post explains penalties, defenses, and why hiring an experienced lawyer is critical if you’re facing mushroom charges in Dallas, Fort Worth, McKinney, or Denton.

If you hold a professional license in Texas and you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime—even a misdemeanor—your license and your livelihood could be at risk. This article explains which crimes are most likely to impact your license, how different licensing boards respond to arrests or convictions, and what steps to take if you’re under investigation. We serve clients in Dallas, Fort Worth, McKinney, Plano, Denton, and all surrounding areas.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a drug offense in Texas for the first time, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options. This comprehensive guide from Texas Defenders walks you through everything you need to know about the legal process, your rights during arrest, what penalties to expect, and how our attorneys work to keep your record clean. From challenging illegal searches to securing pretrial diversion or deferred adjudication, we explore every avenue to protect your freedom and future. This is essential reading for first-time defendants in Dallas, Fort Worth, McKinney, and surrounding counties.

This post covers the most important criminal law changes passed by the 89th Texas Legislature, including new offenses (Fraudulent gift card use, continuous promotion of prostitution), enhanced penalties for DWIs and intoxication manslaughter, bail restrictions, parole changes, and expanded victim rights.

Starting September 1, 2025, Texas has banned the sale of THC vapes under Senate Bill 2024. This new law targets disposable vape devices that contain THC or other cannabinoids, with penalties for retailers who continue to sell them. Lawmakers say the ban is meant to protect young people from products with candy flavors and flashy packaging, while a larger debate over all hemp-derived THC products continues. Medical cannabis patients enrolled in the Compassionate Use Program are not affected.

At Texas Defenders, we see a spike in DWI, boating while intoxicated, public intoxication, drug possession, and assault cases every Labor Day. If you or a loved one is arrested this weekend, we are available 24/7 to protect your rights in Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, McKinney, Denton, and surrounding counties.

Texas Defenders is proud to announce that attorney David Payma has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star. This honor highlights his outstanding work in criminal defense and his dedication to clients across Dallas, Fort Worth, Collin, and Denton counties.

Dallas County Jail failed a July 2025 state inspection for leaving two men in holding cells beyond the 48-hour limit, with one missing medication. Texas Defenders explains how systemic jail failures affect defendants’ rights and why strong legal representation is critical.

An Affidavit of Non-Prosecution—also known as an affidavit to drop charges—is a sworn statement by an alleged victim asking the State not to prosecute. But in Texas, only the prosecutor can drop charges. Texas Defenders breaks down how these affidavits work, their limits, and how they can be used strategically in criminal defense cases.

Worried about your first court date in a criminal case? This post explains what to expect at your initial court setting in Dallas, Tarrant, or Collin County. Learn what your defense lawyer does, what you’ll need to do (very little), and why the first setting is just the beginning of your case—not the end. We also address common client misconceptions and link to other helpful posts about criminal procedure in Texas.

We’ve officially moved! Texas Defenders is now located at 3302 Swiss Circle, just blocks from Downtown Dallas. Our new office offers improved access, modern amenities, and the same aggressive criminal defense you’ve come to expect. Read to learn more about the move and what it means for our clients.

At Texas Defenders, we help clients across Dallas, Fort Worth, and Collin County understand their options for cleaning up their criminal record. This guide breaks down the difference between an expunction (complete deletion of a record) and a nondisclosure (record sealing), along with eligibility requirements, waiting periods, and common disqualifiers. Whether your case was dismissed, you completed deferred adjudication, or you were convicted of a first-time misdemeanor, you may have a path forward. We also explain how juvenile records can be sealed. Learn who qualifies, what steps to take, and why hiring an attorney can make the process easier and more effective.

Resisting arrest in Texas can be charged even if no violence or aggression is involved. This blog explains what legally qualifies as resistance, why it's often based on officer discretion, and how defendants can protect themselves.

Being arrested for a first-time DWI in Texas can feel overwhelming and confusing. In this post, Texas Defenders breaks down what really happens after the arrest—including what to expect at your first court appearance, how to protect your driver’s license, and how an experienced defense lawyer can help. We explain the legal process in Dallas, Tarrant, and Collin Counties, and what outcomes are possible for first-time offenders.

After a court ruling and state lawsuit, Dallas agreed to pause enforcement of Proposition R, a voter-approved measure to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana. This blog explains why the city backtracked, what it means for weed possession cases in Dallas, and what to do if you’re charged.

The Fourth of July is one of the busiest DWI enforcement periods in North Texas due to “No Refusal Weekend” policies. Law enforcement in Dallas, Tarrant, and Collin Counties will be on high alert, ready to obtain warrants for blood tests if drivers refuse breath or blood alcohol testing. This blog explains what “No Refusal” really means, how traffic stops turn into DWI arrests, and what your rights are if you’re pulled over. Learn what to do, what not to say, and how the attorneys at Texas Defenders can help protect your license and criminal record. If you’re arrested this holiday weekend, call 214-306-9696 immediately.

Despite Governor Abbott's recent veto of a statewide THC ban, THC vape pens remain illegal in Texas. Many consumers mistakenly believe these products are legal, but under current Texas law, possessing THC concentrates — including vape cartridges — can result in felony charges. This blog explains the legal status of THC vapes, why the veto doesn't change existing laws, and how Texas Defenders helps clients fight back against these serious charges.