Blog

Victims of crimes often wonder if they need to hire a lawyer, but in most cases, they don't. Learn why the police and District Attorney will handle your case — and why Texas Defenders only represents the accused, not crime victims.

San Antonio's Cite and Release program allows qualifying individuals to avoid arrest for certain low-level misdemeanors like possession of marijuana or theft under $750. In this post, attorney Monica Anna Guerrero explains how the policy works, who is eligible, and why it matters in Bexar County. Learn about SAPD’s procedures, the benefits of the Diversion Program, and what to do if you receive a citation instead of being arrested. If you’ve been cited or arrested in San Antonio, this guide can help you protect your record—and your future.

Governor Abbott vetoed Texas’ proposed ban on THC gummies, vapes, and consumables, citing constitutional concerns and economic risks to an $8 billion industry. With a special session planned, the future of THC regulation in Texas remains uncertain. Learn what this means for consumers, businesses, and criminal cases — and how Texas Defenders can help protect your rights if you’re facing THC-related charges.

If you're on probation in Texas and wondering whether you can finish early or stop checking in each month, this post breaks it all down. We explain how early termination and non-reporting probation work, what the law allows, and—most importantly—what judges and probation officers actually do in real life. Learn what steps you need to take, when you're eligible, and why your probation officer's opinion matters most.

If you are facing a family violence charge in Dallas County, Texas law prohibits you from possessing any firearms while your case is pending. Even if you legally owned a gun before your arrest, Texas Penal Code §46.04 makes it illegal to have weapons after being charged with a family violence offense. Violating this law can lead to new criminal charges, bond revocation, and negatively impact your defense. Common issues arise when people forget about weapons left in their car or home. If your case is dismissed or you are found not guilty, you may be able to restore your gun rights, but a conviction could result in permanent restrictions. Texas Defenders helps clients fight family violence charges and protect their rights in Dallas, Tarrant, and Collin Counties.

Many people wrongly believe that criminal charges in Texas require physical evidence like photos or videos. In reality, testimony alone is considered valid evidence in Texas courts. The law allows a single witness's sworn statement to support a conviction, even without supporting documents or media. This makes it crucial to have a skilled defense attorney who can challenge unreliable or biased testimony. If you're facing charges based on someone's word, Texas Defenders can help protect your rights and build a strong defense.

Many people mistakenly believe that a victim can simply "drop charges" in Texas, but that's not how the criminal justice system works. In Texas, only the State has the authority to dismiss a criminal case—even if the alleged victim changes their mind. This article explains why the complaining witness cannot dismiss charges, how affidavits of non-prosecution work, and what influence (if any) they have on the prosecutor’s decision to continue or drop a case. If you’re facing charges in Dallas, Tarrant, or Collin County, or if you’re a complaining witness confused about your role, our experienced attorneys can help guide you through the process.

A dismissed criminal case in Texas may still appear on background checks unless the record is expunged. Learn how dismissals work, why your arrest may still be visible, and what steps to take to fully clear your criminal record.

Court dates in criminal cases often get rescheduled, and it’s completely normal. This blog post explains why resets happen frequently in Texas courts and why they are neither good nor bad—they’re just part of the legal process. Learn how resets can actually benefit your case and why patience is key. For more details on what to expect during your case, check out our related guides on the criminal case timeline and common delays.

When it comes to background checks, what shows up largely depends on the type of search being performed. An arrest search will show pending charges, arrests, and bail status, even if the case hasn’t been resolved. A conviction search, which is what most employers and landlords use, will typically only show finalized convictions, not pending charges or dismissed cases. More extensive background checks, like those for government jobs, may show a complete criminal history, including arrests and pending cases. If you’re concerned about what may appear on your record, Texas Defenders can help guide you through expunctions and nondisclosures to protect your future.

At Texas Defenders, we work hard on every case from day one. After filing all necessary documents and requesting evidence from the District Attorney, we often must wait several months for responses due to court backlogs and DA delays. Although you may not hear from us weekly, we are actively monitoring your case and will immediately notify you when there are real updates. The case process is slow, but your case is never forgotten. For any urgent questions, call us at 214-306-9696.

  Understanding the Criminal Case Process in Bexar County (Bexar County Criminal Defense Insights) If you've been charged with a crime in Bexar County, you're likely wondering what happens next — and why your case is taking so long to move through the courts. Understanding the criminal case pr...

Student visa holders in Texas risk deportation or visa cancellation if charged with a crime. This blog explains how criminal charges affect F-1, J-1, and M-1 visa holders, why visa revocations are rising in Texas, and why hiring a criminal defense attorney is essential to protect immigration status.

If you've been charged with a misdemeanor in Dallas County and hire Texas Defenders, you likely won’t have to appear in court. Once we file a Letter of Representation, we can attend most court settings on your behalf—saving you time, stress, and missed work. You’ll only be required to appear if the judge specifically orders it, your case is set for trial, or we’re finalizing a plea deal that requires your presence. If that ever happens, we’ll notify you well in advance. Our system sends text and email reminders two weeks before and the day prior to any required appearance. At Texas Defenders, we handle the court so you don’t have to—unless absolutely necessary. Call us at 214-306-9696 if you have questions or want to confirm whether you need to attend.

This blog post explains what a Texas Interlock Restricted License is, why the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) may cancel your driver's license, and how to prevent that cancellation. We cover the steps required to obtain an Interlock Restricted License, when it's required under Texas DWI laws, and how a criminal defense attorney can help. The post is for drivers in Dallas, Tarrant, Denton, Bexar and Collin counties who are facing license cancellation after a DWI arrest or court order involving an ignition interlock device.

Charged with family violence in Texas—even though the alleged victim wasn't a family member? Learn how Texas law defines "family" and "dating relationships," and how to fight back. Serving Dallas, Tarrant, Denton, Bexar and Collin Counties.

When an arrest happens, it can feel like the world stops spinning. Suddenly, there's a rush of questions, fear, and urgency. We know firsthand how stressful this experience can be, and we're here to offer some peace of mind. At the Texas Defenders, we've helped countless individuals understand t...

A grand jury investigation is a legal proceeding in which a panel of jurors is convened to hear evidence and determine whether there is sufficient probable cause to bring criminal charges against a suspect. The process is typically used in cases involving serious felonies and complex investigatio...