Initials: R.H.
Charges: Unlawful Possession of a Firearm / Possession of THC (Felony)
Outcome: Motion to Suppress Granted — Both Cases Dismissed
Lead Attorney: David Payma, Texas Defenders

Dallas Police Illegal Stop

R.H. was pulled over by Dallas Police under the claim that he failed to use a turn signal. Following the stop, officers searched him and discovered a THC vape cartridge and a firearm. He was arrested and charged with both felony possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a firearm.

At Texas Defenders, we don't take any charge at face value—and we don't rush into court without knowing every detail. Led by attorney David Payma, our team began by filing formal letters of representation in both cases and quickly followed with motions for discovery. Over the course of several months, we doggedly pursued every shred of evidence the State had—police reports, witness statements, lab results, and most importantly, body cam and dash cam footage.

Only after painstaking review of all the materials did we uncover the crucial evidence: dash cam video clearly showing that R.H. did use his turn signal. The very basis for the traffic stop—the claimed failure to signal—was false. That meant everything that followed, including the search and arrest, was the result of an unconstitutional stop.

We then filed a targeted motion to suppress, citing violations of R.H.'s constitutional rights under both the U.S. and Texas constitutions. The motion outlined how the officers had no reasonable suspicion or probable cause to initiate the stop and that all evidence obtained after the illegal detention must be excluded.

At the hearing, the court reviewed our motion and the dash cam footage. The judge ruled in our favor, suppressing all evidence obtained as a result of the stop. With no admissible evidence remaining, the State had no choice but to dismiss both cases in full.

This wasn't just a win—it was the result of detailed, aggressive defense work over the course of months. At Texas Defenders, we believe every client deserves a team that will fight for the truth, challenge illegal police conduct, and never accept shortcuts when freedom is on the line.

If you've been arrested after a questionable traffic stop, don't wait. Contact Texas Defenders and let us fight for your dismissal.