Tarrant County Legal Services & Criminal Information

In Tarrant County there are various programs that may be available for your case to be DISMISSED: Qualifications requirement are on a case by case basis

  1. DIRECT – Court program for drug related offenses.
  2. Mental Health Diversion – Diagnosed or those in need of help with mental health issues (Bipolar, Depression, etc.).
  3. Pretrial Diversion – Family violence assault cases.
  4. DPP – 17-21 years of age; property crimes.
  5. Veteran's Court – Military veterans.

Below is information regarding a select group of cases. My office represents all types of criminal cases: Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Criminal Mischief, Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon, Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, Assault, Aggravated Assault, Theft, Burglary, Burglary of a Motor Vehicle, Theft by Check, Theft of Services, Fraud, Securing Execution of a Document by Deception, Forgery, Possession of a Forged Instrument, etc.


DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED

Administrative License Revocation (ALR)

Your license may be suspended for up to 6 months if you refused a breath test and up to 3 months if you provided a breath sample. You must request a hearing within 15 days of your arrest to preserve your rights to a hearing. Please call my office for further details.

General Information

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) has taken on extreme importance in North Texas over the recent years. The tactics one must use to defend the innocent driver charged with DWI continually change. The lobbying of the Nation Headquarters of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), located in Irving, coupled with societal mind set shift against alcohol and driving has fueled the need for that change. Effective September 1, 1999, the B.A.C. for per se intoxication was lowered to 0.08

Why You Need an Attorney

In Texas a DWI conviction can mean you Driver's License may be suspended; your auto insurance rates rise; and could cause major employment problems – especially if you drive a company vehicle or customers' cars. In some instances, the DWI defendant can be forced (as a bond condition) to install a device on the car in which one would have to blow in order to start the car (even before they've been to Court or formally charged). In most cases we can obtain an Occupational Driver's License for you to meet essential driving needs during any period of suspension. Whether you select me to represent you or some other law firm, make sure you have an attorney represent you.

Punishment Maximums set by the Legislature

  • 1st Offense: 180 days in jail and a $2000 fine
  • 2nd Offense: 365 days in jail and a $4000 fine
  • 3rd Offense: 10 years in TDC and a $10000 fine

ASSAULT/FAMILY VIOLENCE

General Information

Assault/Family Violence offenses have taken on extreme importance in North Texas over the recent years. The tactics one must use to defend the innocent person charged with a Family Violence offense continually change. The lobbying of groups such as Friends of the Family and increasing Legislative scrutiny, coupled with societal mind set shift against domestic violence has fueled the need for change. The State files charges (and has sole discretion to drop those charges) on the Defendant -not the alleged victim.

Why You Need an Attorney

In Texas a conviction for Assault/Family Violence could have disastrous ramifications. Such a conviction could bar one from holding certain jobs (teacher, peace officer). Additionally, non-US Citizens (including permanent residents) are subject to deportation or removal proceedings even if the non-citizen receives a deferred adjudication in a family violence case. There is a multitude of evidence which must be explored in each family violence case – including, but not limited to the existence of 911 tapes, witness statements, pictures of the complainant or victim, defenses that may be available, and the admissibility of hearsay statements made at the scene by either the complainant or the defendant. Evidence can be destroyed or lost over time if not properly requested. Whether you select me to represent you or some other law firm, make sure you have an attorney represent you.

Punishment Maximums set by the Legislature

(if the State has enough evidence to convict) are as follows:

  • 1st Offense (no prior conviction): 365 days in jail and a $4000 fine
  • 2nd Offense (prior criminal conviction): 10 years in the Penitentiary and $10000 fine
  • 3rd Offense: 10 years in TDC and a $10000 fine

THEFT

Why You Need an Attorney

In Texas a conviction for Theft could have disastrous ramifications. Such a conviction could make it very difficult to enter certain professions (education, law enforcement, medical) and/or gain acceptance into college or vocational schools. Additionally, non-US Citizens (including permanent residents) are subject to deportation or removal proceedings even if the non-citizen receives a deferred adjudication in a theft case. There is a multitude of evidence which must be explored in each theft case – including, but not limited to witness statements, video tape of the defendant, defenses that may be available, and the admissibility of hearsay statements made at the scene by either the complainant or the defendant. Evidence can be destroyed or lost over time if not properly requested. Whether you select me to represent you or some other law firm, make sure you have an attorney represent you.

Punishment Maximums set by the Legislature

(if the State has enough evidence to convict) are as follows:

  • Theft $50-500: 180 days in jail and a $2000 fine
  • Theft $500-1500: 365 days in jail and a $4000 fine
  • Theft $1500-20000: 6 months – 2 years state jail

These are only a few of the many services that [the Law Office of Drake Dunnavent, PC] offers. For more information, or if you would like to schedule an appointment call us or visit our [Hurst] office today.