1. The Law Office of Dennis R. Croman, Inc.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, personal injury, family law
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DWI, drug offenses, assault, theft, domestic violence, traffic offenses
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, case investigation, court representation
Background: The Law Office of Dennis R. Croman, Inc. provides criminal defense representation from its Irving office. The firm serves clients in Dallas, Grand Prairie, Arlington, Farmers Branch, Richardson, Addison, Carrollton, Coppell, Euless, University Park, Highland Park, Garland, Mesquite, Bedford, Grapevine, Hurst, and throughout Dallas County, Tarrant County, and surrounding areas. The firm emphasizes attention to detail in every case, recognizing the high stakes involved in criminal matters.
Location: Irving, TX
Contact: (972) 887-3072 | https://www.denniscromanlawfirm.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. Law Office of Michelle Poblenz
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DWI, drug charges, assault, theft, domestic violence
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DWI, drug offenses, assault, theft crimes, domestic violence, probation violations
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, pretrial investigation, court representation
Background: The Law Office of Michelle Poblenz provides criminal defense representation from its Irving office at 800 W. Airport Freeway, Suite 1127. The firm serves clients throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area, including Arlington, Grand Prairie, Euless, Bedford, Hurst, Grapevine, Coppell, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Addison, Richardson, University Park, Highland Park, Plano, Allen, Frisco, McKinney, Prosper, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Denton, and communities in Dallas County, Tarrant County, Collin County, and Denton County. Attorney Poblenz emphasizes robust knowledge of criminal law and personalized guidance through the legal process.
Location: 800 W. Airport Freeway, Suite 1127, Irving, TX 75062
Contact: https://www.poblenzlaw.com
Consultation: Consultation available
3. Kelley Legal (Erin Kelley)
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DWI, drug crimes, domestic violence, immigration consequences of criminal convictions
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DWI, drug offenses, domestic violence, assault, theft
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, pretrial diversion program navigation, immigration consequence analysis, court representation
Background: Kelley Legal represents the criminally accused throughout the Irving area. Attorney Erin Kelley has years of experience defending clients against charges ranging from drug crimes to DWI to domestic violence. The firm is committed to ensuring clients understand their rights and options as defendants. A unique aspect of the practice is its multi-level approach to cases, including analysis of potential immigration consequences of criminal convictions. Kelley Legal shares office space with immigration attorneys, providing integrated perspective on how criminal outcomes may affect non-citizen clients’ immigration status.
Location: Irving, TX
Contact: https://www.erinkelleylegal.com
Consultation: Free consultation available, Spanish language services available (Se habla español)
4. Bailey and Galyen
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DWI, drug offenses, assault, theft, white collar crimes, federal criminal defense
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DWI, drug offenses, assault and battery, theft, weapons charges, murder, juvenile crimes, white collar crimes, federal crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense in state and federal courts, plea negotiations, motion practice, license suspension hearings, expungement and non-disclosure petitions
Background: Bailey and Galyen was founded in 1986 and has grown to include over 20 offices throughout Texas. The firm represents individuals under arrest or investigation for crimes involving alcohol-related offenses, traffic violations, weapons charges, murder, assault, battery, theft, and juvenile crimes. The firm also handles white-collar and federal charges including antitrust and tax violations, money laundering, embezzlement, and securities fraud. The firm has over 48 years of combined experience among its attorneys.
Location: Multiple Texas locations (serving Irving)
Contact: https://www.galyen.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Chris Lewis and Associates, P.C.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DWI, drug offenses, assault, theft, domestic violence, probation violations
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, alternative sentencing advocacy, case investigation
Background: Chris Lewis and Associates, P.C. provides criminal defense representation for clients in the Irving area. The firm handles a wide range of criminal charges and works to develop individualized defense strategies for each case. The attorneys emphasize that every person charged with a crime has a compelling story to tell and that effective representation can help achieve alternatives to harsh penalties, including treatment options, probation alternatives, or dismissal of charges.
Location: Dallas/Irving area
Contact: (214) 665-6930 | https://www.lewisdefense.com
Consultation: Consultation available
Criminal Defense Regulations in Texas
Texas requires all attorneys to be licensed by the State Bar of Texas to practice law in the state. Admission requires passing the Texas Bar Examination and demonstrating good moral character through a character and fitness evaluation. Texas attorneys must complete 15 hours of Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) annually, including at least 3 hours of ethics.
The Texas Board of Legal Specialization certifies attorneys as specialists in criminal law. To become a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, an attorney must have been licensed for at least 5 years, have devoted at least 25% of their practice to criminal law for 3 of the previous 5 years, demonstrate substantial involvement in criminal matters, pass a written examination, and receive peer recognition. Certification must be renewed every 5 years. Only board-certified attorneys may advertise themselves as specialists in Texas.
Texas provides indigent defense through a combination of public defender offices in some counties and court-appointed private attorneys. Dallas County operates a Public Defender’s Office that handles felony and misdemeanor cases. Tarrant County also has a Public Defender’s Office. In counties without public defenders, courts appoint private attorneys from approved lists. Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need and determined by the court.
Texas classifies felonies into five categories. Capital felonies are punishable by death or life imprisonment without parole. First-degree felonies carry 5 to 99 years or life in prison and fines up to $10,000. Second-degree felonies carry 2 to 20 years and fines up to $10,000. Third-degree felonies carry 2 to 10 years and fines up to $10,000. State jail felonies carry 180 days to 2 years in state jail and fines up to $10,000.
Misdemeanors in Texas are classified into three categories. Class A misdemeanors carry up to 1 year in county jail and fines up to $4,000. Class B misdemeanors carry up to 180 days and fines up to $2,000. Class C misdemeanors are fine-only offenses up to $500.
Texas has extensive enhancement provisions for repeat offenders. A second felony conviction may result in punishment at the next higher degree. Third felony convictions may result in 25 years to life imprisonment under the habitual offender statute. Certain offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences, including some drug and weapons offenses.
Texas allows expunction (complete erasure) of arrest records in limited circumstances, including acquittals, dismissals, and certain cases where charges were never filed. Orders of non-disclosure allow sealing of criminal records from public view while maintaining access for law enforcement and certain employers. Eligibility for non-disclosure depends on the offense type and whether deferred adjudication was successfully completed. Texas expanded non-disclosure eligibility in recent years to include certain convictions after waiting periods.
Texas maintains the death penalty for capital murder. Executions are carried out by lethal injection.
Attorney advertising in Texas is governed by the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, which prohibit false or misleading communications and require specific disclaimers in certain advertisements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where will my Irving criminal case be heard?
A: Criminal cases in Irving are heard in different courts depending on the severity of the offense. Class C misdemeanors (fine-only offenses) are heard in Irving Municipal Court, located at 825 W. Irving Boulevard. Class A and B misdemeanors are heard in Dallas County Criminal Courts, located in the Frank Crowley Courts Building at 133 N. Riverfront Boulevard in Dallas. Felony cases are heard in Dallas County Criminal District Courts at the same location. Irving is in Dallas County, so cases are prosecuted by the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office for felonies and the Dallas County Criminal District Attorney’s Office for misdemeanors. The Dallas County Jail is located at 111 W. Commerce Street.
Q: What are the penalties for a first-offense DWI in Texas?
A: A first-offense DWI in Texas is a Class B misdemeanor carrying potential penalties of 72 hours to 180 days in county jail (with mandatory minimum of 72 hours for first offense), a fine up to $2,000, license suspension for 90 days to 1 year, annual surcharges of $1,000 to $2,000 for 3 years to maintain driving privileges, and possible requirement for ignition interlock device. If the BAC was 0.15 percent or higher, the charge is elevated to a Class A misdemeanor with increased penalties including up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $4,000. First-time offenders may be eligible for pretrial diversion programs or deferred adjudication probation, which can result in dismissal or eligibility for non-disclosure upon successful completion.
Q: What is deferred adjudication in Texas?
A: Deferred adjudication is a form of community supervision (probation) available in Texas where the court defers a finding of guilt. If the defendant successfully completes all terms of the deferred adjudication, including probation period, community service, fines, and any required treatment, the case is dismissed without a conviction being entered. This differs from regular probation, which follows a conviction. Deferred adjudication may allow the defendant to later petition for an order of non-disclosure, which seals the record from most public access. However, deferred adjudication is not available for all offenses, and certain serious crimes including DWI, murder, and sex offenses are not eligible. Even with dismissal, the arrest record remains unless separately expunged.
Q: Does Dallas County offer diversion programs for criminal defendants?
A: Dallas County offers several diversion and alternative sentencing programs. The DIVERT Court (Drug Intervention Via Early Resolution and Treatment) provides treatment-focused alternatives for non-violent drug offenders. Pre-trial diversion programs may be available for certain first-time offenders, requiring completion of community service, counseling, and other conditions in exchange for dismissal. Veterans Court serves eligible veterans with treatment and supervision. Mental Health Court provides specialized intervention for defendants with mental health issues. The Conviction Integrity Unit reviews claims of actual innocence. Eligibility depends on the specific offense, criminal history, and willingness to comply with program requirements. These programs may result in dismissal of charges upon successful completion.
Q: Can I get my criminal record expunged or sealed in Texas?
A: Texas provides two main options for limiting access to criminal records. Expunction (expungement) completely destroys all records and is available for acquittals, pardons based on actual innocence, certain dismissals, cases where charges were never filed after the statute of limitations has run, and completion of certain pre-trial diversion programs. Orders of non-disclosure seal records from most public access while allowing access by law enforcement and certain licensing agencies. Non-disclosure is available for successfully completed deferred adjudication for eligible offenses, and Texas expanded eligibility to include certain convictions after waiting periods (typically 2 years for misdemeanors, 5 years for felonies). Intoxication offenses, sex offenses, family violence offenses, and certain other crimes are not eligible for non-disclosure. The process requires filing a petition with the court and paying filing fees.