1. Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DWI defense, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DWI/DUI, first offense DWI, felony DWI, underage DWI, commercial DWI, drug possession, drug trafficking, assault, family violence, theft crimes, probation violations
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, plea negotiations, motions to suppress, DMV license hearings, record expunction, case dismissals
Background: Attorney Randall B. Isenberg is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He has over 30 years of legal experience, including prior service as a district court judge and felony prosecutor. His prosecutorial experience provides insight into how cases are built and how to identify weaknesses in the state’s evidence. The firm serves clients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area including Garland. Focused exclusively on criminal defense.
Location: 2600 State Street, Dallas, TX 75204 (serves Garland)
Contact: (214) 696-9253 | https://www.rbisenberg.com/
Consultation: Free confidential consultation available
2. Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DWI defense, federal crimes, drug offenses, sex crimes, violent crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, DWI/DUI, drug possession, drug trafficking, sex crimes, assault, robbery, weapons charges, white collar crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, federal court representation, plea negotiations, motions practice, appeals
Background: Attorney Mark T. Lassiter and his legal team serve the Garland area with criminal defense representation. The firm handles both state and federal criminal cases. They take a personalized approach to each case, developing defense strategies based on the specific facts and circumstances. The firm investigates charges thoroughly, examines evidence for weaknesses, and works to reduce or dismiss charges. Available for cases throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Location: 2501 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 650, Dallas, TX 75219 (serves Garland)
Contact: (214) 845-7007 | https://www.lomtl.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation available
3. Brian Corrigan Law
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DWI defense, state and federal crimes, drug offenses, violent crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, DWI/DUI, drug crimes, assault, robbery, homicide, sex crimes, white collar crimes, weapons offenses
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, federal court representation, plea negotiations, motions practice
Background: Attorney Brian Corrigan is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He has tried over 150 jury trials and handled several thousand felony and misdemeanor cases. His extensive trial experience covers nearly every crime in the Texas Penal Code. He has a documented record of dismissals, plea reductions, acquittals, and dropped charges for his clients. Member of the Texas Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys. Licensed in Texas.
Location: 1910 Pacific Avenue, Suite 8040, Dallas, TX 75201 (serves Garland)
Contact: (469) 802-1852 | Available through Texas legal directories
Consultation: Consultation available
4. Abrams Trial Law
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DWI defense, assault, domestic violence, drug crimes, sex crimes
Case Types Handled: Misdemeanor DWI, felony DWI, DWI with child, intoxication assault, intoxication manslaughter, assault, family violence, felony assault, aggravated assault, sexual assault, drug crimes, solicitation of prostitution, homicide, murder, manslaughter, negligent homicide
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, plea negotiations, DMV license hearings, motions to suppress
Background: Attorney Warren Abrams is a Texas Trial Attorney focusing on criminal defense in Dallas, Collin, Denton, Tarrant, Rockwall, and all other Texas counties. The firm has documented experience handling all types of DWI charges from first offense misdemeanors to felony intoxication manslaughter. Focus on taking cases to trial to achieve acquittals when appropriate. The firm handles cases in Garland and throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Location: Dallas, TX (serves Garland and surrounding areas)
Contact: (972) 200-0000 | https://warrenabramsattorney.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Chris Lewis & Associates, P.C.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, personal injury, DWI defense, drug crimes, theft offenses
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DWI/DUI, drug possession, drug trafficking, theft crimes, assault, domestic violence, traffic offenses
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, plea negotiations, motions practice
Background: Chris Lewis & Associates serves clients in Garland facing criminal charges. The firm examines all possible defenses, including challenging the legality of traffic stops, questioning evidence collection methods, and identifying procedural violations. The legal team includes attorneys experienced in both criminal defense and personal injury matters. The firm handles cases throughout Dallas County.
Location: 1412 Main Street, Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75202 (serves Garland)
Contact: (214) 665-6930 | https://www.lewisdefense.com/
Consultation: No-pressure consultation available
Criminal Defense Regulations in Texas
Bar Admission Requirements: Attorneys must pass the Texas Bar Examination and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination. Applicants must hold a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and pass character and fitness review by the Texas Board of Law Examiners. Licensed attorneys must register with the State Bar of Texas annually.
Public Defender System Structure: Dallas County has a Public Defender’s Office that provides representation to indigent defendants. Garland is located in Dallas County. Eligibility is determined by financial screening based on federal poverty guidelines. Defendants who cannot afford private counsel may have counsel appointed by the court.
Specialty Certifications: The Texas Board of Legal Specialization certifies attorneys as Criminal Law Specialists. Certification requires substantial involvement in criminal law for at least 5 years, completion of at least 45 hours of CLE in criminal law, favorable evaluation from attorneys and judges, and passage of a written examination. Board certification must be renewed periodically.
Attorney Advertising Rules: Governed by Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct Rules 7.01 through 7.07. Communications must not be false or misleading. Attorneys may not claim to be specialists unless certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization or an organization accredited by the State Bar.
Attorney-Client Privilege: Protected under the Texas Rules of Evidence Rule 503. Communications made to facilitate legal services are privileged. The privilege belongs to the client and survives the attorney-client relationship.
Mandatory Continuing Legal Education: Texas attorneys must complete 15 hours of CLE annually, including 3 hours of legal ethics. Newly admitted attorneys have additional requirements. Criminal law specialists may have additional requirements for maintaining certification.
Arraignment Timelines: After arrest, a defendant must be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, generally within 48 hours. At magistration, the defendant is informed of charges, rights to counsel and to remain silent, and the right to a reasonable bail.
Discovery Rules: Governed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 39. The Michael Morton Act requires disclosure of all evidence, offense reports, and witness statements in possession of the state. Prosecutors must disclose exculpatory and mitigating evidence.
Speedy Trial Requirements: Texas does not have a statutory speedy trial rule. The Sixth Amendment right to speedy trial is evaluated using constitutional standards considering length of delay, reason for delay, defendant’s assertion of right, and prejudice to defendant.
Bail and Pretrial Release: Governed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 17. Every defendant is entitled to bail except in capital cases where proof is evident. Types of bail include personal recognizance bond, cash bond, surety bond, and personal bond. Magistrates consider public safety and flight risk in setting bond conditions.
Felony Classification System: Texas classifies felonies as Capital Felony, First Degree, Second Degree, Third Degree, and State Jail Felony. Capital felonies carry life imprisonment without parole or death. First degree felonies carry 5 to 99 years or life. Second degree felonies carry 2 to 20 years. Third degree felonies carry 2 to 10 years. State jail felonies carry 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility.
Death Penalty Status: Texas has the death penalty for capital murder. The state has carried out more executions than any other state. Capital defense attorneys must meet specific qualification requirements including trial experience and training in capital litigation.
Expunction Eligibility: Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, records may be expunged if charges were dismissed, the defendant was acquitted, the defendant was pardoned, or the case was resolved through certain pretrial diversion programs. For certain Class C misdemeanors, deferred disposition completion can lead to expunction. Felony convictions generally cannot be expunged in Texas.
Non-Disclosure Orders: Under Texas Government Code Section 411.081, defendants who complete deferred adjudication may be eligible for an order of non-disclosure, which limits public access to criminal history records but does not destroy them. Waiting periods apply based on the offense classification.
Mandatory Minimum Sentencing: Texas has mandatory minimum sentences for certain offenses, including repeat DWI offenders, drug trafficking, and offenses using deadly weapons. Third DWI is a third degree felony with enhanced penalties.
Habitual Offender Laws: Texas Penal Code Section 12.42 provides for enhanced punishment for repeat and habitual felony offenders. A defendant with two prior felony convictions faces enhanced punishment, potentially including 25 years to life for third degree felonies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the Garland criminal court process work after an arrest?
A: Garland is located in Dallas County. Misdemeanor cases are handled in Dallas County Criminal Court, while felony cases are heard in Dallas County District Court. After arrest, you will be brought before a magistrate for initial appearance where charges are read, rights are explained, and bail is set. For felonies, a grand jury must issue an indictment before trial can proceed. Your case will then proceed through arraignment where you enter a plea, pretrial hearings, and potentially trial. The Dallas County Frank Crowley Courts Building at 133 N. Riverfront Boulevard handles most criminal matters.
Q: What are the penalties for DWI in Texas for Garland residents?
A: A first offense DWI in Texas is a Class B misdemeanor carrying 72 hours to 180 days in jail (minimum 6 days if open container), fines up to $2,000, license suspension for 90 days to 1 year, and annual surcharge of $1,000 to $2,000 for 3 years. DWI with BAC of 0.15 or higher is a Class A misdemeanor with enhanced penalties. Second DWI is a Class A misdemeanor with 30 days to 1 year jail and fines up to $4,000. Third DWI is a third degree felony with 2 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. DWI with a child passenger is a state jail felony.
Q: How does bail work in Dallas County for someone arrested in Garland?
A: After arrest, a magistrate sets bail based on the offense charged, flight risk, criminal history, and community safety. Options include personal recognizance (no money required), cash bond (full amount in cash), or surety bond (through a bail bondsman at 10-15% of bond amount). If bail is set too high, your attorney can file a motion to reduce bail. Dallas County uses a pretrial services program that may recommend release conditions or identify defendants who pose low risk. Bail may be denied only in capital cases where proof is evident or under certain circumstances for violent offenses.
Q: Does Dallas County have diversion programs for first-time offenders from Garland?
A: Yes, Dallas County offers several diversion and alternative programs. Pretrial Diversion is available for certain first-time offenders and results in dismissal upon successful completion. DIVERT Court handles defendants with mental health issues. Drug Court provides treatment alternatives for defendants with substance abuse disorders. Veterans Court serves eligible military veterans. Deferred Adjudication is a form of community supervision where charges are dismissed upon successful completion, though this requires a guilty plea. An attorney can advise on eligibility based on the specific offense and criminal history.
Q: How can I get my criminal record expunged in Texas as a Garland resident?
A: Expunction (complete removal of records) is available if charges were dismissed, you were acquitted, you were pardoned, or you completed certain pretrial diversion programs. For Class C misdemeanors, you may be eligible for expunction after completing deferred disposition. Felony convictions are generally not eligible for expunction in Texas. If you completed deferred adjudication probation, you may be eligible for an Order of Non-Disclosure, which seals records from most public access but does not destroy them. Waiting periods for non-disclosure range from no waiting period for some offenses to 5 years for others. An expunction petition is filed in the court where the case was handled, and a hearing may be required.