1. Cofer & Connelly, PLLC
Practice Focus: DWI defense, drug offenses, violent crimes, sex crimes, family violence, juvenile defense, federal criminal defense
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, DWI/DUI, drug possession and trafficking, sexual assault, murder, assault and family violence, theft crimes, weapons charges, juvenile offenses
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, bail hearings, grand jury representation, appeals, expungements, record sealing, probation violation defense
Background: The firm has over 200 years of combined experience among its attorneys. Rick Cofer, a named partner, served as a former prosecutor and former district judge. The firm has tried over 300 cases before judges and juries and reports dismissals, acquittals, or reductions in over 94% of criminal cases since 2020 across more than 70 Texas counties. The firm has been recognized by the Austin Chronicle as a recipient of the Best Lawyer designation for three consecutive years. Six attorneys at the firm have been recognized as Texas Super Lawyers and Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters.
Location: 1004 West Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Contact: (512) 200-3801 | https://www.coferconnelly.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. David B. Frank, Attorney at Law
Practice Focus: DWI defense, criminal defense, traffic offenses
Case Types Handled: Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), DUI, misdemeanors, felonies, traffic violations, ALR hearings
Legal Services: Trial defense, motion to suppress hearings, ALR administrative hearings, appeals, plea negotiations, probation violation defense
Background: David Frank has been practicing law since 1993. He is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a credential held by less than 1% of Texas attorneys. He is a past president of the Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and currently serves on the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Strike Force Committee. He has led statewide efforts challenging DWI-related statutes and has argued cases resulting in appellate court rulings that found certain mandatory blood draw statutes to violate the Fourth Amendment.
Location: Austin, Texas (Travis County area)
Contact: https://www.davidfranklaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Chris Perri Law
Practice Focus: Appeals and writs, post-conviction relief, DWI defense, assault, family violence, drug possession, theft, cyber crimes, expungements
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, state and federal appeals, habeas corpus petitions, DWI/DUI, assault, drug crimes, theft, expungements
Legal Services: Trial defense, appeals, writs of habeas corpus, post-conviction relief, motion practice, expungements, record sealing, plea negotiations
Background: Chris Perri has over 20 years of experience practicing criminal defense in Austin and throughout Texas. His practice includes successfully overturning wrongful convictions, reversing plea deals, proving ineffective assistance of counsel claims, winning trials, securing dismissals, and expunging records. He handles both state and federal criminal matters.
Location: 1304 Nueces St, Austin, TX 78701
Contact: (512) 269-0260 | https://www.chrisperrilaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Smith & Vinson Law Firm
Practice Focus: Drug crimes, domestic violence, sex crimes, theft crimes, violent crimes, DWI defense
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, drug possession and distribution, assault and family violence, sexual assault, continuous sexual abuse of a minor, indecency with a minor, robbery, theft, weapons charges
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, investigation and evidence review, jury trials, expungements
Background: Jarrod Smith and Brad Vinson are the founding attorneys of the firm. The firm focuses on criminal defense cases in the Austin and Travis County area. The firm has obtained case dismissals in serious cases including continuous sexual abuse of a minor, aggravated sexual assault of a minor, indecency with a minor, and assault family violence. The attorneys dedicate their practice to defending clients charged with criminal offenses and maintaining open communication with clients throughout the legal process.
Location: Austin, Texas
Contact: (512) 359-3743 | https://www.smithandvinson.com
Consultation: Free consultation (100% free)
5. Jason S. English Law, PLLC
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI/DWI, personal injury, estate planning
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DWI/DUI, drug offenses, assault, theft, domestic violence, expungements
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, ALR hearings, motion practice, expungements, probation defense
Background: Jason S. English worked as a prosecutor from 2002 to 2017 before entering private practice. Beth Payan, an attorney with the firm, served as a prosecutor for 25 years. The firm has been recognized as one of the Best DUI Lawyers in Austin (2022 and 2024) and Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Austin (2022 and 2024). The firm has also been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100. The firm serves Travis County, Williamson County (Georgetown), and Hays County (San Marcos).
Location: Austin, Texas (with presence in Georgetown and San Marcos)
Contact: https://www.jasonenglishlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
Criminal Defense Regulations in Texas
Texas requires all attorneys to pass the Texas Bar Examination and meet character and fitness requirements through the Board of Law Examiners before being admitted to practice. The State Bar of Texas regulates attorney conduct and disciplinary matters.
The Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS), established in 1974 by the Texas Supreme Court, certifies attorneys as specialists in Criminal Law. To become Board Certified in Criminal Law, an attorney must be licensed for at least five years, devote at least 25% of their practice to criminal law for the prior three years, complete 60 hours of TBLS-approved continuing legal education in criminal law, provide five references from criminal law practitioners and judges, and pass a rigorous written examination covering state and federal criminal law. Less than 1% of Texas attorneys hold this certification.
Texas operates a county-based public defender system. Indigency is determined by individual counties, with eligibility generally based on income at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. Some counties use public defender offices while others rely on court-appointed private attorneys.
Texas felonies are classified as follows: Capital Felony (death penalty or life without parole eligible), First Degree Felony (5 to 99 years or life imprisonment), Second Degree Felony (2 to 20 years), Third Degree Felony (2 to 10 years), and State Jail Felony (180 days to 2 years in state jail). Texas retains the death penalty, and capital defense cases require specially qualified counsel.
Regarding attorney advertising, Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct govern attorney advertising and solicitation. Attorneys may not make false or misleading communications about their qualifications or services.
Texas expungement (known as “expunction”) allows individuals to have certain criminal records destroyed if charges were dismissed, the person was acquitted, or the person was pardoned. Non-disclosure orders (record sealing) are available for certain offenses after completion of deferred adjudication. Waiting periods and eligibility requirements vary based on offense type and level.
Texas has mandatory minimum sentences for certain offenses, including DWI with prior convictions and certain drug trafficking offenses. Enhancement provisions apply to repeat offenders under the habitual offender statute, which can increase punishment ranges significantly for defendants with prior felony convictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What happens after I am arrested for a criminal offense in Travis County?
A1: After an arrest in Travis County, you will be taken to the Travis County Central Booking facility for processing, which includes fingerprinting and photographing. You will typically appear before a magistrate within 24 to 48 hours for an initial appearance where you will be informed of the charges and your rights, including the right to an attorney. Bail will be set based on the severity of the offense and your criminal history. For felony cases, the case proceeds to a grand jury for indictment. Arraignment follows, where you enter a plea. Travis County courts have specific pretrial schedules and discovery procedures that differ from other Texas counties.
Q2: How long do I have to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing after a DWI arrest in Texas?
A2: You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest or the date you receive notice of your license suspension to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. If you fail to request this hearing within the 15-day window, your driving privileges will be automatically suspended on the 40th day after your arrest. This administrative hearing is separate from your criminal case and is conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety. An experienced DWI attorney can represent you at both the ALR hearing and in your criminal case.
Q3: What are the penalties for a first-time DWI conviction in Texas?
A3: A first-time DWI in Texas is typically a Class B misdemeanor. Penalties include 72 hours to 180 days in jail (minimum 6 days if an open container was present), fines up to $2,000, driver’s license suspension for 90 days to one year, annual surcharges of $1,000 to $2,000 for three years to maintain driving privileges, and possible installation of an ignition interlock device. If your blood alcohol concentration was 0.15 or higher, the offense is elevated to a Class A misdemeanor with enhanced penalties including fines up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail.
Q4: Does Travis County offer any diversion or alternative sentencing programs?
A4: Yes, Travis County offers several diversion and alternative sentencing programs. The Travis County District Attorney’s Office administers a Pretrial Diversion Program for certain first-time offenders charged with non-violent offenses. Upon successful completion, charges may be dismissed. Travis County also has specialty courts including a DWI Court, Drug Court, Mental Health Court, and Veterans Treatment Court that provide intensive supervision and treatment programs as alternatives to traditional prosecution. Eligibility varies based on offense type, criminal history, and individual circumstances. Completion of these programs can result in reduced charges or case dismissals.
Q5: Can I get a criminal record expunged or sealed in Texas, and what are the eligibility requirements?
A5: Texas law provides two primary methods for clearing criminal records. Expunction (expungement) completely destroys records and is available if charges were dismissed, you were acquitted, you received a pardon, or you completed a pretrial diversion program. You must wait specified periods after the statute of limitations expires. Orders of Non-Disclosure (record sealing) are available after successful completion of deferred adjudication for certain offenses. The waiting period is generally two years for misdemeanors and five years for felonies, though some misdemeanors may qualify immediately upon discharge. Certain offenses, including murder, aggravated kidnapping, sexual offenses, stalking, and family violence offenses, are not eligible for non-disclosure. A criminal defense attorney can evaluate your specific situation and determine your eligibility.