1. The Crowder Law Firm, P.C.
Practice Focus: Federal crimes, sex crimes, crimes against children, violent crimes, drug offenses, assault
Case Types Handled: Federal crimes, sex crimes, child sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, indecency with a child, assault, drug offenses, violent crimes, weapons charges, felonies, misdemeanors
Legal Services: Trial defense in state and federal courts, grand jury representation, motion practice, plea negotiations, appeals
Background: Darlina Crowder has practiced criminal defense in the Plano area for over two decades. The firm has obtained over 300 not-guilty verdicts and acquittals for clients facing serious charges, including cases that received national publicity. Crowder represents clients in Collin County, Dallas County, Denton County, Tarrant County, and the Northern and Eastern Federal Court Districts of Texas. The firm does not shy away from complex and high-stakes cases.
Location: 7950 Legacy Drive, Suite 360, Plano, TX 75024
Contact: (214) 544-0061 | https://www.crowdercriminalfirm.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. The Shapiro Law Firm
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DWI, drug crimes, sex offenses, domestic violence, white collar crimes, family law
Case Types Handled: DWI, drug crimes, sex offenses, violent crimes, white collar crimes, domestic violence, assault, theft crimes, federal crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense in state and federal courts, plea negotiations, motion practice, case investigation, defense strategy development
Background: Howard Shapiro has been selected for inclusion in the Super Lawyers list numerous times (2003-2005, 2014-2018). Todd Shapiro was named to the 2024 and 2023 Super Lawyers list and was included in the Rising Stars list from 2004-2006 and 2008-2014. The firm has handled complex and high-profile cases involving professional athletes, politicians, business executives, and other prominent figures. The attorneys examine every aspect of cases, including admissibility of evidence and constitutional grounds for dismissal.
Location: Serving Plano and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
Contact: (972) 423-0033 | https://www.theshapirolawfirm.com
Consultation: Consultation available
3. Law Office of J.L. Pierce
Practice Focus: Criminal defense for adults and juveniles, drug crimes, assault, domestic violence, sex crimes, theft
Case Types Handled: Drug possession, drug trafficking, assault, domestic violence, sex crimes, theft, felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile crimes, DWI
Legal Services: Trial defense, motion practice, plea negotiations, juvenile defense, record sealing, license restoration
Background: J.L. Pierce has represented adults and juveniles in Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Dallas, Allen, and surrounding areas for more than 25 years. Pierce is a former Collin County District Attorney and former police officer, providing unique insight into both prosecution and law enforcement perspectives. He has represented business executives, public officials, doctors, attorneys, and individuals in high-profile matters. The firm emphasizes a small caseload to provide personalized attention. Pierce is a member of the Collin County Bar and practices in Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties.
Location: 5048 Tennyson Pkwy, Suite 105, Plano, TX 75024
Contact: (972) 423-0331 | https://www.jeffpiercelaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available, 24-hour jail release services
4. Starr Law, P.C.
Practice Focus: DWI defense, drug charges, domestic violence, animal cruelty, probation violations, assault
Case Types Handled: DWI/DUI, drug charges, domestic violence, animal cruelty, assault, probation violations, felonies, misdemeanors
Legal Services: Trial defense, probation violation defense, plea negotiations, license defense
Background: Kent Starr personally handles all work on each case rather than delegating to associate attorneys. He has practiced criminal defense in Plano and McKinney. Starr emphasizes trial experience, having participated in numerous trials throughout his career. The firm focuses exclusively on criminal defense, allowing for specialized knowledge of criminal law and procedure in Collin County.
Location: Serving Plano and McKinney, Texas
Contact: (469) 500-5000 | https://criminaldefenseattorneyplano.com
Consultation: Consultation available
5. Dunham & Jones Law Firm
Practice Focus: DWI defense, drug crimes, sex crimes, unlawfully carrying weapons, violent crimes, federal crimes
Case Types Handled: DWI, drug possession, drug trafficking, sex crimes, unlawfully carrying weapons, assault, theft, federal crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Legal Services: Trial defense, administrative license revocation hearings, plea negotiations, motion practice
Background: Dunham & Jones has law offices throughout Texas, including in the Plano area. The firm has represented clients from various professional backgrounds including doctors, lawyers, engineers, pilots, nurses, firefighters, and elected officials. Their attorneys handle cases in Collin County and throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The firm emphasizes the importance of acting quickly after arrest, particularly in DWI cases where administrative license hearings must be requested within 15 days.
Location: Serving Plano and Collin County, Texas
Contact: (214) 888-8888 | https://www.dunhamlaw.com
Consultation: Free case review available
Criminal Defense Regulations in Texas
Texas bar admission requires passing the Texas Bar Examination and meeting character and fitness requirements. Applicants must hold a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school. The State Bar of Texas oversees attorney licensing and discipline, and the Board of Law Examiners administers the bar examination.
The Texas Board of Legal Specialization certifies attorneys in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law. To become board certified, attorneys must demonstrate substantial experience in the specialty area, pass an examination, provide peer references, and complete continuing legal education requirements. Board certification is the Texas equivalent of specialty certification in other states.
Texas attorneys must complete continuing legal education requirements as mandated by the State Bar of Texas.
Texas provides public defender services through county public defender offices and court-appointed counsel programs. Collin County has a public defender office that represents indigent defendants in certain cases. When no public defender is available, courts appoint private attorneys from approved lists to represent indigent defendants.
Texas classifies felonies in five categories: Capital Felony (death penalty or life without parole), First Degree Felony (5-99 years or life), Second Degree Felony (2-20 years), Third Degree Felony (2-10 years), and State Jail Felony (180 days to 2 years in state jail). Misdemeanors are classified as Class A (up to 1 year), Class B (up to 180 days), and Class C (fine only, no jail).
Texas uses a bail system for pretrial release. Magistrates set bail based on the offense, criminal history, and other factors. Cash bail, surety bonds (through bail bondsmen), and personal recognizance bonds are available depending on the circumstances. Certain offenses may result in denial of bail or enhanced bail requirements.
Texas maintains the death penalty for capital murder. Capital cases require specialized training for defense counsel. Collin County, where Plano is located, is in the Eastern District of Texas for federal cases.
Texas allows expunction (complete destruction of records) for arrests that did not result in conviction, cases dismissed, acquittals, and certain pardons. The waiting period varies depending on the offense and disposition. Orders of nondisclosure (sealing) are available for certain first-time offenders who successfully complete deferred adjudication community supervision. Eligibility depends on the offense, and waiting periods range from immediate to 5 years after completion of supervision. Certain offenses, including most violent offenses and sex offenses, are not eligible for nondisclosure.
Texas has habitual offender statutes that enhance penalties for repeat offenders. Enhancement can elevate the punishment range for offenses committed by those with prior felony convictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the criminal court system work in Collin County?
A: Criminal cases in Collin County are handled through the Collin County Courts. Municipal courts handle Class C misdemeanors (fine-only offenses) including traffic violations. County courts at law handle Class A and B misdemeanors. District courts handle felony cases. The Collin County Courthouse is located in McKinney, the county seat. After arrest, defendants have a magistrate hearing where charges are explained and bail is set. Cases proceed through arraignment, pretrial hearings, and trial or plea. The Collin County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes criminal cases. Plano cases are handled in Collin County courts, as Plano is located in Collin County.
Q: What are the penalties for DWI in Texas?
A: Texas DWI penalties increase with subsequent offenses and aggravating factors. First offense DWI is a Class B misdemeanor carrying 72 hours to 180 days in jail, $2,000 fine, and license suspension of 90 days to 1 year. Second offense DWI is a Class A misdemeanor carrying 30 days to 1 year in jail, $4,000 fine, and license suspension of 180 days to 2 years. Third offense DWI is a third-degree felony carrying 2-10 years in prison and $10,000 fine. DWI with child passenger (under 15) is a state jail felony carrying 180 days to 2 years and $10,000 fine. Intoxication assault (causing serious bodily injury) is a third-degree felony. Intoxication manslaughter is a second-degree felony carrying 2-20 years. All DWI convictions carry driver’s license surcharges and may require ignition interlock devices.
Q: What is the process for expunging or sealing a criminal record in Texas?
A: Texas offers two primary record-clearing mechanisms. Expunction (complete destruction) is available for arrests that did not result in conviction after the statute of limitations expires, Class C misdemeanors dismissed after deferred disposition, acquittals, pardons, and certain other situations. Waiting periods for expunction depend on the offense level (180 days for Class C, 1 year for Class A/B misdemeanors, 3 years for felonies from the arrest date if no charges filed). Orders of Nondisclosure (sealing) are available for certain defendants who successfully complete deferred adjudication community supervision. Waiting periods range from immediate (some first-time DWI and misdemeanors) to 2 years (misdemeanors) or 5 years (felonies) after completion. Ineligible offenses include most violent crimes, sex offenses, and crimes against children. Petitions are filed in the court that handled the case.
Q: What happens at the Collin County jail after an arrest?
A: After arrest in Collin County, defendants are booked at the Collin County Detention Facility in McKinney. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and intake. Within 48 hours (or 24 hours for certain offenses), defendants must be brought before a magistrate who explains charges and sets bail. Defendants may post bail through cash, surety bond (bail bondsman, typically 10% of bond amount as non-refundable fee), or personal bond (release on promise to appear). Some offenses have preset bond schedules allowing quicker release. Defendants who cannot post bond remain in custody until their case is resolved or bond is reduced. Bond may include conditions such as ignition interlock devices (for DWI), no-contact orders, or GPS monitoring.
Q: What diversion programs are available in Collin County for first-time offenders?
A: Collin County offers several diversion and alternative sentencing programs. Deferred Adjudication Community Supervision allows eligible defendants to complete probation without a final conviction on their record (though the arrest record remains unless sealed by nondisclosure). The Collin County DIVERT program provides education and community service options for certain misdemeanor offenses. First Offender Drug Program may be available for first-time drug possession offenses. Veterans Court serves eligible veterans with treatment and support services. Mental Health Court addresses defendants with mental health conditions. Pre-trial Diversion programs for certain offenses may result in dismissal upon completion. Eligibility depends on the offense type, criminal history, and prosecutor discretion. The Collin County District Attorney’s Office determines eligibility for most programs.