Conviction on Texas assault or murder charges can put you in prison for the rest of your life. You should find a lawyer as soon as possible, even if the state has not yet filed charges.

A murder and assault lawyer in Garland can negotiate with the prosecutor to help you avoid charges. Or, if the state has already filed murder or assault charges, your lawyer can negotiate for a reduction or dismissal of your charges. If the prosecutor refuses to dismiss or reduce your charges, your criminal defense lawyer can mount a robust defense in court.

In Garland, the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can protect your legal rights and work for the best outcome in your case. Contact us today at 214-696-9253 for help.

How Does Texas Define Assault and Murder?

The Texas Penal Code (TPC) defines assault and murder in two different sections of the code.

Assault

You will find the definition of assault in Title 5, Chapter 22, of the TPC, Assaultive Offenses.

You may face assault charges if you do any of the following:

• Recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally cause bodily injury to someone else
• Knowingly or intentionally threaten someone else with bodily injury
• Knowingly or intentionally engage in physical contact with someone knowing it may provoke them

Included in the definition for assaultive offenses are also the following crimes:

• Aggravated assault
• Sexual assault
• Aggravated sexual assault
• Child abandonment
• Child endangerment
• Injury to a child, a disabled person, or an elderly person

Murder

You will find the definition of murder in Title 5, Chapter 19 of the TPC, Criminal Homicide. Also included with criminal homicide are the crimes of murder, capital murder, criminally negligent homicide, and manslaughter.

In Texas, you commit murder if you do any of the following:

• Intentionally or knowingly cause the death of another person
• Cause someone’s death while committing an act intended to cause bodily harm to another person
• Cause someone’s death while committing a felony (non-manslaughter) or while fleeing from committing a non-manslaughter felony

If the prosecutor accuses you of committing multiple murders, committing murder for monetary gain, or killing a police officer, firefighter, or other first responder, the state can try you on capital murder charges, which makes you eligible for the death penalty in Texas.

What Are the Penalties for Murder and Assault in Texas?

The TPC sets forth the penalties for murder and assault in Title 3, Chapter 12. Respectively, those punishments are as follows.

Murder

Murder carries first-degree felony charges in Texas. Upon conviction, you may face a sentence from 5 to 99 years (or life) in prison and a monetary fine as high as $10,000.

Upon conviction for capital murder, you will face a life sentence in prison with no possibility of parole. The prosecutor may also elect to pursue the death penalty for a capital murder conviction.

Assault

Simple assault carries class A misdemeanor charges, at least in most cases. Upon conviction for assault, you will face up to one year in county jail and a monetary fine as high as $4,000.

Assault may qualify as a third-degree felony if the victim was any of the following:

• Police officer
• Public employee
• Family court employee or guardian
• Security guard
• Spouse
• Former spouse
• Family member
• Member of your household (even a roommate)
• Romantic partner
• Someone you dated

Upon conviction for a third-degree felony, you will face from 2 to 10 years in prison and a monetary fine as high as $10,000.

If the prosecutor can attach aggravated circumstances to your assault charges, you may face second-degree felony charges. Upon conviction for a second-degree felony, you will face 2 to 20 years in prison and a monetary fine as high as $10,000.

How Can a Lawyer Help With My Assault or Murder Charges?

A lawyer from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can protect your legal rights and ensure that the prosecutor does not take advantage of your desperate situation. Assault and murder charges both require a very high burden of proof from the state, giving us plenty of opportunities to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case against you.

In many cases, we can negotiate with the prosecutor for lesser charges or a dismissal. And, if you must fight your case in court, we can identify potential defense strategies and build a strong case to present to the judge and jury.

Some possible strategies include self-defense and defense of another person. We may also identify any potential illegalities in the way the police handled your arrest, and use this to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.

If we can establish even a hint of reasonable doubt, it may open the door to the dismissal of charges or a not guilty verdict in court.

Do I Still Need a Lawyer if the State Has Not Filed Charges Yet?

Yes. Given the opportunity to get in front of potential criminal charges, your lawyer can identify evidence that may exonerate you — or at least establish doubt regarding your guilt.

The best possible outcome for you is to never face charges on a serious crime such as murder or assault.

To accomplish this, Randall Isenberg might consult with forensic experts, talk to witnesses, and identify any potential strategies to persuade the prosecutor to discontinue the investigation into any potential crimes.

And, if the prosecutor does move forward with criminal charges, Randall will be there to protect your legal rights at all times.

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Schedule Your FREE Consultation With Randall B. Isenberg Today.

A local criminal defense attorney will know the local court system, the judges, and the prosecutors. He will understand the intricacies of the harsh murder and assault laws in Texas and how to work within those laws to improve the outcome of your case.

And, when you work with the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg you get the added benefit of an attorney who spent more than 30 years working within the Texas legal system, including time spent as a state judge and felony prosecutor. He can put this experience to work for you as you prepare to fight for your future freedom.

We provide a free consultation and case review for clients who face assault or murder charges to explain your options and help you choose the right path for your future. Contact us today to schedule an appointment: 214-696-9253.

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A felony DWI conviction carries a minimum of six months — and as many as 99 years — behind bars, along with $10,000 in monetary fines. Whether you face charges for a third (or subsequent) DWI, intoxication assault, intoxication manslaughter, or a related offense, you want help from a DWI lawyer in Garland.

Attorney Randall B. Isenberg of the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg has more than three decades’ experience defending clients against criminal charges and spent time as a felony prosecutor and district court judge.

Call us today to put that experience to work defending you against felony DWI charges. Our Garland criminal defense lawyers are here for you. You can start your initial consultation today.

What Are the Legal Penalties for Felony DWI in Garland?

Upon conviction for any felony DWI in Garland, you will face these statutory penalties:

First-Degree Felony (Intoxication Manslaughter of a Peace Officer, Firefighter, or EMT)

• Up to $10,000 in monetary fines
• 5 to 99 years or life mandatory prison sentence
• Up to a 2-year driver’s license suspension

Second-Degree Felony (Intoxication Manslaughter, Intoxication Assault of a Peace Officer, Firefighter, or EMT)

• Up to $10,000 in monetary fines
• 2 to 20 years mandatory prison sentence
• Up to a 2-year driver’s license suspension

Third-Degree Felony (Third DWI, Intoxication Assault)

• Up to $10,000 in monetary fines
• 2 to 10 years mandatory prison sentence
• Up to a 2-year driver’s license suspension

State Jail Felony

• Up to $10,000 in monetary fines
• 6 months to 2 years in state jail
• Up to 1-year driver’s license suspension

In addition to the above penalties, you must also pay court costs and fees and attend a mandatory alcohol education program. You must install an ignition interlock device on all vehicles that you own or drive regularly. You may also receive community supervision (supervised probation) and up to 1,000 hours of community service.

Depending on the nature of your charges and your criminal DWI history, the judge may also order substance abuse testing and mandatory rehab or counseling.

How Does Texas Define Felony DWI?

If the prosecutor can prove that you were driving while legally intoxicated, as defined in Chapter 49 of the Texas Penal Code (TPC), you will face a felony DWI conviction if you:

• Have two previous DWI convictions 
• Injured or killed someone in a DWI accident 
• Committed DWI with a minor passenger in your vehicle

How Can a Felony DWI Lawyer Help Me Fight My Charges?

Your attorney can ensure the protection of your legal rights and help you understand all your options. By providing support and legal counsel, your experienced lawyer can help you make the right decisions for your future.

A felony DWI lawyer from our law firm can also identify potential strategies for mounting an effective criminal defense. Some of the most commonly used defense strategies for Texas DWI cases include the following:

Law Enforcement Conducted an Illegal Traffic Stop

A police officer must have reasonable suspicion of intoxication to pull you over. If your lawyer can demonstrate otherwise, the evidence the officer obtained during the stop may be inadmissible.

The Police Didn’t Have Probable Cause for BAC Testing

If the officer failed to follow established protocols during the traffic stop, including the failure to conduct field sobriety testing in accordance with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standards, the court may exclude any resulting chemical test results.

The Results of Your BAC Testing Were Inaccurate

Any chemical BAC testing must comply with the NHTSA standards for BAC chemical testing. Otherwise, the results of that testing may be inadmissible in court. This includes testing equipment and administration, as well as lab analysis of the test results.

Your lawyer can use any weaknesses in the state’s case as a tool for negotiating with the prosecutor to dismiss your charges or, if allowed by law, reduce the charges to a lesser criminal offense.

As for the suspension of your driver’s license, your felony DWI lawyer will also represent you in the ALR hearing process.

Will I Lose My License After Being Arrested for a Felony DWI?

At the time of your arrest, an officer confiscates your driver’s license and issues you a 14-day permit to drive. At the conclusion of that 14-day period, you must have requested an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing, or the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will suspend your license.

The ALR hearing provides you with the opportunity to fight a driver’s license suspension but, more importantly, it gives us an early look at the prosecution’s evidence against you. The ALR hearing also allows us to question the arresting officer under oath.

This helps us identify any potential weaknesses in the state’s case that could help leverage negotiations with the prosecutor for a dismissal or reduction of your felony DWI charges. You can connect with the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today to learn more. 

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Considerations Following a Felony DWI Arrest

One of the best things you could do following a felony DWI arrest is to consider legal representation. The sooner our lawyers can start creating your defense, the stronger a defense we can present. In some cases, we can compel the state to drop the charges or dismiss the matter entirely. 

Other post-arrest considerations that could benefit your situation include: 

• Refraining from driving on a suspended license. Once you’re arrested for DWI, two processes start: the criminal justice process and an administrative process that focuses on your driving privileges. Even if the state drops your criminal case, you must still go through the process of retaining your license. Getting caught with a suspended license could spell bad things for your situation. 
• Keeping your case’s details between you and your lawyer. Only you and your legal team need to know about your case’s details. Posting about your case online or sharing information with others could jeopardize its outcome. 

If this is your subsequent DWI charge, you could benefit from enrolling yourself in a substance abuse program. This could show the judge and jury that you’re committed to making a change and bettering yourself. While this wouldn’t completely cancel out your case, it could allow us to seek a reduction in your charges. 

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Speak With a Felony DWI Attorney in Garland for FREE Today

Do not make any decisions without first consulting a felony DWI attorney. Otherwise, you may find yourself spending years in prison.

At the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, our legal team provides a free consultation and case review for anyone facing Texas DWI charges. Contact us today to speak with a felony DWI lawyer in Garland. 

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If you are currently facing Texas drug charges, a conviction could mean months or years in jail and a large monetary fine. And you will have a permanent criminal record as a lifelong reminder of your crime.

To protect your rights under the law and help secure a more favorable outcome, you need a drug crime lawyer in Garland to handle your case.

At the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, we work tirelessly on behalf of our clients facing charges for Texas drug crimes. Call us today at 214-696-9253 for help.

What are the Texas drug crimes laws?

The Texas Controlled Substances Act details the state’s laws concerning drug crimes, including possession, delivery, and manufacturing.

The statutes are extensive and complex, covering approximately 100 pages of definitions, charges, and penalties.

The three primary categories of Texas drug crimes are as follows:

Drug Possession

Under Texas law, drug possession means intentionally or knowingly possessing a controlled substance. Possessing means having illegal substances in a pocket, backpack, purse, or in a location you control such as your house, your school locker, or your vehicle.

Drug Manufacturing

Texas drug manufacturing statutes include mixing, preparing, cooking, growing, or otherwise producing an illegal or controlled substance. You may also face charges if you buy or possess ingredients that you could use to manufacture a substance.

Drug Delivery

In Texas, drug delivery charges apply to any person who knowingly or intentionally gives, sells, transfers, traffics, or distributes a controlled substance to another person.

What are the penalties for drug crimes in Garland?

Drug possession charges and penalties depend on the category and quantity of the illegal or controlled substance in question. Enhanced charges may apply depending on the circumstances of your arrest and your past criminal record.

Possessing between four and 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 or between four and 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 drug carries second-degree felony charges. Possessing no more than 28 grams of a Group 3 or a Group 4 drug carries misdemeanor charges.

Some Garland drug crimes do not include mandatory jail time. However, most penalties range between 6 months in jail and 99 years/life in prison. Fines range from $2,000 all the way up to $100,000.

Marijuana possession charges start with a class B misdemeanor for less than two ounces (up to 6 months in jail and a $2,000 fine) and increase accordingly depending on the quantity in possession.

And, although the penalties for drug possession in Texas are harsh, the penalties for manufacturing and delivery are significantly worse.

Drug delivery (sometimes called drug dealing or trafficking) penalties vary based on the substance and quantity in question; however, the charges can go as high as a first-degree felony that carries maximum prison time and a stiff monetary fine.

How does the state determine drug crimes charges?

The prosecutor will consider four elements when determining how to charge you for a Texas drug crime. Those elements are as follows.

Type of drug or controlled substance

Quantity of drug or controlled substance

The circumstances of your arrest

Any past criminal history

The circumstances of your arrest that may lead to more serious charges include the location of your arrest and whether a minor child was present. Specifically, drug crimes committed in posted drug-free zones and school zones will net you the maximum possible penalties.

Which substances can lead to drug charges in Garland?

In the relevant statutes, many drugs and controlled substances qualify you for charges. And, although most are illegal drugs, some are legal in some cases and illegal in others.

Texas statutes categorize controlled substances into four penalty groups, two of which have subgroups. Although not every possible substance is here, the following are some examples of the drugs contained in each group.

Click to contact our Drug Crimes Lawyers today (214) 696-9253 Penalty Group 1	Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now (214) 696-9253 Penalty Group 1-A
Opiates and opium derivatives, such as codeine/codeine compounds, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, hydrocodone (more than 300 mg), ketamine (i.e., Special K), oxycodone and fentanyl, Rohypnol, GHB	Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD or acid)

How can a lawyer help me fight Garland drug crime charges?

If you face charges for a drug crime in Dallas County, your lawyer can explain all of the options available to you.

Your choices typically involve either pleading guilty to the charges filed against you, fighting your charges in court, or letting your lawyer try to negotiate with the prosecutor for reduced charges or, ideally, a dismissal of all your charges.

To do so, we will attempt to identify weaknesses in the state’s case. Depending on the weaknesses, we might be able to convince the prosecutor to drop the charges entirely or offer you a plea bargain.

Or, if you have no prior convictions on your record, you may qualify for the Dallas County DIVERT drug court program. The DIVERT court is a diversionary program that, once you complete the program, allows the state to dismiss your charges.

Call a Garland drug crime lawyer today.

Facing Texas drug crime charges on your own is never a good idea.

Attorney Randall Isenberg has more than three decades of experience in the criminal justice system. And, as a former felony prosecutor and state district court judge, Randall brings a unique perspective to your defense.

The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg offers a free consultation and case review for drug possession, manufacturing, and delivery charges to help you understand your options. Contact us today to schedule an appointment: 214-696-9253.

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In Garland, drug possession charges might result in heavy monetary fines and time behind bars, not to mention social stigma and a permanent criminal record. If you have prior convictions, the penalties will be even more severe.

If you are facing criminal charges for drugs or drug paraphernalia, do not take chances with your future. Contact a drug possession lawyer in Garland who will mount an aggressive defense on your behalf.

With more than three decades of experience as a felony prosecutor, Texas state district court judge, and defense lawyer, Randall Isenberg knows how the court system works. Let the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg put that experience to work for you. Call us today at 214-696-9253 for help.

What constitutes drug possession in Texas?

In Garland and throughout Texas, the Texas Controlled Substances Act (TCSA) contains all the relevant drug possession statutes applicable to your charges.

According to the statutes, you may face drug possession charges if you knowingly or intentionally have any controlled substance in your possession (on your person), in your home, car, purse, briefcase, backpack, or locker.

The statutes define a controlled substance as a drug or substance listed in any of the Texas drug possession penalty groups. You may also face drug manufacturing charges if you possessed any substances or chemicals that one might use to manufacture a controlled substance. Drug delivery charges, a more serious crime, may apply if you gave drugs to another person or if you transported them.

What type of drugs are illegal to possess in Garland?

The Texas drug laws divide drugs and controlled substances into four primary penalty groups. The state bases the degree of your drug charges on the penalty category that applies.

Penalty Group 1: Opiates (including morphine, codeine, opium, heroin), cocaine, PCP, Rohypnol, methamphetamine, GHB, and Ketamine

Penalty Group 1-A: Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)

Penalty Group 2: Hallucinogenic drugs including synthetic THC, DMT, BZP, ecstasy/MDMA, mescaline, psilocybin, mephedrone, phenylacetone, Vyvanse, MDPV, Quaaludes

Penalty Group 2-A: Synthetic marijuana (i.e., spice, K2, etc.)

Penalty Group 3: Compounds including stimulants (Ritalin, Preludin), compounds including depressants (Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin), compounds including morphine, codeine, difenoxin, compounds including other substances (barbiturates), appetite suppressants, peyote, and non-exempt anabolic steroids

Penalty Group 4: Narcotic compounds containing nonnarcotic ingredients, such as compounds of Butorphanol and Buprenorphine and compounds of pyrovalerone

Possession of cannabinoid drugs, including marijuana, its derivatives and marijuana edibles, are not included in the four main penalty groups. Instead, the TCSA addresses these substances separately.

It is also a crime in Texas to possess drug paraphernalia, including pipes, bongs, needles, and scales. If used to make illegal drugs, you may even face charges for the possession of household items such as sifters, blenders, bowls, and spoons.

What penalties might I face for drug possession in Garland?

Depending on which drugs you possessed, and in what quantity, your drug possession charges could range from a class B misdemeanor to a first-degree felony. (Possession of paraphernalia is a class C misdemeanor.)

Your charges may be more serious if you have previous convictions, if you took drugs into a school zone, or if you used or possessed drugs in the presence of a minor.

We have outlined the penalty ranges for each type of drug possession offense below.

Because of the complex nature of Texas drug possession laws, you should have a criminal defense attorney explain the potential penalties associated with your charges.

What are your options for fighting drug possession charges in Garland?

Having a drug conviction on your record can prevent you from getting a job, renting a home, or qualifying for a professional license. The social stigma can also be significant.

Your options are to go to court to fight your charges or, if you have a Garland drug possession lawyer on your side, you may be able to avoid the embarrassment and cost of a trial.

Even if the police found drugs in your possession, it does not guarantee a conviction. Your lawyer can review the circumstances of your arrest and potentially identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

If the police potentially violated any of your constitutional rights, we may be able to convince the state to drop your charges, or negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor. A drug charge attorney can ensure the protection of your legal rights throughout the criminal proceedings. Your lawyer can explain all your options for a potential legal defense and, if necessary, build a strong case and defend you in court.

If you qualify, you may choose to participate in a diversionary program, such as the Dallas DIVERT drug court program. Your Garland drug possession attorney can explain this program and help you determine if you this option is possible in your case.

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Schedule a FREE consult with a Garland drug possession lawyer today.

Having a drug possession lawyer will help ensure the protection your legal rights and provide the best possible outcome for your case.

The sooner your attorney can examine the prosecution’s evidence against you, the better the chances of finding weaknesses in the state’s case. Randy Isenberg has more than 30 years’ experience in prosecuting, sentencing, and defending drug possession cases. Having worked as both a felony prosecutor and district court judge, he understands the inner workings of criminal prosecution, which can be invaluable for helping to protect your future.

Contact the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today to schedule your free consultation: 214-696-9253.

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