1. Bruce Ashworth, Attorney at Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist designation
Practice Areas: DWI, drug charges, assault, burglary, murder, sex offenses, probation revocations, white-collar crime, grand jury investigations, expunctions and nondisclosure
Background: Bruce Ashworth is certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is a third-generation attorney and lifelong resident of Arlington. For more than 30 years, Mr. Ashworth has defended the rights of North Texans when they need a strong voice. He has received an AVVO lawyers rating of excellent and is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, receiving a 5.0 out of 5. Bruce Ashworth has been selected for inclusion in Texas Super Lawyers for the years 2004-2007 and 2009-2023. The final published list represents no more than five percent of the lawyers in each state. Each case is thoroughly reviewed and analyzed as to the facts and applicable law.
Location: Arlington, Texas (serves Tarrant County)
Contact: (817) 873-1293 | https://www.bruceashworth.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
2. Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 100+ years combined experience and former prosecutors
Practice Areas: DWI, drug charges, assault, theft, juvenile crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes, weapons charges
Background: Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys offers over 100 years of combined criminal law experience and a team of former prosecutors. Many of the attorneys are former prosecutors, allowing the firm to anticipate the strategies used against clients. The firm handles complex criminal litigation including juvenile cases, which can deeply affect a young person’s future, especially in Texas where some minors can be tried as adults. They approach juvenile cases with care and commitment to preserving a child’s opportunities. The attorneys scrutinize every procedural step and piece of evidence to protect rights and reputation.
Location: Arlington, Texas (serves Tarrant County and Dallas-Fort Worth area)
Contact: (817) 877-5200 | https://www.criminalattorneyfortworth.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. The Dameron Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 20+ years experience
Practice Areas: DWI, drug crimes, assault, theft, violent crimes, sex crimes
Background: Attorney Craig Dameron has over 20 years of experience representing clients accused of criminal offenses across Tarrant County and the Dallas-Fort Worth Area. He works with clients to determine the best strategy for defense and fights to have charges reduced or dismissed. The Dameron Law Firm knows how important the outcome of a criminal case can be and will aggressively advocate for clients’ rights, developing strategies for defense based on clear legal precedents. Above all else, the firm wants to help clients move on with their lives and protect their futures. From the Fort Worth office, the firm serves clients throughout Tarrant County.
Location: Fort Worth, Texas (serves Arlington, Grapevine, Hurst, Bedford, Keller, Euless, North Richland Hills, and throughout Tarrant County)
Contact: (817) 222-0624 | https://www.dameronlawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Labovitz Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 16+ years experience
Practice Areas: DWI, drug crimes, assault, theft, violent crimes, sex crimes, expungement
Background: With over 16 years of experience, the Arlington criminal defense attorneys at Labovitz Law Firm have the resources, experience, and knowledge to help clients navigate the legal process. They take the time to understand every unique detail of each specific situation, providing personalized assistance. The firm makes a point of promptly returning calls because they understand that much is at stake and clients have questions. They provide sound advice, answers to questions, and skilled representation. The attorneys can negotiate with prosecutors to potentially reduce charges or secure plea agreements with lesser penalties.
Location: Arlington, Texas (serves Haltom City and surrounding areas)
Contact: (817) 210-6369 | https://www.labovitzlawtx.com/
Consultation: Free in-person consultation available
5. Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 40+ years experience
Practice Areas: DWI, drug offenses, assault, sex crimes, weapons charges, white-collar crimes, property crimes, cybercrimes, theft
Background: Bailey & Galyen has successfully protected the rights of criminal defendants for more than 40 years in Texas and throughout the Arlington metropolitan area. The firm has thorough knowledge and understanding of Texas criminal law and procedure and can anticipate the tactics prosecutors will use to try to get a conviction. Because the attorneys have worked with most of the prosecutors and judges throughout the Arlington area, they generally know when clients should consider negotiating a plea and when they should take a case to trial. The firm is available to take calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Location: Arlington, Texas (offices throughout Texas)
Contact: (817) 752-3155 | https://www.thetexasattorney.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in Texas
Felony Classifications
Texas classifies felonies into five categories:
Capital Felony: Murder of certain protected persons (police officers, firefighters, children under 10), murder for hire, murder during certain felonies. Penalty is death or life imprisonment without parole.
First-Degree Felony: Includes aggravated kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, and murder. Penalty is 5-99 years or life imprisonment and up to $10,000 fine.
Second-Degree Felony: Includes manslaughter, robbery, and aggravated assault. Penalty is 2-20 years imprisonment and up to $10,000 fine.
Third-Degree Felony: Includes intoxication manslaughter, DWI with child passenger, and stalking. Penalty is 2-10 years imprisonment and up to $10,000 fine.
State Jail Felony: Includes burglary of a building, theft of property valued $2,500-$30,000, and possession of less than 1 gram of certain controlled substances. Penalty is 180 days to 2 years in state jail and up to $10,000 fine.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class A Misdemeanor: Includes DWI (first offense), assault causing bodily injury, and theft of property valued $750-$2,500. Maximum penalty of 1 year in county jail and $4,000 fine.
Class B Misdemeanor: Includes DWI (first offense with BAC under .15), possession of 2 oz or less of marijuana, and theft of property valued $100-$750. Maximum penalty of 180 days in county jail and $2,000 fine.
Class C Misdemeanor: Includes theft of property valued under $100, disorderly conduct, and public intoxication. Fine-only offense, maximum $500 fine.
Expungement and Nondisclosure
Texas offers two methods to clear records:
Expunction: Available for arrests that did not lead to conviction, acquittals, pardons, and certain dismissed cases. The record is destroyed. Generally requires waiting period after case disposition.
Order of Nondisclosure: Available for certain offenses that resulted in deferred adjudication. The record is sealed from public view but remains accessible to law enforcement and certain agencies. Not available for violent offenses, sex crimes, or crimes against children.
DWI Laws
Texas DWI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, any detectable amount for under 21). First offense is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine, 90-365 day license suspension). Second offense is a Class A misdemeanor (30 days to 1 year jail). Third offense is a third-degree felony (2-10 years prison). Texas has implied consent; refusal results in 180-day license suspension (first offense). DWI convictions cannot be expunged and remain on record permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Tarrant County courts and Arlington Municipal Court?
Criminal cases in Arlington can be heard in different courts depending on the nature and severity of the offense. Arlington Municipal Court handles Class C misdemeanors (fine-only offenses) that occur within Arlington city limits, including traffic violations, public intoxication, and minor theft. More serious misdemeanors and all felonies are handled by Tarrant County courts. The Tarrant County Criminal Courts Building at 401 W. Belknap Street in Fort Worth houses the county and district courts that hear these cases. Having an Arlington criminal defense attorney who knows both court systems, including the specific judges and prosecutors, provides an advantage in navigating your case through the appropriate venue.
What is deferred adjudication in Texas and how does it work?
Deferred adjudication is a form of probation in Texas where you plead guilty or no contest, but the judge does not enter a finding of guilt. Instead, you are placed on community supervision (probation) for a specified period. If you successfully complete the probation without violations, the case is dismissed without a conviction. However, unlike regular probation after conviction, deferred adjudication means you were never convicted of the offense. This is significant because you can truthfully say you were not convicted. You may also be eligible for an order of nondisclosure to seal the record (after any required waiting period). If you violate the conditions of deferred adjudication, the judge can find you guilty and sentence you to any punishment within the full range for the offense, not just the agreed-upon terms.
What are the consequences of a felony conviction in Texas?
A felony conviction in Texas carries consequences beyond incarceration and fines. You lose the right to possess firearms under both Texas and federal law. You lose the right to vote while incarcerated, on parole, or on probation (rights are restored upon completion). You may be ineligible for certain professional licenses. You may face difficulty finding employment and housing. You may be ineligible for certain government benefits. For non-citizens, a felony conviction can result in deportation and inadmissibility. Felonies cannot be expunged in Texas (only orders of nondisclosure are available for certain offenses after deferred adjudication). An Arlington criminal defense attorney can evaluate strategies to avoid felony conviction, negotiate for reduced charges, or pursue deferred adjudication where eligible.
What should I expect at a Texas grand jury proceeding?
In Texas, felony charges must be presented to a grand jury for indictment (except in rare cases where the defendant waives this right). The grand jury consists of 12 citizens who hear evidence presented by the prosecutor and decide whether there is probable cause to believe a crime was committed. The defendant does not have a right to be present or present evidence (though some prosecutors allow target testimony). Defense attorneys cannot be present during deliberations. Grand jury proceedings are secret. If at least 9 of 12 grand jurors find probable cause, they return a “true bill” (indictment). If not, they return a “no bill” and the case is dismissed. However, a no bill does not prevent the prosecutor from presenting the case to another grand jury. An experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to provide the grand jury with exculpatory information before a decision is made.
What is the ALR process for DWI cases in Texas?
After a DWI arrest in Texas, you face two separate proceedings: the criminal case and the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) proceeding through the Texas Department of Public Safety. The ALR is a civil proceeding to suspend your driver’s license. You have only 15 days from the date of arrest to request an ALR hearing; if you do not request a hearing, your license is automatically suspended after 40 days. At the ALR hearing, the administrative law judge determines whether there was reasonable suspicion for the stop, probable cause for the arrest, and whether you failed or refused the breath/blood test. Even if you win the ALR hearing, you still face the criminal DWI case. An Arlington DWI attorney can handle both proceedings and may be able to prevent license suspension while fighting the criminal charge.