1. Barbieri Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense with Board Certified specialist and statewide recognition
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, crimes against children, violent crimes, drug crimes, murder, human trafficking, federal crimes, juvenile crimes
Background: One of the most important things you can do after being arrested is to get in touch with a criminal defense attorney. You may not fully understand the charges you are facing or the consequences of a conviction. Saying or doing the wrong thing could put you at serious risk of being convicted. You need a legal advocate on your side who can help you determine the path forward. At Barbieri Law Firm, they can provide the legal help you need to address the charges you are facing. Their Founder, Heather Barbieri, is Board Certified in criminal defense by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This demonstrates that she has extensive experience representing clients in a wide variety of criminal cases, and she has the knowledge and skills needed to develop effective defense strategies. Their experience is recognized across the state of Texas, and in select situations, they accept cases on a statewide basis. Their in-house public relations team can respond quickly to crises, investigate cases, and develop defense strategies. They use a comprehensive checklist to ensure that all aspects of a case will be handled correctly.
Location: Frisco, Texas (serves throughout Texas including Addison, Allen, Dallas, Denton, Fort Worth, McKinney, Plano)
Contact: (972) 424-1902 | https://www.barbierilawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. The Crowder Law Firm, P.C.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 20+ years experience and 300+ acquittals/not-guilty verdicts
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, crimes against children, homicide, capital murder, sex crimes, violent crimes, drug crimes, white collar crimes
Background: Being arrested and charged with a crime can change your life. The penalties associated with a criminal conviction in the state of Texas can be severe, and the conviction will become part of your permanent record. At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., the experienced team understands what is at stake when you are facing criminal charges, and they know how difficult the process can be, especially if you have been falsely accused. Attorney Darlina Crowder is a skilled criminal defense attorney who has been protecting the rights of clients in North Texas for more than 20 years. During that time, she has secured over 300 acquittals and not-guilty verdicts for her clients, including several high-profile cases involving extremely serious allegations. If you are facing charges, Ms. Crowder and her team are prepared to put their knowledge, experience, and resources to work for you. Fortunately, no case is too big for The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. The firm has handled all types of criminal matters, including crimes against children, homicide including capital murder, sex crimes, violent crimes, drug crimes, white-collar crimes, and DWI.
Location: 7950 Legacy Drive, Suite 360, Plano, TX 75024 (serves Frisco, Collin County, Denton County)
Contact: (214) 544-0061 | https://www.crowdercriminalfirm.com/
Consultation: Free consultation and case review available
3. Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian
Focus Area: Criminal defense with team approach and voted McKinney’s top law firm
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, drug crimes, assault, theft, sex crimes, juvenile crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: If you are charged with a crime in Frisco, call the Frisco, Texas criminal defense attorneys at Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian. They will take the time to understand the details of your situation and discuss your options with you. Driving while intoxicated is a serious charge with serious consequences, including hefty fines, lengthy jail time, and even a suspended license. Resist the initial urge to plead guilty just to make it all go away and call their office instead. The Collin County DWI lawyers at Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian will review the facts of your case and help you make an informed decision about how to fight the charges against you. Their unique team approach to handling DWI cases ensures that you are getting defense possible. Their attorneys collaborate on all DWI cases, so at any one time you may have up to six experienced Frisco DWI attorneys analyzing your case, even though you are only hiring one attorney. They recognize the serious impact each DWI case can have on clients’ lives. Voted McKinney’s attorney/law firm by McKinneyOnline.com. Named criminal defense attorneys in McKinney by Expertise.com.
Location: Serves Frisco, McKinney, and Collin County, Texas
Contact: (972) 369-0577 | https://www.texasdefensefirm.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
4. Law Offices of Philip D. Ray
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former district attorney experience serving DFW Metroplex
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, juvenile crimes, PTSD-related cases
Background: Philip D Ray is an experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer serving Frisco, TX and the DFW Metroplex. His background with the district attorney’s office and his experience speaks for itself. He represented clients and understood the trials of young men going through PTSD from serving the country at war. Phil is a caring, knowledgeable attorney who works hard to secure the outcome for his clients. Mr. Ray represented clients and was able to get them another chance. He provides excellent legal advice, and also emotional support. He always returns telephone calls, and he always keeps clients up to date. He was able to negotiate probation for serious matters. Thanks to Mr. Ray, clients were able to avoid serving time in prison. Mr. Ray is an excellent lawyer, and an excellent person. Philip Ray handles juvenile cases professionally. He was professional, prompt, knowledgeable, and dealt with difficult situations with aplomb.
Location: 2770 Main St., Suite #261, Frisco, TX 75033 (serves DFW Metroplex)
Contact: (469) 588-6770 | https://www.philipdraylaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
5. Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson P.L.L.C.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with team-based approach serving Collin, Denton, and Dallas Counties
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, drug crimes, assault, theft, gun charges, federal crimes, white collar crimes, expungement
Background: When you have been arrested and charged with any type of criminal offense, the lawyer you choose to work with can make a dramatic difference in the eventual outcome of your case. With this in mind, it is very important to choose a law firm with the experience and legal knowledge to assist you in navigating the complex criminal justice system in Texas. At the Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson P.L.L.C., in Frisco, Texas, the attorneys provide trusted legal guidance and representation to clients facing a wide variety of criminal charges. They know that a conviction will have serious repercussions on your life, and the associated penalties could land you in jail for a very long time, even for your first offense. The lawyers understand what is at stake when you are facing criminal charges, and they will do everything in their power to help you avoid a conviction. The skilled attorneys handle a wide range of criminal matters, including misdemeanor and felony charges related to DWI, drug crimes, assault crimes, theft crimes, gun charges, and federal crimes. They are also committed to helping those looking to put their past behind them with expungement or Orders of Nondisclosure.
Location: 2591 Dallas Parkway, Suite 207A, Frisco, TX 75034 (serves Collin, Denton, Dallas Counties)
Contact: (469) 333-3333 | https://www.biedermanandburleson.com/
Consultation: Free consultation and case evaluation available
Criminal Defense Laws in Texas
Felony Classifications
Texas classifies felonies into five categories:
Capital Felony: Includes capital murder. Penalty is death or life imprisonment without parole.
First Degree Felony: Includes murder, aggravated sexual assault, aggravated robbery. Penalty is 5 to 99 years or life imprisonment and up to $10,000 fine.
Second Degree Felony: Includes manslaughter, aggravated assault, sexual assault. Penalty is 2 to 20 years imprisonment and up to $10,000 fine.
Third Degree Felony: Includes DWI (third offense), indecent exposure to a child, intoxication assault. Penalty is 2 to 10 years imprisonment and up to $10,000 fine.
State Jail Felony: Includes DWI with child passenger, theft $2,500-$30,000, credit card abuse. Penalty is 180 days to 2 years state jail and up to $10,000 fine.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class A Misdemeanor: Includes DWI (first/second offense), assault causing bodily injury, theft $750-$2,500. Maximum 1 year jail and $4,000 fine.
Class B Misdemeanor: Includes DWI (first offense), possession of marijuana (2 oz or less), theft $100-$750. Maximum 180 days jail and $2,000 fine.
Class C Misdemeanor: Includes theft under $100, disorderly conduct. Maximum $500 fine (no jail).
Expunction and Nondisclosure
Expunction: Available for arrests that did not result in conviction (dismissal, acquittal, pardon). Completely erases the record.
Order of Nondisclosure: Available for some convictions after deferred adjudication. Seals record from public but accessible to law enforcement and certain employers.
DWI Laws
Texas DWI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .00% under 21). First offense (Class B Misdemeanor) carries 72 hours to 180 days jail (minimum 6 days if BAC .15%+), $2,000 fine ($4,000 if BAC .15%+), 90-day to 1-year license suspension, and annual surcharge. Second offense (Class A Misdemeanor) carries 30 days to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine, 180-day to 2-year license suspension. Third offense (Third Degree Felony) carries 2 to 10 years prison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Frisco?
Criminal cases in Frisco are handled by courts in both Collin County and Denton County, as Frisco spans both counties. In Collin County, most criminal defendants face charges filed by district attorneys in county court on behalf of the state of Texas. Misdemeanor cases are heard in County Courts at Law. Felony cases are heard in District Courts. Frisco, as well as neighboring Plano and McKinney, are assigned to the Eastern District of Texas for federal cases. Having a Frisco criminal defense attorney familiar with local courts and prosecutors provides an advantage.
What is Texas’s approach to criminal sentencing?
Texas has determinate sentencing for most offenses, meaning judges must sentence within a specific range set by law. However, for many offenses, defendants can elect to have the jury determine punishment instead of the judge. Texas does not have parole for state jail felonies. For other felonies, defendants must serve at least 25% of their sentence (or 50% for certain offenses) before becoming eligible for parole. Texas also has mandatory minimum sentences for certain offenses, including some drug trafficking and aggravated offenses. A Frisco criminal defense attorney can evaluate sentencing options based on your specific charges.
What are the penalties for drug possession in Texas?
Texas has strict drug laws with penalties based on the penalty group and quantity. Possession of marijuana (2 oz or less) is a Class B misdemeanor with up to 180 days jail. Possession of controlled substances (Group 1, including cocaine and heroin) ranges from state jail felony (less than 1 gram) to first degree felony (400 grams or more). Possession with intent to distribute carries enhanced penalties. Drug court and first offender programs may be available for eligible defendants. Texas also offers deferred adjudication, which can result in dismissal and eligibility for nondisclosure. A Frisco criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility for alternative sentencing.
What happens if I am charged with DWI in Collin County?
A DWI charge in Collin County carries serious consequences. First offense (Class B Misdemeanor) carries 72 hours to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine, 90-day to 1-year license suspension, and annual surcharge of $1,000-$2,000 for three years. Enhanced penalties apply for BAC of .15% or higher. Texas has an implied consent law with automatic license suspension for refusal. Texas also has an ALR (Administrative License Revocation) process separate from the criminal case. You have 15 days from arrest to request an ALR hearing. A Frisco criminal defense attorney can handle both the administrative and criminal proceedings.
Can I get my Texas criminal record expunged?
Texas offers two ways to clear records: expunction and orders of nondisclosure. Expunction completely erases the record and is available for arrests that did not result in conviction (dismissal, acquittal, pardon, or certain completed deferred adjudication cases). Orders of Nondisclosure seal the record from public view (but not law enforcement) and are available for some convictions after completing deferred adjudication. Some offenses (murder, sexual assault, family violence) are not eligible for nondisclosure. First-time offenders in Collin and Denton Counties may qualify for pre-trial diversion programs, which can lead to dismissal and eligibility for expunction. A Frisco criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and guide you through the process.