1. The Crowder Law Firm, P.C.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with over 300 not-guilty verdicts and acquittals in two decades of practice
Practice Areas: Federal crimes, sex crimes, crimes against children, violent crimes, drug offenses
Background: When you are facing charges related to a serious crime, you need an attorney who is strong, fierce, and willing to fight to protect your rights, your reputation, and your future. Attorney Darlina Crowder and the rest of the team at The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. have secured favorable outcomes for clients facing the most serious charges possible, including in several nationally-publicized cases. Over the last two decades, the firm has obtained more than 300 not-guilty verdicts and acquittals for clients. The team begins each case with a full investigation into the client’s arrest and the circumstances that led to it. They work hard to find any and all information that could be used to demonstrate weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Attorney Darlina Crowder will not be intimidated by prosecutors and is not afraid to stand up and fight.
Location: 7950 Legacy Drive, Suite 360, Plano, TX 75024
Contact: (214) 544-0061 | https://www.crowdercriminalfirm.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
2. J. Michael Price II
Focus Area: Criminal defense with dual Board Certifications and 2,500+ cases handled
Practice Areas: DWI, drug crimes, assault, domestic violence, violent crimes, sex crimes, federal crimes
Background: J. Michael Price II is 1 of only 5 lawyers in Dallas to be Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and Board Certified in Criminal Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification. He has handled more than 2,500 cases in courts across North Texas obtaining dismissals, no-bills and winning not guilty verdicts for many defendants, defending against charges for every type of crime. Attorney Price’s practice is dedicated to only representing citizens accused of crimes. At the law office of J. Michael Price II, there are important distinctions that set the service and ability apart from the competition. With thousands of clients defended, the Collin County, Texas, criminal defense lawyer has established an unshakable commitment to providing outstanding and personal criminal defense to clients.
Location: Plano, Texas (serves Collin County)
Contact: (214) 765-8000 | https://www.jmichaelprice.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
3. Pelley Law Office
Focus Area: Criminal defense with decades of experience since 1974 and former FBI special agents on staff
Practice Areas: Felonies, misdemeanors, assault, domestic violence, theft, drug crimes, robbery
Background: With decades of criminal defense work behind them, Pelley Law Office brings together a team of attorneys, investigators, and support staff committed to protecting clients’ rights. The firm has been defending clients in state and federal courts since 1974. That deep knowledge of the law, combined with insight from former FBI special agents and investigators, allows the firm to build stronger, faster, and more strategic defenses. The track record includes dismissals, no-bills, and reduced charges in serious felony cases. When your future is on the line, working with a firm that has achieved positive results in similar situations can make all the difference. The firm has helped thousands of people across North Texas face criminal charges with confidence.
Location: Plano, Texas (serves Collin County)
Contact: (972) 608-0335 | https://pelleylaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Lewis & Ashworth, PLLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutors and 250+ successful trials
Practice Areas: DWI, drug crimes, assault, theft, sex crimes, violent crimes
Background: When clients hire Lewis & Ashworth, they get two attorneys on their case. The attorneys are former prosecutors and know both sides of the law. With over 20 years combined experience handling criminal cases, the firm has successfully tried over 250 misdemeanor and felony trials. The attorneys have excellent relationships with the judges and opposing counsel. When you call the office, you will always speak to an attorney. The firm provides experienced representation in Collin County and surrounding areas.
Location: 101 E. Park Blvd #230, Plano, Texas 75074
Contact: (214) 856-6130 | https://www.lewisashworth.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
5. Law Office of Mac Morris
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 7,500+ criminal matters resolved since 1995
Practice Areas: DWI/DUI, assault, domestic violence, theft, drug crimes, juvenile crimes, white collar crimes, weapons charges
Background: Having been in practice since 1995, Attorney Bryan Mac Morris brings extensive criminal law experience to cases. He is a seasoned trial lawyer who has handled more than 500 cases in court. Having resolved approximately 7,500 criminal matters overall, he is the legal defense needed in fighting charges ranging from DWI/DUI to violent crimes. The firm can help at any stage of the criminal process, from pre-file investigations to formal charges and all court hearings. Before becoming a lawyer, Attorney Mac Morris served in the Texas public school system as both a teacher and a coach. With a teaching background, clients can expect to be educated on the legal process they face and their options moving forward. Se habla español.
Location: Plano, Texas (serves Collin County)
Contact: (972) 846-8214 | https://www.macmorrislaw.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation 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 kidnapping, and aggravated sexual assault. Penalty is 5-99 years or life in prison and up to $10,000 fine.
Second-Degree Felony: Includes manslaughter, robbery, and certain drug offenses. Penalty is 2-20 years in prison and up to $10,000 fine.
Third-Degree Felony: Includes third DWI, certain assault offenses, and stalking. Penalty is 2-10 years in prison and up to $10,000 fine.
State Jail Felony: Includes theft $2,500-$30,000, certain drug possession, and credit card abuse. Penalty is 180 days to 2 years in state jail and up to $10,000 fine.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class A Misdemeanor: Includes assault causing bodily injury, DWI (first offense), and theft $750-$2,500. Maximum 1 year in county jail and $4,000 fine.
Class B Misdemeanor: Includes DWI (first offense without aggravating factors), theft $100-$750, and criminal mischief. Maximum 180 days in county jail and $2,000 fine.
Class C Misdemeanor: Includes theft under $100, minor traffic violations, and disorderly conduct. Fine only, maximum $500.
Expunction and Non-Disclosure
Expunction: Available for arrests that did not result in conviction, certain acquittals, pardons, and dismissed cases. Expunction completely removes the record.
Non-Disclosure: Available for deferred adjudication cases. Seals the record from public view but law enforcement and certain agencies can still access it. Waiting periods vary by offense.
DWI Laws
Texas DWI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, any detectable amount under 21). First offense is a Class B misdemeanor with 72 hours to 180 days jail (minimum 6 days if open container), $2,000 fine, and 90-day to 1-year license suspension. Second offense is a Class A misdemeanor with 30 days to 1 year jail, $4,000 fine, and 180-day to 2-year license suspension. Third offense is a third-degree felony with 2-10 years prison. Texas has implied consent; refusal results in 180-day license suspension (first refusal).
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Plano?
Criminal cases in Plano are heard in the Collin County courts. Collin County is located in the Fourth Administrative Judicial Region of Texas. Misdemeanor cases are heard in County Courts at Law (there are seven County Courts at Law in Collin County). Felony cases are heard in District Courts (there are multiple District Courts in Collin County handling criminal matters). The Collin County Courthouse is located in McKinney, the county seat. Municipal Court in Plano handles Class C misdemeanors and traffic violations that occur within city limits. Federal cases are handled in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (Sherman Division) or the Northern District of Texas (Dallas Division).
What is deferred adjudication in Texas?
Deferred adjudication is a form of community supervision (probation) in Texas where the judge does not enter a finding of guilt. Instead, the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, and the judge “defers” the adjudication of guilt. If the defendant successfully completes the probation period, the case is dismissed without a conviction. However, the arrest and deferred adjudication remain on the defendant’s record unless sealed through a petition for non-disclosure. Deferred adjudication is not available for all offenses; certain offenses like DWI, intoxication manslaughter, and some sex offenses are not eligible. A Plano criminal defense attorney can negotiate for deferred adjudication as an alternative to conviction.
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 federal and Texas law (may be restored 5 years after release for possession at home only). You lose the right to vote while incarcerated and on parole or probation (restored upon completion). You may be ineligible for certain professional licenses and may face difficulty finding employment and housing. For non-citizens, felony convictions can result in deportation and inadmissibility. Texas allows non-disclosure for certain deferred adjudication cases, but many felonies cannot be sealed. Expunction is only available if charges were dismissed or the defendant was acquitted.
What is the Collin County District Attorney’s First Offender Program?
Collin County offers several diversion programs for first-time offenders, including the First Offender Program, DIVERT (drug intervention program), and Pre-Trial Intervention. These programs allow eligible defendants to complete requirements like community service, drug testing, counseling, and restitution in exchange for dismissal of charges. Eligibility depends on the offense, criminal history, and other factors. Successful completion results in dismissal, which can then be expunged. A Plano criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility for these programs and negotiate with the District Attorney’s Office for admission.
Can I get my Texas criminal record expunged or sealed?
Texas allows expunction (complete removal) of certain records, including arrests that did not result in conviction, acquittals, pardons, and dismissals (after waiting period). Expunction makes it as if the arrest never occurred. Texas also allows non-disclosure (sealing) of deferred adjudication records after waiting periods (generally 2 years for misdemeanors, 5 years for felonies). However, certain offenses are not eligible for non-disclosure, including murder, kidnapping, trafficking, sexual offenses, family violence, and offenses requiring sex offender registration. The petition must be filed in the court where the case was heard. A Plano criminal defense attorney can evaluate your eligibility and file the appropriate petition.