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"Deandra Grant Law fights hard for their clients and is always willing to go above and beyond. They are the best firm for DWI cases in DFW and beyond. Definitely hire them to represent you in any pending cases."
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Dallas County Criminal Courts Guide
By Attorney Deandra Grant
If you’re facing a criminal charge in Dallas County, understanding how the local courts work can make the process far less confusing. This guide explains where cases are heard, what each court handles, and what you can expect as your case moves through the system.
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Dallas DWI and Criminal Defense Lawyers
Dallas County is one of the largest and most active criminal prosecution jurisdictions in Texas. The Dallas County District Attorney’s office maintains specialized units for DWI, family violence, sexual assault, narcotics, and major crimes which are staffed by experienced prosecutors with technical knowledge in each area. The Dallas Police Department, Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, Texas DPS, and the departments serving every incorporated city in Dallas County all feed cases into the same prosecution system and the same courts at the Frank Crowley Courts Building.
Deandra Grant Law’s Dallas office is at 3300 Oak Lawn, Ste 700 which is minutes from the Frank Crowley Courts Building on Riverfront Boulevard.
Managing Partner Deandra Grant holds a Master’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Science, a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Toxicology, and the ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist designation. Partner Douglas Huff holds the same ACS-CHAL designation and has completed advanced digital forensics training. For federal matters in the Northern District of Texas, Of Counsel James Lee Bright brings more than 25 years of federal trial experience.
What Makes Dallas Different: The SWIFS Lab
Dallas County DWI cases are different from every other jurisdiction in DGL’s footprint in one critical respect: the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences (SWIFS) on North Stemmons Freeway is the primary forensic laboratory for DPD arrests. SWIFS performs blood alcohol and drug analysis using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Its methodology, analyst qualifications, calibration records, quality assurance documentation, and chain of custody protocols are all subject to independent forensic examination.
Outlying Dallas County agencies (Irving, Garland, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, Lancaster, Duncanville, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, and others) often send specimens to the Texas DPS Crime Lab in Garland rather than SWIFS. The first question in any Dallas County DWI blood case is which laboratory analyzed the specimen. The answer determines which protocols apply, which analysts are subject to cross-examination, and what records need to be obtained in discovery.
This is specific institutional knowledge that matters in Dallas County courts. Most defense attorneys challenge blood evidence generically. Deandra Grant Law challenges it against the specific methodology, specific instruments, and specific analysts at SWIFS or DPS Garland because a Master’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Science and a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Toxicology make that level of analysis possible.
Why the Science Behind Your Case Matters
- Blood testing: SWIFS for DPD arrests; DPS Garland for most outlying agency arrests. GC-FID or headspace GC methodology, in vitro fermentation, sodium fluoride preservative adequacy, chain of custody, analyst qualifications — challenged at the level of the chemistry, not just the paperwork.
- Drug impairment cases: SWIFS drug toxicology for DPD arrests. Drug analysis routed to DPS Austin, Armstrong Forensic Laboratory, or NMS for other agencies. Presence is not impairment. Pharmacokinetic analysis is how drug impairment evidence is properly challenged.
- Breath testing: Intoxilyzer 9000. Partition ratio variability (1,100:1 to 3,400:1), 15-minute observation period compliance, calibration records, mouth alcohol, GERD/diabetes effects.
- Field sobriety tests: Deandra Grant is a trained SFST instructor who administers and grades the ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist and DUIDLA Board Certification exams. SFST cross-examination goes to the protocol, not just the result.
- Digital evidence: Cell phone data, social media, CDR records, surveillance footage
- Retrograde extrapolation: Rising BAC defense, Widmark formula, individual elimination rate variability
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Dallas County Courts and Enforcement
Courthouse: Frank Crowley Courts Building, 133 N. Riverfront Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207. Misdemeanor DWI and criminal cases are heard in the County Criminal Courts at Law. Felony cases go to the District Courts.
District Attorney: The Dallas County DA’s office has specialized prosecution units for DWI, family violence, sexual assault, narcotics, and homicide. These units are staffed by experienced prosecutors with technical depth in their specific areas. The defense has to match that specialization.
Federal cases: Dallas County is in the Northern District of Texas. Attorney James Lee Bright handles federal defense in the Northern District.
Enforcement in Dallas County
- Dallas Police Department — DPD arrests route blood specimens to SWIFS
- Dallas County Sheriff’s Office
- Texas DPS Troopers (I-35E, I-30, I-20, US-75, Loop 12)
- Irving PD, Garland PD, Mesquite PD, Grand Prairie PD, Lancaster PD, Duncanville PD, DeSoto PD, Cedar Hill PD, Balch Springs PD, and other municipal departments — most route specimens to DPS Garland
DWI Penalties in Texas
- First offense (Class B): Up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000, license suspension up to 1 year.
- BAC 0.15+ (Class A): Up to 1 year jail, fine up to $4,000, mandatory ignition interlock. Permanent conviction.
- Second offense (Class A): 72-hour minimum jail as COP, up to 1 year, fine up to $4,000, mandatory interlock.
- Third offense (felony): 2–10 years prison, fine up to $10,000, 10-day minimum jail as COP.
- DWI with child passenger: State jail felony, 180 days–2 years, fine up to $10,000.
- Intoxication assault: Third-degree felony, 2–10 years, fine up to $10,000.
- Intoxication manslaughter: Second-degree felony, 2–20 years, fine up to $10,000. Bentley’s Law (Art. 42.0375) mandates monthly child support restitution if the victim was a parent of minor children.
Frequently Asked Questions for Those Recently Arrested in Dallas, TX
Facing an arrest can be an overwhelming experience. To provide you with some clarity and guidance, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions that individuals often have after being arrested. While this information can offer insights, remember that each case is unique, and it’s important to consult with a legal professional for personalized advice based on your circumstances.
What Are My Rights During an Arrest?
When arrested, you have several rights, including the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to know the charges against you. It’s important to exercise your right to remain silent until you have an attorney present.
What Steps Should I Take If I'm Arrested?
If you’re arrested, try to stay calm and follow law enforcement’s instructions. Avoid making statements without an attorney present. Remember to take note of the events leading to your arrest while your memory is fresh.
Can I Refuse to Answer Questions from the Police?
Yes, you have the right to remain silent when questioned by the police. You can respectfully inform them that you choose not to answer questions until you have legal representation.
What Is the Booking Process?
After an arrest, you will go through the booking process. This involves recording your personal information, taking fingerprints and photographs, and possibly searching your belongings. You’ll likely be informed of the charges against you and the opportunity to post bail.
Should I Get an Attorney Even If I Believe I'm Innocent?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended to consult with an attorney regardless of your belief in your innocence. A skilled attorney can protect your rights, guide you through legal proceedings, and build a strong defense strategy.
What Are the Potential Consequences of My Arrest?
The consequences of an arrest can vary based on the charges. You might face fines, probation, license suspension, or even jail time. Understanding potential outcomes can help you make informed decisions.
How Can an Attorney Assist Me?
An experienced attorney can offer support in various ways, such as explaining your rights, creating a defense strategy, negotiating with prosecutors, and representing you in court. They work to achieve a positive outcome for your case.
What If I Can't Afford an Attorney?
If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for a court-appointed lawyer, known as a public defender. This attorney will represent you based on your financial situation.
Should I Accept a Plea Bargain?
The decision to accept a plea bargain should be made in consultation with your attorney. They can help you determine if the offer is fair and whether going to trial is a better option.
Criminal Defense in Dallas County
Every Dallas County criminal defense begins with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure which is the exclusionary rule with no good faith exception. An unlawful stop on I-35, a defective search warrant, a blood draw without proper authority: any of these suppresses the evidence derived from it. In a large metropolitan jurisdiction where law enforcement volume is high and shortcuts happen, the constitutional analysis is where every defense starts.
We handle the full range of criminal charges in Dallas County:
- Assault and family violence — including the permanent consequences of the family violence affirmative finding: federal firearms prohibition, future enhancement to felony, expunction bar, custody implications
- Drug possession and delivery — SWIFS and DPS Garland lab analysis challenged at the chemistry level
- Theft, robbery, fraud, and white-collar offenses — including cases where digital evidence is the prosecution’s foundation
- Gun crimes — UCW, felon in possession, NFA violations, federal firearms charges in the Northern District
- Sex offenses — sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, indecency, online solicitation, CSAM — forensic and digital evidence examined independently
- Murder and homicide — through capital murder — forensic pathology, blood evidence, and accident reconstruction challenges
- DUID / drug impairment — Dallas DRE program, SWIFS drug toxicology, pharmacokinetic analysis of impairment evidence
- Federal criminal defense — Northern District of Texas, handled by James Lee Bright
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Why Choose Deandra Grant Law in Dallas
- Dallas office minutes from Frank Crowley. 3300 Oak Lawn, Ste 700
- 30+ years in Dallas County courts. 500+ trials to verdict statewide
- ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist — both Deandra Grant and Douglas Huff.
- Master’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Science + Graduate Certificate in Forensic Toxicology. Science-based challenges to blood, breath, and drug evidence that go beyond legal argument.
- Trained SFST Instructor.
- 17 published law books. Including The Texas DWI Manual.
- Texas Super Lawyer since 2011. AV® Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell®.
- Federal defense. James Lee Bright — Northern District of Texas.
If you have been arrested for DWI or are facing criminal charges in Dallas or anywhere in Dallas County, call (214) 225-7117 for a free, confidential consultation. Or schedule online at texasdwisite.com. The 15-day ALR deadline may already be running.
Client Reviews
“Deandra Grant Law – Criminal & DWI Defense handled my case with diligence and professionalism. Deandra Grant’s reputation is stellar and now I know why. She has a team of individuals who provide quality service.”
N. Coulter
(214) 225-7117
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