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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."
- P. Williams
"Deandra Grant made a tough situation so much better. She listened to my concerns and helped me so much with my case. I would recommend her to anyone needing legal services."
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"Deandra Grant Law 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
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Tarrant County Criminal Courts Guide By Attorney Deandra Grant
If you’re facing a criminal charge in Tarrant 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.
Read NowFort Worth DWI and Criminal Defense Lawyers
Fort Worth is the seat of Tarrant County and one of Texas’ largest cities. The Tarrant County District Attorney’s office (led by Phil Sorrells and staffed by more than 300 prosecutors handling over 31,000 pending cases) is one of the most well-resourced prosecution offices in North Texas. The Fort Worth Police Department, Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, and Texas DPS all feed cases into the same courts at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center. Enforcement is active along I-30, I-35W, Loop 820, University Drive, and in the Stockyards, West 7th, and Sundance Square entertainment corridors.
Deandra Grant Law’s Fort Worth office is at 4500 Airport Freeway, Suite 101 which is minutes from the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center at 401 W. Belknap Street.
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.
Deandra Grant Law – Criminal & DWI Defense Helps Residents Across Texas with Criminal and DWI Defense – Including: Allen , Arlington, Belton, Cleburne, Collin County, Dallas, Denton, Fairview, Frisco, Gainesville, Granbury, Hood County, Johnson County, Lewisville, Little Elm, McKinney, Park Cities, Parker County, Plano, Princeton, Richardson, Rockwall, Rowlett, Royse City, Southlake, Sunnyvale, The Colony, Waco, and Weatherford.
The TCME Lab: What Fort Worth DWI Blood Cases Require
Fort Worth DWI blood draws are analyzed by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Forensic Laboratory (TCME) at 200 Feliks Gwozdz Pl, Fort Worth. TCME performs blood alcohol and drug toxicology analysis using gas chromatography methodology. The laboratory’s standard operating procedures, analyst qualifications, calibration records, quality assurance documentation, and chain of custody protocols are all subject to independent forensic examination.
Most defense attorneys challenge blood evidence through legal argument about procedure. Deandra Grant Law challenges it against the specific methodology, specific instruments, and specific analysts at TCME because a Master’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Science and a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Toxicology make that level of analysis possible. That is the difference between legal argument and forensic science defense.
Why the Science Behind Your Case Matters
- Blood testing: TCME for FWPD and most Tarrant County 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.
- Drug impairment cases: TCME drug toxicology or DPS lab depending on agency. Drug presence is not drug impairment.
- 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
Tarrant County Courts and Enforcement
Courthouse: Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center, 401 W. Belknap Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196. Misdemeanor DWI and criminal cases are heard in the County Criminal Courts. Felony cases go to the Criminal District Courts.
District Attorney: Phil Sorrells oversees a 300+ person office with more than 31,000 pending cases and specialized prosecution units for DWI, family violence, sexual assault, and major crimes. The defense has to match that specialization.
Federal cases: Tarrant County is in the Northern District of Texas. Attorney James Lee Bright handles federal defense in the Northern District.
Enforcement in Fort Worth and Tarrant County
- Fort Worth Police Department
- Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office
- Texas DPS Troopers (I-30, I-35W, Loop 820, Highway 287)
- Active DWI enforcement in the Stockyards, West 7th, and Sundance Square entertainment corridors; along University Drive and Camp Bowie; and at major sporting and concert events
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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 Fort Worth, TX
Facing an arrest can be a confusing and stressful experience. To help you navigate through this challenging time, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to provide you with some clarity. Remember, every case is unique, so it’s essential to consult with a legal professional for personalized advice regarding your specific situation.
You have several rights when you are arrested, including the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to know the charges against you. You should exercise your right to remain silent until you have an attorney present to guide you through the legal process.
If you’re arrested, it’s important to stay calm and comply with law enforcement’s instructions. Avoid making any statements or admissions without an attorney present. Remember the details of the events leading up to your arrest, as this information can be valuable later.
Yes, you have the right to remain silent when questioned by the police. You can politely inform them that you choose to exercise your right to remain silent until you have legal representation.
After an arrest, you will go through the booking process, which involves recording your personal information, taking your photograph and fingerprints, and searching your belongings. You’ll likely be informed of your charges and possibly given the opportunity to post bail.
Yes, it’s recommended to consult with an attorney regardless of your innocence. A skilled attorney can protect your rights, guide you through legal proceedings, and build a strong defense to ensure a positive outcome for your case.
The consequences of an arrest can vary depending on the charges. You could face fines, probation, license suspension, or even jail time. It’s crucial to understand the potential outcomes and take appropriate steps to defend yourself.
An experienced attorney can help you in various ways, such as explaining your rights, building a defense strategy, negotiating with prosecutors, and representing you in court. They will work to achieve a positive outcome for your case.
If you can’t afford an attorney, you may be eligible for a court-appointed lawyer. This lawyer, known as a public defender, will represent you based on your financial situation.
The decision to accept a plea bargain should be made in consultation with your attorney. They can advise you on whether the offer is fair and in your best interest or if pursuing a trial is a better option.
To fully understand your case and the potential outcomes, schedule a consultation with our experienced attorneys. We can review the details of your situation and provide personalized guidance.
Criminal Defense in Tarrant County
Every Fort Worth criminal defense begins with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 38.23 which is the exclusionary rule with no good faith exception. An unlawful stop, a defective warrant, a search beyond its scope: any of these suppresses the evidence derived from it. Against a prosecution office with the resources Tarrant County brings, the constitutional analysis and the forensic science challenge have to come first.
We handle the full range of criminal charges in Fort Worth and Tarrant County:
- Assault and family violence — including the permanent consequences of the family violence affirmative finding: federal firearms prohibition, future enhancement, expunction bar, custody implications
- Drug possession and delivery — TCME and DPS lab analysis challenged at the chemistry level
- Theft, robbery, fraud, and white-collar offenses
- Gun crimes — UCW, felon in possession, NFA violations, federal firearms charges
- 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, accident reconstruction challenges
- Federal criminal defense — Northern District of Texas, handled by James Lee Bright
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Why Choose Deandra Grant Law in Fort Worth
- Fort Worth office minutes from Tim Curry CJC. 4500 Airport Freeway, Suite 101.
- 30+ years in Tarrant 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 Fort Worth or anywhere in Tarrant 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
Experienced DWI Defense