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The Colony DWI and Criminal Defense Lawyers
Legal Defense Services in The Colony, Texas
Your Rights Matter in Denton County
Are you facing criminal charges in The Colony, Texas? When your future is on the line, you need a legal defender who understands what you’re going through and knows how to navigate Denton County’s complex legal system. The Colony, situated along the shores of Lewisville Lake and within the bustling North Dallas corridor, presents unique challenges for those caught in the criminal justice system. Whether you were stopped on Highway 121, near the Grandscape development, or in one of The Colony’s residential neighborhoods, local law enforcement approaches and court procedures will significantly impact your case.
The Colony Police Department and Denton County law enforcement have specific protocols for handling DWI cases, drug arrests, and assault investigations. These local methods differ from neighboring counties and can dramatically affect your case outcome. Did you know that The Colony has its own Municipal Court for less serious offenses, while more significant charges are handled at the Denton County Courts Building in Denton? This split jurisdiction creates both challenges and opportunities for your defense.
When you’re facing charges in The Colony, everything from where your case is heard to how evidence is collected can affect your future. The scientific aspects of blood and breath testing in DWI cases, the enhanced penalties for repeat offenses, and the serious implications of assault or drug charges all require specialized knowledge of local procedures. Above all, you need someone who understands that beyond the legal complexities, this is your life, your freedom, and your future at stake.
You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Whether you’re dealing with the uncertainty of a first-time charge or the increased stakes of a repeat offense, you deserve a defender who will fight for your rights with the same passion you would fight for yourself. Let’s explore how we can protect your rights and your future in The Colony and throughout Denton County.
Deandra Grant Law Helps Residents Across Texas with Criminal and DWI Defense – Including: Allen, Austin, Arlington, Belton, Cleburne, Collin County, Dallas, Denton, Fairview, Fort Worth, Frisco, Gainesville, Granbury, Hood County, Johnson County, Lewisville, Little Elm, McKinney, Park Cities, Parker County, Plano, Princeton, Richardson, Rockwall, Rowlett, Royse City, Southlake, Sunnyvale, Waco, and Weatherford.
Blood Testing in DWI Cases in The Colony
What Really Happens During a Blood Test in The Colony
When you’re pulled over in The Colony under suspicion of DWI, you need to understand the truth about blood testing—because your freedom may depend on it. Unlike smaller communities, The Colony and Denton County have established protocols with specific medical facilities to obtain blood evidence quickly and efficiently.
If you’re arrested for DWI in The Colony, here’s what typically happens with blood testing:
- Officers will transport you to a designated facility, often Medical City Denton or one of the local emergency clinics
- A trained phlebotomist or nurse will draw your blood, typically taking two vials
- Your blood samples will be sealed in evidence containers with tamper-evident tape
- The samples are transported to the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory in Garland
- Results typically take 4-8 weeks to process, during which your case remains pending
What many people don’t realize is that this seemingly straightforward process is filled with potential errors and violations of your rights. Each step presents opportunities for mistakes that could be crucial to your defense.
I recently helped a client whose blood test from a stop near the Grandscape development showed results well above the legal limit. However, our investigation revealed that the officer failed to properly refrigerate the blood sample during transport to the lab. This procedural error created significant doubt about the reliability of the results and dramatically changed the direction of the case.
Your Essential Rights During the Blood Draw Process
You have specific rights during the blood testing process that The Colony and Denton County law enforcement must respect:
- You have the right to refuse a blood test (though refusal has consequences)
- If you refuse, officers must obtain a warrant except in certain emergency circumstances
- Only qualified medical personnel can draw your blood
- The draw must be conducted under proper medical conditions
- You have the right to independent testing of your blood sample
When these rights are violated, it creates opportunities to challenge the evidence against you. The Colony Police Department, like all law enforcement agencies, must follow strict protocols when collecting blood evidence. When they don’t, the evidence they collect may be ruled inadmissible.
Fighting Back Against Blood Test Evidence
When prosecutors present blood test evidence, they want you to believe it’s infallible. Don’t be intimidated—blood tests have numerous scientific and procedural vulnerabilities that can be challenged:
- Was your traffic stop legally justified in the first place?
- Did the officer have probable cause for your arrest?
- Was the blood draw warrant (if used) properly obtained and executed?
- Were proper medical procedures followed during the draw?
- Was your blood sample properly stored and transported?
- Was the chain of custody maintained without gaps?
- Was the testing equipment properly calibrated and maintained?
- Was the technician properly trained and certified?
I recently represented a client whose blood test showed a BAC well above the legal limit after a stop on Main Street, but our investigation revealed significant problems with how the warrant was obtained. The judge agreed that the officer’s affidavit lacked sufficient information to establish probable cause, resulting in the blood evidence being suppressed and dramatically changing the course of the case.
The Science Behind Blood Testing Isn’t Perfect
Despite what prosecutors want juries to believe, blood testing science has significant limitations that could be crucial to your defense:
- Fermentation can cause alcohol to be produced in the blood sample itself if not properly preserved
- Cross-contamination in the lab can affect results
- Improper storage temperatures can alter alcohol concentration
- Certain medical conditions like diabetes can affect testing accuracy
- Laboratory errors and human mistakes happen more frequently than admitted
For example, one client with diabetes had a blood test showing a BAC above the legal limit after being stopped near Lewisville Lake. We presented evidence showing how his medical condition could affect the testing process, creating reasonable doubt about the reliability of the results.
If you’re facing DWI charges based on blood test evidence in The Colony, don’t assume the results are beyond challenge. Your freedom deserves a defense that scrutinizes every aspect of this evidence, from the moment of your traffic stop to the final analysis.
Breath Testing in DWI Cases in The Colony
The Truth About The Colony’s Breath Testing Procedures
If you’ve been arrested for DWI in The Colony and provided a breath sample, you need to understand exactly what you’re up against—and why the breath test that appears to condemn you might actually be your path to freedom. The Colony Police Department typically uses the Intoxilyzer 9000 for breath testing, usually administered at The Colony City Jail or sometimes at mobile testing units during targeted enforcement periods near Highway 121 or around major events.
This breath testing process seems straightforward, but is actually filled with potential errors:
- Officers must observe you for a minimum of 15 minutes before testing (which often doesn’t happen properly)
- You blow into the machine twice, with readings that must be within 0.02 of each other
- The machine uses infrared spectroscopy to estimate your blood alcohol concentration
- Results are immediately printed and used as evidence against you
What the officer probably didn’t tell you is that breath testing is far less reliable than blood testing, with numerous scientific and procedural vulnerabilities that could be key to your defense.
Why Your Breath Test Results May Be Wrong
Did the officer tell you the breath test is infallible? They’re wrong, and here’s why your results might be seriously flawed:
- The “mouth alcohol” effect – Recent alcohol consumption, burping, or acid reflux can artificially inflate results
- Radio frequency interference – Police radios and other electronic devices near the testing location can potentially affect readings
- Medical conditions – Certain respiratory conditions, diabetes, high-protein diets, and other health issues can impact results
- Temperature variations – The assumption that your breath temperature matches the machine’s calibration is often incorrect
- Improper calibration – Machines require regular maintenance that is frequently neglected
I recently represented a client arrested near Austin Ranch whose breath test showed a BAC of 0.10%, but we discovered the officer failed to properly conduct the required observation period before testing. During this period, my client had used breath mints, potentially affecting the test results. When confronted with this evidence, the prosecutor was forced to reassess the strength of their case.
How to Challenge Breath Test Evidence in Denton County
When fighting breath test evidence in The Colony and Denton County courts, we employ several powerful strategies:
- Challenge the initial traffic stop’s legality – Was there actually reasonable suspicion?
- Question the officer’s observations and field sobriety test administration
- Investigate the specific Intoxilyzer’s maintenance and calibration records
- Examine the breath test operator’s certification and training history
- Present evidence of medical conditions that could have affected your results
- Demonstrate procedural errors in the testing process
For example, in a recent case involving a stop on Memorial Drive, we obtained maintenance records showing that the Intoxilyzer used had failed calibration checks twice in the months before my client’s arrest. This evidence significantly undermined the prosecution’s case and led to a much more favorable resolution.
Your Breath Test Results Don’t Define You
Remember, a breath test result is just one piece of evidence—not a guarantee of conviction. Even if your test showed results above the legal limit, there are numerous ways to challenge these results and protect your future.
I recently helped a client who tested at 0.09% after being stopped near North Colony Boulevard. Despite this seemingly damning evidence, our thorough investigation of the stop, the officer’s procedures, and the testing equipment revealed multiple issues that created reasonable doubt. The result was a case resolution that protected my client’s driving privileges and future opportunities.
Your freedom and future deserve a defender who will scrutinize every aspect of the breath testing process, from the initial traffic stop to the final analysis. With the right approach, you can fight back against seemingly conclusive evidence and protect what matters most.
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Second Offense DWI in The Colony
Why the Stakes Are Higher This Time
If you’re facing a second DWI charge in The Colony, you’re in an entirely different legal situation than a first-time offender. Denton County prosecutors are particularly aggressive with repeat DWI offenses, seeking to make examples out of cases they view as demonstrating a pattern of behavior.
The consequences you’re facing are severe:
- Class A misdemeanor charges (upgraded from Class B for first offenses)
- Jail time ranging from 30 days to 1 year in Denton County Jail
- Fines up to $4,000 (plus substantial court costs and fees)
- Driver’s license suspension for 180 days to 2 years
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicles
- Required completion of DWI education and intervention programs
- Dramatically increased insurance rates or possible non-renewal
- Potential impact on professional licenses and career opportunities
Denton County judges, particularly those who handle most cases from The Colony, typically impose sentences on the higher end for repeat offenders. Your freedom, finances, and future are all at serious risk.
How Denton County Prosecutors Will Come After You
The Denton County District Attorney’s Office has specialized prosecutors who handle repeat DWI offenses with particular vigor. Here’s what you can expect:
- Thorough research into your prior DWI history, regardless of where or when it occurred
- Aggressive pursuit of maximum penalties, especially if your BAC was high
- Limited willingness to negotiate, unless significant weaknesses are exposed in their case
- Use of your prior conviction to paint you as a habitual offender to judges and juries
- Requests for strict probation conditions if a jail alternative is considered
I recently represented a client facing a second DWI charge after an arrest in The Colony. The prosecutor initially took a hardline stance, offering only jail time. By thoroughly investigating the evidence and exposing weaknesses in the field sobriety tests and breath testing procedures, we were able to negotiate a much more favorable resolution that kept my client out of jail and preserved their ability to drive to work.
Your Path to Fighting Back
Despite the serious nature of repeat DWI charges in The Colony, you have options to fight back:
- Challenging the current DWI charge on its merits – Just because you have a prior conviction doesn’t mean you’re guilty this time
- Questioning the admissibility of the prior conviction for enhancement purposes
- Investigating whether proper procedures were followed from stop to arrest to testing
- Negotiating for treatment alternatives rather than punitive measures
- Examining if the prior conviction was properly documented and proven by the prosecution
For example, I represented a client whose “prior DWI” happened in another state over a decade ago. We successfully argued that the out-of-state conviction did not match Texas’s definition of DWI closely enough to be used for enhancement purposes, resulting in the case being handled as a first offense instead of a second.
Case Study: Turning a Second DWI Around
A client came to me devastated after being arrested for his second DWI near the Cascades at The Colony. With a prior conviction from just three years earlier, he feared he would lose his job, his driver’s license, and spend significant time in jail.
Our investigation revealed several critical issues with his case:
- The officer lacked reasonable suspicion for the initial traffic stop
- Field sobriety tests were conducted on an uneven surface with poor lighting
- The breath test operator failed to follow proper procedures
By aggressively challenging these issues through pretrial motions and negotiations, we were able to secure a resolution that:
- Avoided jail time completely
- Minimized the impact on his driving privileges
- Allowed him to maintain his employment
- Created a path toward putting this incident behind him
This case demonstrates that even with the increased stakes of a second offense, strategic and aggressive defense can dramatically change the outcome. Your past doesn’t have to dictate your future when you have a dedicated advocate fighting for you.
Felony DWI in The Colony
What Makes a DWI a Felony in Denton County
If you’re facing felony DWI charges in The Colony, you’re confronting one of the most serious charges in the Texas criminal justice system. Understanding exactly why your case has been elevated to a felony is the first step in mounting an effective defense.
A DWI becomes a felony in Denton County when:
- It’s your third or subsequent DWI offense (Third Degree Felony)
- You have a child passenger under 15 years old in the vehicle (State Jail Felony)
- Your DWI causes serious bodily injury to another person – intoxication assault (Third Degree Felony)
- Your DWI results in someone’s death – intoxication manslaughter (Second Degree Felony)
The Denton County District Attorney’s Office assigns their most experienced prosecutors to handle these cases, and they pursue them with particular vigor. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
The Harsh Reality of Felony DWI Penalties
If convicted of a felony DWI in The Colony, the consequences will change your life:
- For a third DWI: 2-10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines
- For DWI with a child passenger: 180 days to 2 years in state jail and up to $10,000 in fines
- For intoxication assault: 2-10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines
- For intoxication manslaughter: 2-20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines
Beyond these immediate penalties, a felony conviction will permanently affect:
- Your right to vote until your sentence is completed
- Your right to own or possess firearms
- Your ability to obtain professional licenses
- Your employment prospects for the rest of your life
- Your housing options and loan eligibility
- Your standing in your community
When the consequences are this severe, settling for inadequate legal representation isn’t an option.
Your Defense Strategy Matters More Than Ever
Defending felony DWI cases in Denton County requires specialized strategies:
- Challenging the evidence of intoxication through expert witnesses and scientific analysis
- Questioning the validity of prior convictions used for enhancement
- Investigating the chain of custody for blood evidence
- Examining accident reconstruction reports in cases involving injuries or fatalities
- Negotiating for treatment-based alternatives when appropriate
I represented a client charged with felony DWI (third offense) after an arrest on Highway 121. By thoroughly investigating his prior convictions, we discovered that one of them had constitutional defects that made it unusable for enhancement. This investigation reduced the charge from a felony to a misdemeanor, completely changing the trajectory of his case and his life.
Turning the Tables on Felony Charges
A client came to me devastated after being charged with intoxication assault following an accident on Main Street. The prosecution claimed my client had caused the accident while intoxicated, resulting in serious injuries to another driver. Our investigation told a different story.
We hired an accident reconstruction expert who determined that poor road design and inadequate signage were significant factors in the collision, making it far less clear that my client’s alleged intoxication was the cause of the accident. Additionally, we challenged the blood test results, which had been taken without a properly executed warrant. Through aggressive litigation and negotiation, we were able to have the felony charges reduced significantly, keeping my client out of prison and preserving their future.
This case demonstrates why thorough investigation and a willingness to challenge every aspect of the prosecution’s case are essential in felony DWI defense. When your freedom is at stake, no stone should be left unturned.
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DWI with Accident in The Colony
Why Accident Cases Are Prosecuted Aggressively
If you’ve been charged with DWI involving an accident in The Colony, you’re facing a particularly challenging legal battle. Denton County prosecutors pursue these cases with added vigor because they view them as demonstrating the real-world dangers of impaired driving.
An accident changes your DWI case in critical ways:
- It typically provides officers with clear probable cause for investigation
- It creates additional evidence through vehicle damage, accident reports, and witness statements
- It often leads to enhanced charges depending on injuries or property damage
- It can trigger mandatory blood draws under certain circumstances
- It may involve testimony from accident reconstruction experts
In The Colony, accidents on major thoroughfares like Highway 121, Main Street, or near commercial areas like the Grandscape development often receive heightened attention from law enforcement and prosecutors alike.
The Investigation Process You’re Facing
When a DWI accident occurs in The Colony, the investigation is typically much more thorough than in standard DWI cases:
- Specialized accident investigation teams may respond to document the scene
- They collect comprehensive evidence including photographs, measurements, and witness statements
- If injuries are present, medical personnel provide additional evidence
- Officers look for signs of intoxication and conduct field sobriety tests if possible
- In serious cases, accident reconstruction specialists analyze the scene
- Officers typically seek blood samples, either through consent or warrant
The Colony Police Department works with Denton County Sheriff’s officers and sometimes Texas DPS to investigate serious accidents. Their combined resources create a formidable case against you—unless you have equally dedicated representation on your side.
How to Fight Back Against Accident-Related Charges
When defending DWI accident cases in The Colony, we focus on several key aspects:
- Questioning whether the accident actually resulted from intoxication
- Examining road conditions, especially during North Texas weather events
- Investigating whether other drivers contributed to or caused the accident
- Analyzing accident reconstruction reports for errors or assumptions
- Determining if proper procedures were followed in collecting evidence
I recently represented a client charged with DWI after an accident near Lewisville Lake. The police report placed all blame on my client, but our investigation revealed that the other driver had been texting while driving and crossed the center line. This evidence was crucial in negotiating a much more favorable resolution to the case.
Protecting Your Future Beyond the Criminal Case
One critical aspect of DWI accident cases that many attorneys overlook is the civil liability that often accompanies these charges. In addition to criminal penalties, you may face:
- Civil lawsuits from other drivers or property owners
- Insurance disputes and potential coverage denials
- Restitution requirements as part of your criminal case
- Long-term financial consequences beyond the immediate legal proceedings
I take a comprehensive approach to these cases, coordinating defense strategies that protect you on all fronts. For instance, I recently helped a client navigate both criminal charges and insurance issues following a DWI accident on South Colony Boulevard. By addressing both aspects simultaneously, we were able to reach resolutions that minimized the overall impact on his finances and future.
Case Study: Turning an Accident Case Around
A client came to me after being arrested for DWI following a collision in a shopping center parking lot near Highway 121. The police report claimed he was clearly at fault and showed obvious signs of intoxication. His breath test registered a 0.11% BAC, and he was facing serious consequences that would affect his commercial driver’s license and livelihood.
Our investigation revealed several crucial facts:
- The other vehicle had backed out of a parking space without looking
- Surveillance footage from a nearby store contradicted key aspects of the police report
- The officer had not conducted the 15-minute observation period properly before administering the breath test
By presenting this evidence to the prosecutor and being prepared to fight the case at trial, we were able to negotiate a resolution that saved his commercial driver’s license and his career. This case demonstrates why comprehensive investigation is essential in accident cases, where initial appearances can be deceiving.
DWI with Death in The Colony
Understanding the Severity of Intoxication Manslaughter
If you’re facing charges related to a DWI fatality in The Colony, you’re confronting one of the most serious and emotionally charged cases in the criminal justice system. Intoxication manslaughter carries not only severe legal penalties but also profound personal and emotional consequences for everyone involved.
In Texas, intoxication manslaughter is charged when:
- A person operates a motor vehicle while intoxicated
- Their intoxication causes an accident
- The accident results in someone’s death
- There is a direct causal connection between the intoxication and the death
The Denton County District Attorney’s Office assigns these cases to their most experienced prosecutors, who pursue them relentlessly. The combination of technical evidence and emotional factors makes these cases particularly challenging to defend.
How These Cases Are Investigated in Denton County
When a fatal DWI incident occurs in The Colony, the investigation is comprehensive and meticulous:
- Specialized accident reconstruction teams document the scene using advanced techniques
- Multiple law enforcement agencies often collaborate on evidence collection
- Blood evidence is obtained, usually through a warrant if consent is refused
- Witnesses are extensively interviewed, sometimes multiple times
- Vehicle data, including onboard computers, may be analyzed
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras is collected
- Medical examiner’s reports become crucial evidence
This exhaustive investigation creates a mountain of evidence that can seem overwhelming—unless you have a defense team equally committed to scrutinizing every detail.
Your Defense Strategy When Everything Is at Stake
Defending intoxication manslaughter cases requires a multifaceted approach:
- Thorough independent investigation of the accident and its causes
- Expert analysis of blood testing procedures and results
- Critical examination of the causal connection between alleged intoxication and the fatality
- Assessment of other contributing factors (road conditions, vehicle defects, actions of others)
- Sensitive handling of the emotional aspects of the case
I represented a client charged with intoxication manslaughter after a tragic accident on Highway 121. Our investigation revealed that mechanical failure in the other vehicle had substantially contributed to the collision. While this didn’t eliminate responsibility, it provided essential context that significantly affected the resolution of the case and the penalties my client ultimately faced.
The Human Element in Fatal DWI Cases
These cases profoundly affect everyone involved—the deceased’s family, the defendant, and the broader community. In Denton County, there are several aspects of these cases that require special attention:
- Victim’s families typically attend court proceedings, adding emotional weight to every hearing
- Media coverage from local outlets can be extensive and potentially prejudicial
- Community sentiment can affect the jury pool
- The emotional toll on defendants can impact their ability to participate in their defense
I take a compassionate approach that acknowledges the tragedy while still providing vigorous defense. This includes:
- Working with counselors and mental health professionals to support clients
- Engaging in appropriate restorative justice approaches when possible
- Developing a comprehensive approach to both legal defense and personal healing
- Ensuring that emotional factors don’t overwhelm legal rights and processes
Finding a Path Forward in Tragic Circumstances
One client came to me after being charged with intoxication manslaughter following a fatal accident near The Colony High School. Beyond the legal challenges, he was struggling with overwhelming guilt and grief. Our approach included:
- Assembling a team of experts to analyze every aspect of the accident
- Working with a forensic toxicologist to examine blood evidence issues
- Connecting him with appropriate counseling resources
- Exploring potential for restorative justice approaches
- Developing a defense strategy that acknowledged the tragedy while protecting his legal rights
While no outcome could undo the tragedy, our comprehensive approach helped him navigate both the legal system and the emotional aftermath. The case was ultimately resolved in a way that recognized the seriousness of the loss while still allowing him the opportunity to eventually rebuild his life.
No matter how serious the charges or how challenging the circumstances, you deserve a defense that protects your legal rights while acknowledging the human dimensions of these difficult cases.
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Drug Possession in The Colony
How The Colony Police Target Drug Offenses
If you’re facing drug charges in The Colony, understanding local enforcement priorities can help you build a stronger defense. The Colony and Denton County law enforcement agencies focus their drug enforcement efforts on several key areas:
- Highway 121 corridor stops
- Areas around Lewisville Lake, particularly public parks and recreation areas
- Apartment complexes and neighborhoods that have been targeted for increased enforcement
- Multi-agency task force operations focusing on specific drugs
The Colony Police Department works closely with Denton County Sheriff’s deputies and sometimes with specialized drug task forces to conduct surveillance, traffic stops, and search warrant executions throughout the city.
What You’re Really Facing: Texas Drug Penalties
Texas classifies controlled substances in penalty groups, with possession penalties varying based on the substance and amount:
- Penalty Group 1 (heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone):
- Less than 1 gram: State jail felony (180 days-2 years)
- 1-4 grams: Second-degree felony (2-20 years)
- 4-200 grams: First-degree felony (5-99 years)
- Penalty Group 2 (MDMA, psilocybin mushrooms, most hallucinogens):
- Less than 1 gram: State jail felony
- 1-4 grams: Second-degree felony
- 4-400 grams: First-degree felony
- Marijuana:
- 2 ounces or less: Class B misdemeanor
- 2-4 ounces: Class A misdemeanor
- 4 ounces-5 pounds: State jail felony
The penalties might seem straightforward, but the reality is that your specific circumstances, criminal history, and quality of legal representation can dramatically affect the outcome of your case. What looks like an open-and-shut case to prosecutors can often be successfully challenged with the right approach.
Your Best Defense: Challenging the Search and Seizure
The most powerful defense strategy in many drug possession cases involves challenging how the drugs were found and seized. In The Colony, common search scenarios include:
- Traffic stops, particularly along Highway 121 and major thoroughfares
- Residential searches based on warrants or consent
- “Stop and frisk” encounters in public areas
- K-9 unit deployments, which The Colony PD uses regularly
For each of these scenarios, constitutional protections require law enforcement to follow specific rules. When they don’t, the evidence they collect may be suppressed. We frequently find issues with:
- Stops made without genuine reasonable suspicion
- Searches extended beyond their proper scope or duration
- Warrant applications based on unreliable informants
- Consent obtained through deception or coercion
I recently represented a client arrested near Austin Ranch after a traffic stop allegedly for a minor violation. Our investigation revealed that the officer had extended the stop without justification to wait for a K-9 unit to arrive. We successfully argued that this extension violated my client’s rights, resulting in suppression of the evidence and dismissal of the charges.
Alternative Programs That Can Save Your Future
Denton County offers several programs that can provide alternatives to conviction for drug possession cases:
- First-time offender programs for certain substances and quantities
- Drug court programs providing supervision and treatment
- Pretrial diversion opportunities for qualified defendants
- Deferred adjudication options that can ultimately leave you without a conviction
These programs typically involve:
- Regular court appearances
- Drug testing
- Counseling and treatment
- Educational components
- Community service
For example, a recent client facing possession charges after being arrested near The Colony High School was able to enter a diversion program that, upon successful completion, resulted in dismissal of his case and the opportunity for later expunction of the arrest record.
Case Study: Turning a Drug Case Around
A young professional came to me terrified after being arrested for drug possession during a traffic stop on Main Street. With a promising career just beginning, she feared a drug conviction would destroy everything she had worked for.
Our investigation revealed several critical issues with her case:
- The officer lacked proper justification for the search that discovered the drugs
- The quantity of drugs was misrepresented in the initial police report
- She had no prior criminal history and was an excellent candidate for diversion
By presenting these factors to the prosecutor and advocating forcefully on her behalf, we were able to secure her entry into a pretrial diversion program. Upon completion, her case was dismissed, and we subsequently had her arrest record expunged. Today, she continues her career without the burden of a criminal record.
Don’t let drug charges define your future. With aggressive investigation of constitutional violations and exploration of alternative resolution options, many drug cases can be resolved favorably, protecting your record and your opportunities.
Assault Charges in The Colony
The Types of Assault Charges You Might Be Facing
If you’ve been charged with assault in The Colony, the specific classification of your case will dramatically affect the potential consequences and defense strategies. Denton County prosecutors categorize assault cases based on several factors:
Simple Assault:
- Causing bodily injury to another person
- Threatening someone with imminent bodily injury
- Causing physical contact known to be offensive
Assault with aggravating factors:
- Assault against a family member (domestic violence)
- Assault against a public servant (police officer, emergency worker)
- Assault involving strangulation or suffocation
- Assault with a deadly weapon (aggravated assault)
The location of the alleged assault in The Colony can affect your case. Incidents in public areas like the Grandscape development or Stewart Creek Park often have multiple witnesses, while domestic incidents in residential neighborhoods might have limited external evidence.
Why Domestic Violence Cases Are Different in Denton County
If you’re facing domestic violence allegations in The Colony, you need to understand the special procedures and priorities that apply to these cases:
- The Denton County District Attorney’s Office has a specialized Family Violence Division
- A dedicated domestic violence unit within The Colony Police Department handles these investigations
- Special bond conditions including protective orders are standard
- Cases can proceed even if the alleged victim later recants or doesn’t wish to press charges
- Specific counseling and intervention programs are typically required as part of any resolution
It’s crucial to understand that in Denton County, like many jurisdictions, the decision to prosecute domestic violence cases rests with the District Attorney, not with the alleged victim. Even if your partner or family member doesn’t want to proceed with charges, prosecutors can and often do move forward anyway.
I recently helped a client whose spouse wanted to drop domestic violence charges after an incident in their home near Blair Oaks. Despite the spouse’s wishes, the Denton County prosecutor intended to proceed with the case. Through careful negotiation and presentation of mitigating evidence, we were able to secure a favorable resolution that avoided a family violence conviction while still addressing the prosecutor’s concerns.
Your Strategic Defense Options
When defending assault cases in The Colony, several approaches may be effective depending on your specific circumstances:
- Self-defense – Texas law provides strong protection for those who reasonably defend themselves
- Defense of others – Similar to self-defense, but protecting another person
- Defense of property – In limited circumstances, reasonable force to protect property
- Consent – If the other person agreed to the contact (such as in sporting activities)
- Lack of intent – Showing the contact was accidental rather than intentional
- Factual disputes – Challenging the alleged victim’s version of events
I represented a client charged with assault after an incident at a restaurant in The Colony. Surveillance video contradicted the complainant’s account, showing that my client had actually been defending himself against aggression. This evidence was crucial in having the charges dismissed.
Building Your Path Forward After Assault Charges
Beyond the immediate legal defense, assault cases often require attention to long-term considerations:
- Addressing underlying issues through appropriate counseling or treatment
- Managing protective orders and their impact on your living situation or family relationships
- Preparing for potential civil litigation arising from the same incident
- Planning for expunction or non-disclosure if the case is resolved favorably
- Mitigating professional or personal consequences of the charges
I take a comprehensive approach that addresses both the immediate legal challenges and these longer-term concerns. For instance, I helped a client navigate not only his assault charge but also the related protective order that was affecting his housing situation. By addressing both issues simultaneously, we were able to reach resolutions that allowed him to move forward with his life.
FAQ: Common Questions About Assault Cases in The Colony
Q: Can assault charges be dropped if the victim doesn’t want to press charges?Â
A: While the victim’s wishes are considered, the Denton County District Attorney’s Office makes the final decision on whether to prosecute. In domestic violence cases particularly, prosecution may continue even against the victim’s wishes.
Q: How do protective orders work in Denton County?Â
A: Protective orders can prohibit contact with the alleged victim, require you to stay away from certain locations, affect child custody arrangements, and even impact your right to possess firearms. Violations of protective orders can result in additional criminal charges.
Q: Will I go to jail for a first-time assault charge in The Colony?Â
A: Not necessarily. For first-time simple assault cases without aggravating factors, probation or deferred adjudication is often possible. However, cases involving serious injuries, weapons, or domestic violence may result in jail time.
Q: How long will an assault case take to resolve in Denton County?Â
A: Simple assault cases typically take 3-6 months, while more complex cases involving aggravating factors may take 6-12 months or longer. Early intervention by an experienced attorney can sometimes expedite this process.
No matter what type of assault charge you’re facing in The Colony, you deserve a defense that protects both your legal rights and your future opportunities. With the right approach, even serious assault allegations can be successfully defended.
Contact Deandra Grant Law for Help With Your Case in The Colony
Don’t face the Denton County legal system alone. When you’re dealing with DWI charges involving complex scientific evidence, the high stakes of repeat or felony offenses, or the serious implications of assault or drug charges in The Colony, you need an advocate who understands both the local legal landscape and what you’re personally going through. At Deandra Grant Law, we fight tirelessly to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future. Our familiarity with The Colony’s courts, prosecutors, and procedures gives you an advantage when it matters most. Contact us today through our website to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming control of your situation.
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