Southlake, TX Criminal Attorneys

Southlake, TX Criminal Defense Attorneys

An arrest in Southlake rarely stays a Southlake matter for long. A DWI stop on State Highway 114, a shoplifting accusation at Southlake Town Square, or an assault call in a quiet neighborhood can land you in front of a Tarrant County judge in downtown Fort Worth. Barrett Legal PLLC represents people charged with crimes in Southlake and across Northeast Tarrant County, from the first phone call through the final hearing.

Many of our Southlake clients have careers, professional licenses, and families that depend on a clean record. We build every defense with those stakes in mind.

If you or someone you love has been arrested or contacted by police, call Barrett Legal PLLC at 817-512-7044 to schedule a confidential consultation.

Where Your Southlake Case Will Be Heard

Where your case goes depends on the charge. Knowing the court helps you know what to expect.

  • Southlake Municipal Court: Handles fine-only Class C misdemeanors and traffic citations written in the city.
  • Tarrant County Criminal Courts at Law: Hear Class A and Class B misdemeanors, including most first and second DWI cases.
  • Tarrant County Criminal District Courts: Hear felony cases at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center at 401 W. Belknap Street in Fort Worth.

The Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office prosecutes misdemeanor and felony cases from Southlake. Its prosecutors handle a heavy docket and have significant resources. You deserve a defense team that prepares just as thoroughly.

Charges We Defend in Southlake

DWI and Intoxication Offenses

A first DWI is generally a Class B misdemeanor with a minimum of 72 hours in jail under Texas Penal Code Chapter 49. A blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 or higher makes it a Class A misdemeanor. Learn more about our Southlake DWI defense and felony DWI representation.

Drug Charges

Possessing less than one gram of a Penalty Group 1 drug, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, is a state jail felony. THC vape cartridges and edibles fall under Penalty Group 2 and can also bring felony charges, which catches many young people and parents off guard. See our Southlake drug crime defense page.

Assault and Family Violence

A family violence accusation can lead to an emergency protective order that keeps you out of your own home before you ever see a judge. We move quickly to challenge the allegations and protect your rights. Read more about our Southlake domestic violence defense.

Theft and White-Collar Crimes

Under Penal Code Section 31.03, theft is graded by value. Property worth $2,500 or more is a felony. Fraud, embezzlement, and credit card abuse cases often turn on financial records and intent, and we review both closely.

Juvenile Offenses

When a teenager is arrested in Southlake, the case goes through the Tarrant County juvenile system, which focuses on rehabilitation but can still bring probation or state commitment. Our Southlake juvenile defense attorneys work to protect your child’s record and future.

Felony Charges

Felonies carry state jail or prison time and lasting consequences. We handle cases from grand jury review through trial. Visit our Southlake felony defense page for details.

Protecting Your Career, License, and Travel

A conviction can follow you into areas that have nothing to do with the courtroom:

  • Professional licenses: Under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 53, licensing agencies can deny, suspend, or revoke licenses after certain convictions. That affects nurses, teachers, real estate agents, and many others.
  • Security clearances and employment: Background checks can cost you a promotion, a clearance, or a job offer.
  • International travel: Some countries, including Canada, can refuse entry to travelers with a DWI conviction. That matters for anyone who travels for work through DFW Airport.
  • Civil rights: A felony conviction takes away firearm rights and suspends voting rights until the sentence is fully discharged. Under Government Code Section 62.102, a felony or misdemeanor theft conviction also disqualifies you from jury service.
  • Custody: A conviction, especially one involving family violence or drugs, can hurt your position in a custody dispute.

Paths to a Dismissal or Reduced Charge

Not every case ends at trial. Depending on the facts, we may pursue:

  • Suppression of evidence: If officers lacked reasonable suspicion for the stop or searched without legal authority, we ask the court to exclude the evidence.
  • Pretrial intervention: Some first-time defendants may qualify for a diversion program that can end in dismissal.
  • Deferred adjudication: This option avoids a conviction and may allow you to seal the record later through an order of nondisclosure.
  • Negotiated reductions: When the state’s evidence is weak, prosecutors may agree to a lesser charge.
  • Trial: When the state won’t offer a fair resolution, we take the case to a judge or jury.

If your case was dismissed or you were acquitted, our Southlake expungement attorneys can help you clear the arrest from your record.

What to Bring to Your First Consultation

Coming prepared helps us start on your defense right away. If you have them, bring:

  1. Your bond paperwork and any citations
  2. A DWI license suspension notice. You generally have only 15 days to request a hearing.
  3. Your next court date
  4. Names and phone numbers of witnesses
  5. A list of your questions

Talk With a Southlake Criminal Defense Lawyer

Barrett Legal PLLC’s Southlake office at 151 Players Circle serves clients in Southlake, Grapevine, Colleyville, Keller, Westlake, and Trophy Club. Founder Barrett Dye is a former elected felony prosecutor, and he knows how the state builds its cases.

Call 817-512-7044 to schedule a confidential consultation and start planning your defense.