Earning a Trial Setting Dismissal in a DWI Case
I’m proud to share that I was recently listed by Show Me The Justice for earning a trial setting dismissal for my client in Cause Number 2534680 for the offense of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). While being listed therein is not the end-goal, this recognition is a meaningful reminder of the importance of diligent, principled defense work and the lives that are changed when justice prevails.
Understanding the Stakes
When someone is charged with DWI in Texas, they are immediately thrust into a situation that can be intimidating, confusing, and deeply consequential. A conviction can mean jail time, hefty fines, loss of driving privileges, and a permanent mark on one’s record—potentially affecting employment, housing, and insurance rates for years to come.
But beyond the legal consequences, there’s often a deeper, more human toll. Many individuals facing DWI charges are first-time offenders who made a mistake or were wrongfully accused. Some struggle with substance use, while others find themselves caught in a moment of misjudgment. Some should never have been stopped by the police in the first place, and/or there may have been significant issues with the machine that tested their blood or breath. Every case is different, and every client deserves an advocate who will treat them as more than a case number.
The Power of a Trial Setting
In the case highlighted by Show Me The Justice, my client was facing a DWI charge that carried both legal and personal ramifications. From day one, we prepared with the mindset that this case could go all the way to trial. That meant investigating every aspect of the stop, the arrest, the field sobriety tests, the chemical analysis procedure, and the chain of evidence.
Trial setting dismissals typically occur when the prosecution realizes, often close to trial, that their case has issues and should not proceed to trial. This can happen for a variety of reasons: constitutional violations, unreliable evidence, missing witnesses, or procedural errors. But it only happens when the defense is ready and willing to try the case.
In this instance, our strategy paid off. By persistently challenging the evidence, engaging in negotiation from a position of strength, and never backing down, we positioned the case for the best possible outcome. When the prosecution saw that we were not only prepared but confident in our defense, the case was dismissed at the trial setting. I commend the prosecutors for doing the right thing in this matter. As a former prosecutor, I know it can be difficult to let a case go that you worked very hard at, but you need to dismiss it because it is the right thing to do, given the specific facts and law in play in the case.
Why It Matters
Dismissals at trial settings are more than just legal victories—they are real-life turning points for the people we represent. For my client, this dismissal meant no criminal conviction, no loss of license, no time behind bars, and no permanent stain on their record. It meant a second chance.
These outcomes also reinforce the broader principle that in our criminal justice system, the burden of proof lies with the state. Prosecutors must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, and when they cannot, the charges must be dismissed. That’s not a loophole—it’s a safeguard that protects us all.
Gratitude and Reflection
I’m honored to be listed by Show Me The Justice for this outcome, but even more proud of the trust my client placed in me. Every time someone walks into my office seeking help, I understand that they’re putting their future in my hands. That’s a responsibility I never take lightly.
Recognition like this also shines a light on the tireless work done by defense attorneys across the state. Our job is often misunderstood, but we are a crucial part of the justice system—ensuring that rights are protected, abuses are checked, and every person has a voice.
Moving Forward
I’ll continue to approach each case with the same intensity, preparation, and passion that led to this dismissal. Whether it’s a misdemeanor DWI or a complex felony charge, I believe in fighting hard for every client and holding the state to its burden of proof.
