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Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney

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Dallas Criminal Defense AttorneyWhen you are charged with a crime in Dallas, the decisions made early in your case can shape everything that follows. At Pelley Law Office, we defend clients facing serious criminal allegations with decades of proven courtroom experience.

Since 1974, our team has secured countless dismissals, acquittals, and favorable outcomes, even in cases where other attorneys said it couldn’t be done. We fight tirelessly for every client, from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies, protecting your rights, clearing your record, and safeguarding your future. Call (214) 560-1919 or contact us online today for a free consultation. Our Dallas criminal defense lawyer will review your case, explain your options, and begin building your defense immediately.

Why Choose Pelley Law Office for Your Dallas Criminal Case

Why Choose Pelley Law Office for Your Dallas Criminal Case50+ Years Combined Experience

Richard A. Pelley has defended Dallas criminal cases since 1974. Quinton G. Pelley brings additional trial experience across Texas state and federal courts. We’ve handled thousands of cases from misdemeanors to capital murder.

Proven Track Record of Dismissals

Our record reflects what happens when cases are prepared to be challenged, not managed toward quick resolutions:

  • Aggravated sexual assault of a child dismissed after rejecting 40-year prison offer
  • Habitual offender facing 25-99 years for assaulting 4 police officers, all cases dismissed
  • Two delivery in school zone charges dismissed (client faced 40 years). We handle DWI, assault and family violence, theft under $2,500, drug possession, criminal mischief, public intoxication, and probation violations. Class A and Class B misdemeanors carry up to one year in jail and $4,000 fines.
  • Aggravated robbery with crystal-clear video surveillance, case dismissed
  • Federal FBI investigation for wire fraud of millions, closed without indictment

We win cases through aggressive motion practice, thorough investigation, and fearless trial advocacy.

Motion Practice That Wins

Police violate constitutional rights regularly. Illegal stops, warrantless searches, coerced confessions, and improper evidence collection create suppression opportunities. We file motions to suppress and motions to dismiss that force prosecutors to dismiss weak cases. When evidence gets suppressed, cases fall apart. We’ve walked clients facing decades in prison out of courthouses as free people.

Not a Volume Practice

We limit caseloads to provide the attention your case deserves. You’ll work directly with experienced attorneys who know your name, understand your case, and fight personally for your freedom. We prepare for trial from day one. Prosecutors know we’ll fight, which changes negotiation dynamics entirely.

Types of Criminal Charges Our Dallas Criminal Defense Attorneys Defend

Felony Defense

Types of Criminal Charges Our Dallas Criminal Defense Attorneys Defend

Our Dallas criminal defense lawyers defend clients against murder, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, sexual assault, drug trafficking, organized crime, federal white-collar crimes, and habitual offender charges. Even with extensive criminal history or overwhelming evidence, we’ve secured dismissals and freedom. Our motion practice wins cases that other lawyers lose.

Misdemeanor Charges

We handle DWI, assault and family violence, theft under $2,500, drug possession, criminal mischief, public intoxication, and probation violations. These charges may seem minor, but even misdemeanor convictions can carry jail time, permanent records, and long-term consequences. We protect your record and your rights.

Assault and Domestic Violence

We defend assault family member cases, assault by choking (automatic felony), aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, assault on police officers, and continuous violence against family. Domestic violence cases often proceed even when alleged victims want charges dropped, as the Dallas County DA’s office controls prosecution. We’ve dismissed assault cases in single court appearances when other attorneys recommended probation.

Drug Crimes Defense

We defend possession of marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, delivery and distribution charges, drug offenses in school zones, federal drug trafficking cases, and prescription fraud. In one case involving two delivery charges in school zones carrying a combined exposure of more than 40 years, we successfully litigated motions to suppress and secured a dismissal.

DWI and Intoxication Offenses

We handle first offense DWI, second and third DWI, DWI with child passenger, intoxication assault, intoxication manslaughter, and commercial driver DWI. Field sobriety tests, breath tests, and blood draws all have scientific weaknesses. We challenge evidence, suppress unlawful stops, and win cases at trial.

Sex Crimes and Child Abuse

We defend sexual assault, indecency with a child, online solicitation of a minor, possession of child pornography, continuous sexual abuse of a child, and failure to register as a sex offender. In one aggravated sexual assault case involving a child, where the prosecution sought a 40-year sentence, we rejected the offer, litigated the case aggressively, and ultimately secured a complete dismissal.

Federal Criminal Defense

We handle federal drug conspiracy, money laundering, wire fraud, tax evasion, federal weapons charges, immigration crimes, and bank fraud. In one federal wire fraud investigation involving alleged losses in the millions, we demonstrated that our client was a victim rather than a perpetrator, leading prosecutors to close the investigation without filing charges.

Texas Criminal Charge Levels and Penalty Ranges

Class C Misdemeanor

Texas Criminal Charge Levels and Penalty Ranges

Punishable by a fine of up to $500 with no jail time. Includes assault by threat, theft under $100, disorderly conduct, and public intoxication. While seemingly minor, these convictions create permanent records. We fight to keep your record clean.

Class B Misdemeanor

Carries up to 180 days in county jail and a $2,000 fine. Includes DWI first offense, theft $100-$750, marijuana possession under 2 ounces, and criminal trespass.

Class A Misdemeanor

Most serious misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in county jail and a $4,000 fine. Includes assault of a family member causing bodily injury, theft $750-$2,500, DWI with a child passenger, and resisting arrest.

State Jail Felony

The least serious felony carries 180 days to 2 years and up to a $10,000 fine. Examples include theft of $2,500-$30,000 and some drug possession charges.

Third-Degree Felony

Punishable by 2 to 10 years, plus up to $10,000 fine. Includes assault by choking a family member, theft of $30,000-$150,000, and continuous violence against the family.

Second-Degree Felony

Carries 2 to 20 years and fines up to $10,000. Includes aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, sexual assault, robbery, burglary of habitation, and intoxication manslaughter.

First-Degree Felony

Most serious non-capital offense punishable by 5 to 99 years or life, plus a $10,000 fine. Examples include aggravated robbery with a weapon, aggravated sexual assault, and continuous sexual abuse of a child.

Capital Felony

Capital murder charges carry the death penalty or life without parole. The state must prove murder with specific circumstances, like murdering a peace officer, murdering during robbery, or murdering a child under 10.

Enhancement for Habitual Offenders

Prior felony convictions trigger enhancement under Texas Penal Code § 12.42. Two prior felonies make the defendant a habitual offender facing 25 to 99 years or life. We’ve defended habitual offenders facing a minimum of 25 years and secured complete dismissals.

Long-Term Consequences of Criminal Convictions

Long-Term Consequences of Criminal ConvictionsCriminal convictions affect life beyond jail and fines:

  • Employment barriers: Background checks reveal convictions
  • Professional license suspension: Many professions bar convicted felons
  • Housing rejections: Landlords deny applications based on criminal history
  • Loss of firearm rights: Felonies and family violence convictions prohibit gun ownership
  • Immigration consequences: Non-citizens face deportation
  • Financial aid ineligibility: Federal aid unavailable after drug convictions
  • Child custody restrictions: Courts consider criminal history in custody decisions

We’ve protected countless clients from convictions that would have destroyed their futures.

Should You Talk to Police Without an Attorney?

Should You Talk to Police Without an Attorney?Absolutely not. The police aren’t trying to help you. They’re building prosecution cases. Everything you say can and will be used against you, even statements you believe prove innocence.

Politely decline questions, invoke your right to remain silent, and request an attorney immediately. You have constitutional rights. Use them. We’ve seen countless cases where client statements to police created evidence that wouldn’t otherwise exist.

Can Your Case Be Dismissed?

Many cases get dismissed when experienced attorneys challenge evidence aggressively. Dismissals occur through grand jury no bills, motions to suppress, insufficient evidence, constitutional violations, witness problems, and affidavits of non-prosecution.

We’ve secured dismissals in aggravated sexual assault, assault on police officers, aggravated robbery with video evidence, and federal investigations. If dismissal is possible, we’ll find the path.

What If You’re Guilty?

Even with guilt, you have rights and options. Prosecutors must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. Police must respect constitutional protections. Evidence must be obtained legally.

Our clients receive probation instead of prison, reduced charges instead of original accusations, deferred adjudication instead of convictions, and minimal sentences instead of maximum penalties when we fight strategically.

Your past doesn’t determine your future. We’ve helped clients with extensive criminal histories avoid decades in prison through creative defense strategies.

How We Build Your Defense Strategy

How We Build Your Defense StrategyOur Dallas criminal defense attorneys focus on the evidence, the law, and the decisions that will have the greatest impact on the outcome of your case. We begin by analyzing every detail of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s narrative. From there, we use proven tactics that have led to numerous victories in complicated trials.

  • Immediate investigation: Preserving critical evidence before it disappears
  • Challenge the state’s evidence: Exposing illegal stops, coerced confessions, and forensic flaws
  • Grand jury presentation: Securing “no bills” that dismiss charges before trial
  • Negotiate from strength: Using our trial record to achieve favorable outcomes
  • Trial experience: Hundreds of cases tried to verdict when necessary

With this strategy, we turn the tables on the prosecution, ensuring every angle is explored to protect your rights and achieve the best possible result.

How Long Will Your Case Take?

The timeline for resolving your criminal case can vary significantly based on several key factors, including the type of charges, the nature of evidence, court docket congestion in Dallas County, and the progress of negotiations with prosecutors.

For misdemeanors, cases often wrap up within a few months through quick plea deals or dismissals, while serious felonies, such as those involving extensive discovery, expert witnesses, or trial preparation, may take a year or longer to reach a conclusion.

We move efficiently while ensuring we don’t rush into unfavorable agreements, as strategic patience can create valuable leverage during plea bargaining or motions hearings. We’ll provide personalized timeline expectations during your free consultation, helping you understand each stage from arraignment to resolution.

How Does a Grand Jury Proceeding Work?

Felony charges require a grand jury indictment. A grand jury is a panel of citizens that decides whether prosecutors have enough evidence to formally charge someone with a felony and move the case forward.

Grand juries usually hear only the prosecutor’s version of events unless defense counsel steps in to present evidence. We prepare targeted presentations showing why charges should not be filed.

A “no bill” from the grand jury means the case is dismissed before trial and never proceeds to court. We have secured numerous no bills in cases ranging from sexual assault to drug trafficking.

How We Navigate the Dallas County Criminal Justice System

Dallas County Courts

How We Navigate the Dallas County Criminal Justice System

Misdemeanors are prosecuted in Dallas County Criminal Courts 1-15 and Justice of the Peace Courts. Felonies proceed through Dallas County Criminal District Courts. Federal charges go through the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas.

Our decades of experience in these courtrooms give us insights that newly licensed attorneys lack. We know the judges, understand the prosecutors, and navigate the system effectively.

Dallas County District Attorney’s Office

The DA’s office maintains units for violent crimes, sex crimes, drugs, organized crime, and habitual offenders. We deal directly with these units, understand how cases are screened and charged, and use that knowledge to press weaknesses early and negotiate from strength. Our experience with Dallas County prosecutors helps us achieve better results.

What Happens at Arraignment?

Arraignment is your first court appearance where you’re formally notified of charges and enter a plea. Never plead guilty at arraignment without consulting experienced defense counsel first.

We appear at arraignment on your behalf when possible, enter not guilty pleas, discuss bond conditions, and begin negotiating with prosecutors. Arraignment starts the formal process, but doesn’t determine outcomes.

How Much Does Criminal Defense Cost?

How Much Does Criminal Defense Cost?We offer free consultations ($250 value) to evaluate your case and explain options. Attorney fees vary based on charge severity, case demands, and whether a trial becomes necessary. We discuss fees transparently during consultation.

Hiring a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Dallas is an investment in your future. The cost of conviction, lost employment, destroyed reputation, years in prison, far exceeds attorney fees. We offer payment plans, making quality defense accessible.

Your Defense Starts the Moment You Call Us

If you’re under investigation, arrested, or charged with crimes in Dallas, Dallas County, or North Texas, contact Pelley Law Office immediately. Every day you wait allows prosecutors to build stronger cases while your defense opportunities diminish.

During your consultation, we’ll review charges, explain options honestly, answer questions completely, and develop defense strategies tailored to your situation. You’ll speak directly with experienced attorneys, not paralegals or intake staff.

Don’t let one mistake or false accusation destroy your future. Choose attorneys who’ve spent 50 years fighting for clients facing the toughest charges and winning when others said it couldn’t be done.

Contact Our Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers

If you’re facing criminal charges in Dallas or throughout North Texas, don’t wait another day. The decisions you make now will impact your freedom, your family, and your future for years to come.

At Pelley Law Office, we’ve spent 50 years defending clients against the toughest charges and winning. Call (214) 560-1919 or contact us online for your free consultation. Our Dallas criminal defense attorney will review your case, explain your options, and begin building your defense immediately. Don’t face criminal charges alone. Contact us today.

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Dallas office

400 Crescent Court, Suite 700
Dallas, Texas 75201

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