An Abilene criminal defense lawyer represents people accused of misdemeanors, felonies, DWI, drug crimes, theft, assault, probation violations, and other criminal offenses in Taylor County, Texas.
Attorney David M. White at the Law Offices of David M. White defends clients in Taylor County District Courts, the Taylor County Courts at Law, and Abilene Municipal Court.
If you were arrested, cited, or contacted by police, the decisions you make early can affect your bond, record, license, employment, and defense options. Our firm helps clients understand the charge, the court process, the possible penalties, and the legal paths that may reduce or avoid a conviction when available.
Call 325-437-3311 for a free consultation with an Abilene criminal defense attorney about your charge.
Who Is Attorney David M. White and Why Does Experience in Taylor County Matter?
Attorney David M. White runs a criminal defense and personal injury practice with offices in Abilene and San Angelo.
On the criminal side, we handle cases in the Taylor County courts on Beauregard Avenue and Oak Street regularly. Familiarity with local prosecutors, judges, and court procedures shapes how we approach every case.
A Practice Built on Criminal Defense
Our criminal defense work covers DWI charges, drug crimes, theft and property offenses, white-collar allegations, probation matters, and expunction petitions.
We also defend clients against misdemeanor charges that many people underestimate, including assault, criminal trespass, and Class C offenses that still create a criminal record.
How Local Court Knowledge Affects Your Case
Taylor County has its own rhythm. Taylor County District Courts handle felony cases after grand jury indictment. The two County Courts at Law manage misdemeanor cases.
The Abilene Municipal Court processes Class C offenses and city ordinance violations. Each court operates differently.
Knowing how a specific judge runs their docket, how a particular prosecutor evaluates plea offers, and which procedural arguments land well in each courtroom affects the strategy we build for your defense.
What Criminal Charges Does an Abilene Criminal Defense Attorney Handle?
A criminal defense attorney in Abilene, TX, handles any charge where the state accuses you of breaking the law. That covers everything from a traffic citation with criminal consequences to a first-degree felony carrying life in prison.
Criminal Cases We Take On in Taylor County
The charges that bring clients to our office reflect the most common offenses prosecuted in the Abilene area.
- DWI and drunk driving offenses, including first-time charges, repeat offenses, BAC over 0.15 cases, and Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearings
- Drug possession and delivery charges under Chapter 481 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, covering every penalty group from marijuana to fentanyl
- Theft and property crimes, including shoplifting, burglary, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
- Assault charges, from Class A misdemeanor assault causing bodily injury to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- Expunction and nondisclosure petitions for people seeking to clear or seal a past arrest or conviction
The charge level and the specific facts determine which court hears your case, what penalties you face, and which defense strategies apply. Call 325-437-3311 if you are not sure where your charge falls.
How Does the Criminal Court Process Work in Abilene?
A criminal case in Taylor County moves through defined stages, and each one carries deadlines and decision points. The process differs depending on whether your charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, but the general structure follows a similar path.
From Arrest Through Resolution
After an arrest in the Abilene area, your case follows a sequence that determines your options at every turn.
- Arrest and booking at the Taylor County Jail, followed by a magistrate hearing where a judge sets bail and informs you of the charges
- Release on bond, either through a cash bond, surety bond, or personal bond granted at the judge's discretion
- Arraignment, where the court formally reads the charges and you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest
- Pretrial preparation, during which your attorney reviews discovery, files motions, and builds the defense
- Resolution through plea negotiation, dismissal, or trial before a judge or jury
Felony cases add a grand jury step between arrest and arraignment. A grand jury of Taylor County residents reviews the evidence and decides whether to issue an indictment.
Without an indictment, the felony case does not move forward. Your criminal defense lawyer in Abilene, Texas, guides you through the correct path for your specific charge and court.
What Penalties Do Criminal Offenses Carry in Texas?
Texas criminal penalties range from a fine-only Class C misdemeanor to a capital felony carrying life without parole. Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code sets the classification system and the sentencing ranges for every offense level.
Texas Criminal Penalty Chart
| Offense Level | Incarceration Range | Maximum Fine |
| Class C Misdemeanor | None | $500 |
| Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 180 days in county jail | $2,000 |
| Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in county jail | $4,000 |
| State Jail Felony | 180 days to 2 years in state jail | $10,000 |
| Third-Degree Felony | 2 to 10 years in prison | $10,000 |
| Second-Degree Felony | 2 to 20 years in prison | $10,000 |
| First-Degree Felony | 5 to 99 years or life in prison | $10,000 |
| Capital Felony | Life without parole or death | N/A |
Beyond the Sentence Itself
The penalties in the chart only tell part of the story. A criminal conviction in Texas carries collateral consequences that outlast any jail or prison sentence.
- A permanent criminal record visible during background checks by employers, landlords, and licensing boards
- Driver's license suspension for certain offenses, including DWI and drug convictions, through the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS)
- Firearm restrictions for felony convictions and certain misdemeanor family violence offenses under both state and federal law
- Professional licensing complications in regulated fields like healthcare, education, law, and finance
- Immigration consequences for noncitizens, which may include deportation or visa denial depending on the offense
The gap between a conviction and a dismissal often determines whether any of these collateral consequences ever attach to your name. An Abilene criminal defense lawyer fights to widen that gap in your favor.
What Are Your Rights After a Criminal Arrest in Texas?
You have constitutional rights that apply the moment officers place you in custody. The right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment and the right to an attorney under the Sixth Amendment are the two most protective tools you have during and after an arrest.
Exercising Your Rights in Practice
Invoking your rights sounds simple. In practice, officers may continue asking questions, apply pressure, or suggest that cooperating leads to a better outcome. Anything you say after arrest may appear in a police report and later be used against you at trial.
We advise every client to provide basic identification and nothing more until they speak with a criminal defense attorney in Abilene.
The Right to Challenge the State's Evidence
Beyond silence and legal representation, you have the right to see and challenge every piece of evidence the prosecution plans to use. Your attorney reviews police reports, body camera footage, lab results, and witness statements during the discovery process.
If officers obtained evidence through an illegal stop, an unconstitutional search, or a coerced confession, we file motions to suppress that evidence before trial.
What Options Exist to Avoid a Conviction in Taylor County?
Deferred adjudication, pretrial diversion, and case dismissal may all allow you to resolve a criminal charge without a final conviction on your record. Eligibility depends on the charge, your criminal history, and the specific program requirements in Taylor County.
Deferred Adjudication in Texas
Deferred adjudication places you on community supervision without entering a conviction. Complete every condition the court sets, and the judge dismisses the case.
If you are eligible, you may later petition for a nondisclosure order to seal the record from most public access. Deferred adjudication may be available in some cases, but eligibility depends on the charge, your criminal history, and the judge’s discretion.
Expunction and Record Clearing
An expunction permanently destroys all records related to an arrest. Texas law permits expunction in specific situations, including cases that resulted in dismissal, acquittal, or certain completed waiting periods.
A nondisclosure order, by contrast, seals the record from most public access but does not destroy it. We evaluate which option fits your situation and file the appropriate petition with the Taylor County court.
Ask the Law Offices of David M. White
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Abilene?
Fees depend on the charge, the complexity of the case, and whether trial is likely.
We offer a free initial consultation where we review your case and explain the fee structure before you commit. Call 325-437-3311 to set up that conversation.
What if I was arrested but not charged yet?
An arrest without formal charges does not mean the case is over. Prosecutors in Taylor County may file charges weeks or months after the arrest.
Having an attorney involved early allows us to contact the DA's office, present favorable information, and potentially prevent charges from being filed at all.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Abilene?
A misdemeanor in Texas carries up to one year in county jail. A felony carries state prison time ranging from 180 days to life. Misdemeanors go through the Taylor County Courts at Law.
Felony cases in Taylor County may be assigned to the 42nd, 104th, or 350th District Court after grand jury indictment. Both leave a criminal record, but felony consequences are far more severe and longer lasting.
FAQs for Abilene Criminal Defense Lawyers
Does a criminal defense attorney handle traffic tickets in Abilene?
Yes, if the traffic ticket is a Class C misdemeanor. Many traffic violations in Texas carry criminal consequences. Paying the fine counts as a guilty plea that places a conviction on your record.
An attorney may contest the charge, pursue dismissal through defensive driving, or negotiate a more favorable resolution.
What is the difference between probation and deferred adjudication in Texas?
Probation follows a conviction. Deferred adjudication delays the conviction entirely. If you complete deferred adjudication, the court dismisses the case with no conviction.
If you are eligible, you may then petition for a nondisclosure order to seal the record. Regular probation does not offer that path because a conviction already exists.
What happens at a grand jury hearing in Taylor County?
A grand jury of Taylor County residents reviews evidence presented by the prosecutor and decides whether probable cause exists to issue a felony indictment.
The defense does not present evidence or cross-examine witnesses at this stage. The grand jury either issues a true bill, meaning the case moves forward, or a no bill, which stops the prosecution.
How long does a criminal case take in Abilene?
A straightforward misdemeanor may resolve in a few weeks to a couple of months. Felony cases with contested evidence or multiple defendants often take six months to a year or longer.
Cases headed to trial take additional time for preparation, jury selection, and scheduling. Your attorney provides a realistic timeline based on the specifics of your charge.
What if I violated my probation in Taylor County?
A probation violation, formally called a motion to revoke or a motion to adjudicate, may result in the original sentence being imposed.
The judge has discretion over whether to revoke probation, modify conditions, or continue supervision with added requirements.
Having an attorney present at the revocation hearing can help protect your rights, present mitigation, and explain the options available to the judge.
Start Building Your Defense With an Abilene Criminal Defense Lawyer
A criminal charge in Taylor County does not sit still while you figure out your options. Deadlines pass, evidence shifts, and prosecutors move forward whether you have representation or not.
An Abilene criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of David M. White reviews your charge, explains every available path, and takes action before the window for your strongest defense closes.
Pick up the phone and get honest answers about where your case stands. Call 325-437-3311 for a free consultation.