Despite what the news would have people believe, crime has been on a downward trend in the United States in recent years. Fewer crimes are being committed, fewer arrests are made by law enforcement, and fewer people are convicted of criminal offenses. However, this does not mean that crime has been completely eradicated or that those who commit crimes will go unpunished. In Tarrant County alone, tens of thousands of people are arrested and charged with crimes each year. Recently, the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney released a report detailing some statistics related to crimes that were prosecuted over the past year. This report provides an indication of the types of offenses that are most likely to lead to arrests and criminal charges. Those who are facing these or other charges can seek representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney to determine the best approach to take during their cases.

Top 3 Criminal Charges in Tarrant County in Fiscal Year 2022

For the fiscal year of 2022, which covered the time between October 2021 and September 2022, the following types of charges resulted in the most criminal cases:

• Felony drug possession - 2,462 people were charged with possession of less than one gram of a controlled substance. Even though this is only a minuscule amount of drugs, an arrest for possession of a controlled substance can result in serious charges. For drugs that are included in Penalty Group 1 or 2 as detailed in the Texas Controlled Substances Act, such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines, possession of less than one gram is a State Jail Felony. A conviction on these charges will result in a minimum sentence of 180 days in a state jail and a maximum sentence of two years. A person who is convicted may also be fined as much as $10,000.

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The Dameron Law Firm is pleased to announce that attorney, Craig Dameron, has been named a Top Attorney in the field of criminal defense for 2022 by Fort Worth Magazine. The magazine works to create a comprehensive list of the best attorneys in the area each year, receiving nominations from people in the legal field and reviewing these nominations to ensure that the attorneys recognized meet high standards and can provide quality legal services to clients. This is the seventh year in a row that Mr. Dameron has been recognized as a Top Attorney, demonstrating that he can provide excellent legal representation in criminal defense matters.

Why Craig Dameron Is a Top Attorney in the Field of Criminal Defense

Attorney Dameron understands the problems faced by those who have been arrested and charged with criminal offenses. People in this position are often forced into a frightening, unfamiliar situation. They may worry that if they say or do the wrong thing during their case, they could face serious consequences such as fines, the loss of a driver's license, restrictions on where they can go and what they can do, or even jail time. People in this situation need a compassionate advocate who can guide them through the legal process, help them understand what to expect, and fight to protect their rights.

We provide effective legal representation in multiple types of criminal cases, including:

• DWI - People who are arrested because they are suspected of drunk or intoxicated driving can face serious consequences, even for a first offense. In some cases, these arrests may occur after a person has made a mistake, and they will be looking to determine how they can minimize the impact on their ability to drive, their career, or their life as a whole. In other cases, a person may have a history of substance abuse, and they may need to undergo treatment to help them avoid behavior that could put themselves or others at risk of harm in the future. We work to ensure that people can respond correctly to these types of charges and avoid a negative impact on their lives as much as possible.

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People who have been arrested for property crimes in Texas may be confused about the differences between theft, robbery, and burglary. Although these crimes are similar, they are actually quite different and can carry different penalties. If you have been charged with a property crime in Texas, it is important to understand the nuances of these crimes so that you can know what to expect and how to defend yourself.

What Is Theft?

Theft is defined as taking something that does not belong to you without the owner's consent and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the thing taken. Additionally, theft can also occur when someone obtains services without paying or by deception. For example, if you go into a store and take an item off the shelf without paying for it, you have committed theft. If you order a meal at a restaurant and then leave without paying, you have committed theft. If you lie about your identity in order to obtain services that you would not otherwise be entitled to, you have committed theft. 

In Texas, theft is classified as a misdemeanor if the value of the property stolen was under $2,500. A person may be charged with a state jail felony if they are accused of stealing property valued between $2,500 and $30,000 or a firearm or had two previous theft convictions. Theft of property worth $30,000 to $150,000 is a third-degree felony, theft of $150,000 to $300,000 is a second-degree felony, and theft of over $300,000 is a first-degree felony.

Domestic disputes can occur in a variety of situations, and they can sometimes escalate to the point where a person may be arrested and charged with domestic assault or other offenses involving family violence. Many people believe that domestic assault only occurs when there is a physical altercation between spouses, family members, or people who are in a romantic relationship. However, domestic assault charges can be filed in other situations as well, even in cases where there was no physical contact between the alleged victim and the accused (Terroristic Threat). It is important to understand the specific charges that may apply in these situations and the consequences you may face if you are convicted. With the help of a criminal defense attorney, you can determine your best options for defending against domestic assault or family violence charges.

What Is Domestic Assault in Texas?

The Texas Penal Code states that a person can be charged with assault if they do one of the following:

• Intentionally cause someone else to suffer a bodily injury.

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In Texas, it is illegal to drive while intoxicated. However, DWI charges do not just apply in situations where a person drank alcohol before driving. Intoxication may also occur in situations involving the use of drugs, including illegal controlled substances, prescription drugs, and marijuana. If you have been pulled over by a police officer, questioned about your use of marijuana or other drugs, and arrested on DWI charges, you will need to understand the specific criminal charges that may apply. By working with an experienced lawyer, you can determine your best options for defense.

Texas DWI Laws Regarding Drugs

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a criminal offense in Texas. When it comes to alcohol use, intoxication is defined as having a blood alcohol content of at least .08 percent. However, the Texas Penal Code also states that a person may be considered to be intoxicated if they do not have the normal use of their physical or mental faculties due to the use of alcohol, marijuana, or other controlled substances. The combination of different types of substances, such as alcohol and prescription drugs, may also cause a person to become intoxicated.

The penalties for DWI can be very serious. At minimum, DWI is charged as a Class B misdemeanor, and a person who is convicted will be required to spend at least 72 hours in jail. Class B misdemeanor convictions may result in up to six months of jail time, as well as fines of up to $2,000. A person's driver's license may also be suspended for up to two years. More serious charges may apply in certain situations, such as when a person has previous DWI convictions or when they had a child passenger in their vehicle.