Arlington Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with a crime, or if you are being investigated for a crime, it is always in your best interest to hire a lawyer to represent you. I founded the Law Office of Stephen Handy PLLC in 2000 and I have been serving residents in the Arlington area for over 17 years now. I represent clients accused of minor misdemeanor offenses as well as serious felony offenses.
Being charged with a crime is no small matter. Even a Class C misdemeanor (ticket) can have significant consequences if not handled appropriately. In today’s technology-driven world, it seems like your whole life is on display for all to see – not just the good, but the bad and ugly as well. If you end up with a conviction, it is likely to be online indefinitely. The key is to handle it appropriately from the beginning – and hiring a great criminal lawyer is your first step.
I understand that being charged with a crime is a stressful time and can impact every part of your life – your family life, your work life, and your social life. I am committed to helping alleviate this stress in every way possible. It is normal to be fearful and anxious during this time and it is important to hire a lawyer that you trust and that has an unshakable commitment to providing the best criminal defense possible.
This is a responsibility I take very seriously
It doesn’t take much to be accused of a crime. However, you do have constitutional rights that offer numerous protections. I work hard for my clients and fight to protect their rights and their freedom. If you have been accused of a crime, call me for a consultation. Legal representation is important even before charges are filed and can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
As a criminal lawyer, I focus on the following additional types of cases:
Assault cases
- assault, family violence, and aggravated assault, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Burglary cases
- burglary of a habitation, burglary of a building, and burglary of a vehicle
Child Abuse cases
- injury to a child, sexual assault of a child, continuous sex abuse, indecency with a child
Drug Crimes
- possession, possession with the intent to deliver or manufacture, delivery
Driving While Intoxicated
- DWI w/BAC >.15, second DWI, DWI with 3 or more, intoxication manslaughter
Homicide Cases
- murder, manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, intoxication manslaughter
Robbery Crimes
- robbery and aggravated robbery
Sex Cases
- sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, indecency with a child, continuous sex abuse
Theft Crimes
- theft, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
Weapons Cases
- UCW (unlawful carrying weapon), unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, deadly weapon, possession of prohibited weapons
Probation Violations
- for any misdemeanor or felony crime
Challenging Drunk Driving Charges in Arlington
Arlington is the 48th largest city in the United States. Sandwiched between Fort Worth and Dallas and is the home of the University of Texas at Arlington, Dallas Cowboys Stadium and Texas Rangers Ballpark. It is a city of entertainment and thus, one of the most common criminal charges in the Arlington area is DWI (Driving While Intoxicated).
Texas takes a strong stance against impaired driving and it doesn’t take much to be arrested and charged with a DWI. The “err on the side of safety” mentality has led to many people being arrested for DWI, but they weren’t intoxicated – they simply had a drink and got pulled over. If a police officer smells alcohol, there’s a good chance you will be arrested. I do not endorse drunk driving, but I do believe that many innocent people are arrested for DWI. In Texas, if you are 21 years of age or older, to drink alcoholic beverages and then drive a vehicle so long as you do so responsibly. It becomes illegal when you drink enough alcohol that you lose the normal use of your mental or physical faculties or your blood alcohol level is .08 or above.
If you have been arrested for DWI, it is important to hire an attorney as soon as possible. In Texas, you only have fifteen (15) days to request a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to challenge the administrative suspension of your driver’s license. This is an important step to prevent your driver’s license from being suspended while your case is being prosecuted.
DWI defense can be highly complex. Knowledge of field sobriety tests, blood alcohol content, blood alcohol tests and the science behind it is extremely important. As a member of the National College of DUI Defense, I am committed to staying abreast of the latest technology and information on defending drunk driving charges. I have a proven track record in defending those facing DWI charges and will work tirelessly to get the best possible outcome.
If you have been arrested for DWI in the Arlington area, do not hesitate to call my office to schedule a consultation. I will provide a complete evaluation of your case and discuss your options. I take pride in providing personal representation and will personally handle your case if you choose to hire me as your defense attorney.