The Medlin Law Firm - Gary Medlin
What To Say When Police Knock On Your Door
Key Takeaways: What to say when police knock on your door in Dallas is simple: you usually do not have to open it, invite officers inside, or answer investigative questions. Ask whether they have a warrant, state that you do not consent to entry or any search, and say you will not answer questions without a lawyer. A valid warrant or a genuine emergency can change what officers may do. Stay calm, keep your hands visible, do not destroy anything, and never physically interfere with an entry, search, or arrest. Police at the door create pressure because the encounter can [...]
When Do Words Become Assault In Texas?
Key takeaways: Words can support an assault charge in Texas even without physical contact, but the State must prove an intentional or knowing threat of imminent bodily injury. Angry remarks, insults, or vague threats of future harm do not automatically meet that standard. Police may review 911 calls, bodycam, witnesses, texts, video, gestures, distance, and the sequence of events. If an argument leads to an accusation, preserve the full context and be cautious about making statements or contacting the complainant. An argument can turn into a police investigation even if no one was hit, pushed, or touched. Texas law allows [...]
Deferred Adjudication Records In Fort Worth: Your Options
Key Takeaways: Completing deferred adjudication in Texas usually prevents a final conviction, but it does not automatically clear the arrest, charge, plea, supervision, or dismissal from your record. Expunction is generally unavailable after court ordered deferred adjudication except in limited situations, while nondisclosure is often the record sealing remedy to examine. Eligibility and waiting periods depend on the exact offense, disposition, criminal history, and statutory section. Even after nondisclosure, law enforcement and certain government or licensing agencies may still access the sealed information. You completed deferred adjudication in Fort Worth. The judge discharged you, the case was dismissed, and there [...]
Talking To Police In Texas: Know Your Rights Before Charges
A call from a police officer or detective can catch you completely off guard. You may be told they just want to get your side of the story, clear up a misunderstanding, return property, or ask a few questions before closing a file. It can sound informal and harmless. But if law enforcement wants to speak with you before charges are filed in Texas, it usually means you should slow down, protect your rights, and avoid trying to explain the situation on your own. What you say during an early conversation can become evidence, fill gaps in an [...]
DWI Dismissed But License Still Suspended In Fort Worth?
Key takeaways: A DWI dismissal does not automatically cancel a Texas Administrative License Revocation suspension because the criminal charge and the driver’s license proceeding are separate cases. You can win or obtain a dismissal in criminal court and still lose driving privileges through ALR. A refusal or failed breath or blood test can trigger its own suspension and hearing deadline. A not guilty verdict can have a different effect from a dismissal, so the exact criminal outcome, test status, prior history, and timing need to be reviewed. Getting a DWI dismissed can feel like the end of the case. Then, [...]
Can A No Bill Erase A Felony Arrest In Fort Worth?
Key Takeaways: A Texas grand jury no bill can create a path toward clearing a felony arrest record, but it does not erase the arrest automatically. For a felony arrest where no indictment was presented, Chapter 55A may allow expunction after 3 years or sooner if the prosecutor provides the required certification. Related charges, prior proceedings, and the circumstances of the arrest can affect eligibility. Until a final expunction order takes effect, the arrest may remain visible in government records and background reports. A no bill can be an important development after a Fort Worth felony arrest. It means the grand [...]
ALR Hearing Vs DWI Case In Texas: Know Both Tracks
Key Takeaways: An ALR hearing and a Texas DWI case are separate proceedings that can arise from the same arrest. The ALR case concerns your driver’s license, while the criminal case determines whether the State can prove DWI and impose criminal penalties. A standard ALR hearing request is generally due within 15 days after notice is served, while certain later blood-test notices provide 20 days from the mailing date. Waiting for your criminal court date can cost you the opportunity to challenge the administrative suspension. Two Separate Legal Tracks; ALR Hearing Vs DWI Case In Texas A Fort Worth DWI [...]
Understanding Texas Bond Conditions & Common Violations
Being released on bond in Texas does not mean life goes back to normal. In many cases, it changes immediately. You may still be presumed innocent, but your daily routine can start to feel a lot like probation. You may have to report regularly, submit to drug or alcohol testing, avoid certain people, stay away from certain places, or limit where you travel. These bond conditions can be restrictive, expensive, and confusing. They can also create serious problems when a person violates them without meaning to. At The Medlin Law Firm, we regularly help people deal with bond [...]
What Happens At A Texas Magistrate Hearing?
Key takeaways: A Texas magistrate hearing is an early post-arrest proceeding where a magistrate explains the accusation, gives required warnings, addresses access to counsel, and handles bail when permitted by law. It generally must occur without unnecessary delay and no later than 48 hours after arrest. You normally are not there to argue guilt, present your full defense, or resolve the criminal case. Bond conditions imposed at this stage can control where you go, whom you contact, and what you must do after release. If you or a family member has just been arrested in Fort Worth, “magistrate hearing” may [...]
Do You Have To Talk If A Detective Calls You?
TL;DR: If a detective calls you in Dallas and wants to “ask a few questions,” that usually means a voluntary contact, not an order you must obey. The Fifth Amendment protects you from being compelled to incriminate yourself, and Miranda warnings are tied to custodial interrogation, not every phone call from police. Staying silent does not automatically create a warrant, but talking too early can hand detectives facts, timelines, and admissions they did not have before. Whether you are free to leave, already detained, or under arrest changes the rules fast. If a detective calls you and says they just [...]
