Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney
Facing criminal charges? Your freedom, reputation, and future matter. We provide strategic, aggressive criminal defense representation to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.
Charged with a crime in Dallas–Fort Worth? Start here.
Being arrested or charged with a crime can threaten your freedom, career, reputation, and future. Whether you're facing a DWI, assault charge, drug offense, or other criminal allegation, the decisions you make early in your case matter. At McCray Stewart & Associates, we provide strategic criminal defense representation throughout Dallas, Collin, Denton, and Tarrant Counties, as well as in Mississippi state and federal courts.
Attorney Kristian McCray Stewart brings more than a decade of legal experience to every case. As a former public defender with over five years of experience and a former United States Air Force Staff Judge Advocate, she understands how criminal cases are investigated, prosecuted, and defended. Our firm carefully evaluates the evidence, protects your constitutional rights, and develops a defense strategy tailored to your circumstances.
Criminal cases we handle
DWI and DUI Defense
A DWI arrest in Texas can affect your freedom, driving privileges, employment, and future. In addition to criminal charges, you may face a separate administrative driver's license suspension.
In many Texas DWI cases, you have only 15 days from receiving notice of suspension to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. Missing this deadline can result in the loss of your driving privileges.
At McCray Stewart & Associates, we examine the legality of the traffic stop, field sobriety testing, breath or blood test results, and other evidence. We also address potential driver's license consequences, including issues affecting commercial driver's license (CDL) holders.
Assault and Family Violence Defense
Assault and family violence allegations can have serious consequences for your freedom, employment, family relationships, and reputation. Depending on the circumstances, charges may range from misdemeanors to felonies and may involve protective orders, bond restrictions, and potential consequences for firearm rights.
At McCray Stewart & Associates, we carefully investigate the allegations, review witness statements, photographs, messages, police reports, and available video evidence. We examine potential defenses, including self-defense when supported by the facts, and work to protect your rights throughout the criminal justice process.
Whether you are facing a misdemeanor assault charge or a felony family violence allegation, we develop a defense strategy based on the specific facts and evidence in your case.
Drug Possession and Drug Crime Defense
Drug-related charges in Texas can carry serious penalties, including fines, probation, and incarceration. Whether you are accused of drug possession, possession with intent to distribute, manufacturing, or delivery of a controlled substance, the consequences depend on the type and amount of substance involved, your criminal history, and other circumstances.
At McCray Stewart & Associates, we examine the legality of traffic stops, searches, seizures, arrests, and the handling of evidence. We evaluate potential constitutional violations and challenge evidence when appropriate.
We also explore available options, including diversion programs, treatment-based alternatives, reduced charges, or dismissal when supported by the facts and applicable law.
Expunctions and Orders of Nondisclosure
A criminal record can affect your employment, housing opportunities, professional licensing, and future. Texas law provides certain options for clearing or restricting access to criminal records, depending on your eligibility.
Expunctions: An expunction may allow eligible arrest and criminal case records to be removed from government records. Eligibility may apply to certain dismissed charges, acquittals, and other qualifying circumstances.
Orders of nondisclosure: An order of nondisclosure restricts public access to certain criminal records but does not erase them. Some individuals who successfully complete deferred adjudication or meet other statutory requirements may qualify.
At McCray Stewart & Associates, we review your criminal history, determine which remedies may be available, and guide you through the process of petitioning the court for relief.
What Happens After an Arrest in Texas?
- Arrest and bond: After an arrest, you will generally appear before a magistrate who explains your rights and addresses bail. Depending on the circumstances, you may be released on bond with conditions you must follow.
- Protecting your driver's license (DWI cases): If you receive notice of an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) suspension, you generally have 15 days to request a hearing. This deadline is separate from your criminal court proceedings.
- Filing of criminal charges: Prosecutors review the case and determine which charges to pursue. We obtain and examine available discovery, including police reports, body-camera footage, witness statements, and laboratory results.
- Building your defense: We evaluate the evidence, investigate potential defenses, and determine whether motions, negotiations, diversion programs, or other legal options may be appropriate.
- Resolution or trial: Some cases resolve through dismissal, plea negotiations, or alternative programs. When a case proceeds to trial, we prepare to challenge the prosecution's evidence and advocate for your rights in court.
Why Choose McCray Stewart & Associates?
- Extensive criminal defense experience: Attorney Kristian McCray Stewart brings more than a decade of legal experience, including over five years as a public defender and service as a United States Air Force Staff Judge Advocate.
- Strategic defense representation: We carefully examine the evidence, identify potential constitutional violations, and develop defense strategies tailored to the facts of each case.
- Personalized attention: You work directly with your attorney and receive clear explanations about your charges, legal options, and the progress of your case.
- State and federal court experience: Licensed in Texas, Mississippi, and Georgia, with admission to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
- Transparent fees and convenient consultations: We offer flat-fee representation with payment plans available, a free 15-minute initial consultation, and phone and Zoom appointments. Longer consultations are $225.
Criminal defense FAQs
Should I talk to the police if I'm being investigated for a crime?
You have the right to remain silent, and you generally do not have to answer questions about an alleged crime. You can clearly tell officers that you wish to remain silent and want to speak with an attorney before answering questions. You may still be required to provide identifying information in certain circumstances. Avoid resisting officers or providing false information. Speaking with a criminal defense attorney early can help protect your rights.
Can a Texas DWI affect my commercial driver's license (CDL)?
Yes. A DWI arrest or conviction can have serious consequences for commercial drivers, including possible CDL disqualification. Certain alcohol-related violations can affect your CDL even if you were driving your personal vehicle. A first qualifying violation may result in a one-year disqualification, with longer penalties in certain circumstances. If you receive notice of an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) suspension, you generally have only 15 days to request a hearing. Contacting a criminal defense attorney promptly can help you understand your options.
Can I get my criminal record expunged or sealed in Texas?
Texas law allows certain individuals to seek an expunction or an order of nondisclosure, depending on how their criminal case was resolved and other eligibility requirements. An expunction generally removes eligible arrest and case records, while an order of nondisclosure restricts public access to certain records without erasing them. Some dismissed charges, acquittals, and qualifying deferred adjudications may be eligible for relief. We review your criminal history and help determine which options may be available.
How much does it cost to hire a criminal defense attorney in Dallas?
At McCray Stewart & Associates, we offer flat-fee representation for criminal defense cases, with payment plans available. Attorney's fees depend on the type of charge, complexity of the case, and legal services required. We offer a free 15-minute initial consultation to discuss your situation and potential next steps. Longer consultations are $225. Before representation begins, we explain the fees and scope of services in a written agreement.
Arrested for DWI in Dallas County? Your First 15 Days
A Texas DWI arrest starts two cases at once, and one has a 15-day deadline. Here is what happens next and how to protect your license and your record.
Read the guide → · All articlesCriminal Defense in Dallas–Fort Worth and Mississippi
McCray Stewart & Associates provides criminal defense representation for individuals facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout Dallas–Fort Worth. We serve clients in Dallas, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Plano, Frisco, and surrounding communities across Dallas, Collin, Denton, and Tarrant Counties. We also represent clients in Mississippi, including Brookhaven, Oxford, Tupelo, and Jackson, in matters within our practice.
Facing charges? Get a confidential consultation today.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Potential Penalties:
a. Prison.
b. Fines.
c. Permanent record.
Our Commitment:
Challenging evidence and providing a robust defense for possession, distribution, or manufacturing charges.
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Listen to Atty. McCray Stewart as she explains the potential impact of a DWI/DUI on your CDL.
TESTIMONIALS
What our former clients are saying
"There was no judgement and she only wanted what was best for me in my situation!"
"Open, honest, and God-fearing!! There was no judgement and she only wanted what was best for me in my situation! She’s confident and humble. Will definitely recommend her to others."
-Sheila
"Mrs McCray and her firm deserve 6 stars"
"Mrs McCray and her firm deserve 6 stars. They are very attentive.
To their client. I never felt safer. They really look out for your best behalf. I will definitely recommend their service."
- Jeff Johnson