Criminal Defense and DWI Attorneys in McKinney, TX
We are dedicated to fighting for you in state and federal court. Whether you need a McKinney, TX DWI lawyer or criminal defense attorney we have the experience, skills, and confidence to take your case to trial, fight for your rights, and win. Warren Abrams and Joshua Abrams will treat your case seriously and fight vigorously for your rights – in trial and in negotiations.
Abrams Trial Law is an experienced Criminal Defense and DWI Law Firm serving McKinney, TX. As former Assistant District Attorneys with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, Warren Abrams and Joshua Abrams have a unique insight into how the District Attorney’s Office prosecutes cases and will use that knowledge to your advantage in giving you the very best representation.
Common Criminal Charges in McKinney, TX
When you are facing criminal charges, there is a lot on the line. If you are convicted, you may have to face jail or prison time, or be placed on probation and be required to participate in education and community service programs. You could also receive a mark on your permanent record, which can impair your ability to secure work, housing, and other opportunities in the future.
Drug Charges in McKinney, TX
Abrams Trial Law has experience fighting drug offenses and marijuana charges. This is in addition to charges for Possession of a Controlled Substance and Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Drug Trafficking, Prescription Drug Fraud, and more.
Theft Charges in McKinney, TX
As you would expect, theft refers to acts of stealing, and it encompasses a broad range of charges, some of which include misdemeanor theft, felony theft, shoplifting, larceny, misappropriation of property, purchasing and receiving stolen goods, and more.
Burglary Charges in McKinney, TX
Abrams Trial Law is experienced in handling different types of burglary charges including Burglary of a Habitation, Burglary of a Building, Burglary of a Motor Vehicle, in addition to Criminal Trespass and Criminal Mischief charges.
Assault Charges in McKinney, TX
Abrams Trial Law is experienced in handling all types of offenses, including, but not limited to: Misdemeanor Assault, Family Violence and Felony Family Violence, Felony Assault, Aggravated Assault, Sexual Assault, and Assault of a Peace Officer.
Solicitation of Prostitution Charges in McKinney, TX
Abrams Trial Law has experience in handling Solicitation of Prostitution and Prostitution charges.
Homicide Charges in McKinney, TX
Abrams Trial Law is experienced in handling all types of homicide charges including Murder, Manslaughter, and Negligent Homicide charges.
What Constitutes a DWI in McKinney, TX?
Section 49.04 in the Texas Penal Code defines driving while intoxicated (DWI) as driving or operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. Intoxication means not having the normal use of one’s mental or physical faculties due to the intoxication of alcohol and/or drugs in one’s system or having an alcohol concentration of .08 or higher at the time of operating the motor vehicle.
What you need to know if charged with DWI in McKinney, TX
Abrams Trial Law is experienced in McKinney, TX, and handles all types of DWI charges including Class B misdemeanor DWI charges, Class A misdemeanor DWI charges, DWI 1st, DWI .15 or Greater, and DWI 2nd charges. Our firm also handles felony alcohol related offenses including felony DWI 3rd or More, DWI with Child, Intoxication Assault and Intoxication Manslaughter charges. The consequences of a misdemeanor DWI charge could include potential jail time, probation, fines and license suspension. The consequences of felony DWI charges could result in potential imprisonment, probation, fines and license suspension.
In DWI cases where the accused has a BAC that is 0.15 or higher, the charge becomes a Class A misdemeanor.
Consequences of a DWI Conviction in McKinney, TX
In addition to penalties handed down by the court, there are other significant consequences that can result from a DWI conviction in Texas.
- Loss of professional licensure: If you hold a license in certain professions, such as in the medical field, your job might be jeopardized by a DWI conviction.
- Loss of firearms: You may lose your right to own firearms if you’re convicted of a felony DWI. In Texas, felons are prohibited from owning guns.
- Loss of voting rights: You are also prohibited from voting if you’re convicted of a felony.
- Child custody issues: If you’re currently involved in a contentious divorce and are fighting for custody, the judge might see you as a serious risk to your children. Depending on the circumstances, the court can change or revoke custody rights if you’re deemed a danger to your children.
- Difficulty finding housing: Your ability to secure new housing can even be affected by a DWI conviction. Background checks are performed, and landlords are looking for tenants with clean records. If you’re convicted of a DWI, it could make finding a new rental challenging.
- Difficulty securing a loan: If convicted of DWI, you may have trouble qualifying for loans. If lenders deem you a risk, you will be less likely to get a loan when you need one.
Can an Attorney Get a McKinney, TX DWI Dismissed?
If you’re charged with DWI, the best-case scenario is that your defense attorney gets the charge dismissed or you are found not guilty in trial. Your DWI attorney will look at the facts in your case and build a strong defense based on the circumstances.
Reasons a DWI Case Might be Dismissed in McKinney, TX
Based on the specific details of the case, there are several ways an experienced DWI attorney could potentially help get your case dismissed.
Probable Cause
Some DWI cases get dismissed because the police officer had insufficient reasonable suspicion to make the traffic stop in the first place. Texas police must have a valid reason before they can stop your car and charge you with DWI. Also, if your lawyer can show that there was a lack of probable cause to arrest you, the charges may be thrown out. Normally, the way to handle the reasonable suspicion and or probable cause issue is through a Motion to Suppress hearing, which Abrams Trial Law is very experienced in doing.
Inaccurate Breathalyzer Test
Unreliable breath or blood tests can also lead to the dismissal of charges. Breathalyzers must be properly calibrated and administered, and blood tests must be administered according to proper procedure or they may be able to be thrown out.
Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests aren’t always reliable for a variety of reasons. Certain medical conditions, footwear, and even environmental factors can affect their accuracy.
Should I Plead Guilty or Not Guilty to a Texas DWI Charge?
It always depends on the facts of your case, and you should consult and hire an experienced criminal defense firm before making any decision.
If you face DWI charges in McKinney, TX, it’s extremely important you have a defense attorney with experience on your side.
When you have trouble with the law and have been arrested, you need a McKinney, TX criminal defense attorney with honesty, experience, skills, and confidence to take your case to trial and WIN. Get in touch with Abrams Trial Law today.
Representing Clients at the Collin County Courthouse in McKinney
McKinney is the county seat of Collin County, which means the main Collin County courthouse is right here. Felony cases from across Collin County — including those originating in Plano, Allen, Frisco, and McKinney itself — are tried in McKinney. That makes local knowledge especially important. Abrams Trial Law appears regularly in these courts and knows the judges, the local prosecutors’ tendencies, and how Collin County juries tend to think.
If you’ve been charged with anything from a DWI to organized crime — Abrams Trial Law handles it all, and we handle it in the exact courthouse where your case will be heard. We also defend clients facing federal charges and white collar matters, juvenile cases, expunction proceedings, and everything in between. Having an attorney who walks into that McKinney courthouse already knowing the judges, the prosecutors, and the process isn’t a minor advantage — it’s the difference between a defense that’s prepared and one that’s catching up.
The Stakes of a Criminal Conviction in McKinney, TX
People sometimes underestimate how far-reaching a criminal conviction can be in Texas. Beyond the immediate penalties — fines, probation, jail or prison time — a conviction can follow you for years:
- Employment: Texas employers routinely run background checks, and many are reluctant to hire applicants with criminal records, particularly for felonies or crimes of moral turpitude.
- Housing: Landlords check records too. A conviction can disqualify you from rental housing, especially in competitive markets like Collin County.
- Professional licenses: Certain convictions can trigger review or revocation of licenses in fields like healthcare, law, real estate, education, and finance.
- Immigration status: Non-citizens can face deportation or permanent bar from reentry as a result of certain criminal convictions.
Understanding what’s truly at stake is part of why we take every case seriously — whether it’s a misdemeanor or a serious felony.
GET LEGAL HELP TODAY
We recommend connecting with our team as soon as you have been arrested. Schedule a free consultation with our experienced criminal lawyers of McKinney, TX.
FAQ About McKinney Criminal Defense
My DWI arrest happened near the US-380 and I-75 interchange. Is that a known enforcement area?
Yes — that interchange is one of McKinney’s highest-concentration DWI arrest zones. Virginia Parkway and McDonald Street through Downtown McKinney are also heavily monitored. If you were stopped in any of those areas, the arrest was likely part of a routine enforcement pattern, and the details of the stop itself deserve close scrutiny.
How many District Courts are operating in McKinney right now?
Collin County currently has 15 District Courts at the McKinney courthouse, with the 494th District Court being established in 2024 specifically to manage the county’s growing caseload. That volume means your case moves through a system with experienced, organized prosecutors. You need defense counsel who is equally organized and equally experienced in that same building.
What’s the difference between how misdemeanors and felonies are prosecuted in Collin County?
The Collin County DA’s office has a dedicated Misdemeanor Trial Division and a separate Felony Trial Division with seven trial teams, each made up of two experienced felony prosecutors, an investigator, and a legal secretary. Class B misdemeanors — including most first-time DWIs — carry up to 180 days in jail. Class A misdemeanors carry up to a year. Both divisions prosecute cases aggressively.
I was arrested near Downtown McKinney for assault. How serious is that charge in Texas?
Assault is one of the most commonly charged offenses in McKinney, with 768 simple assault cases on record. Even a Class A misdemeanor assault — which does not require serious bodily injury — carries up to a year in county jail and a $4,000 fine. If a weapon was involved or injuries were serious, it escalates quickly into felony territory with state prison exposure. Call us immediately.
Can Abrams Trial Law handle both my McKinney criminal case and any related federal charges?
Yes. We handle federal criminal defense in addition to state charges. Some McKinney arrests — particularly those involving larger drug quantities, organized theft rings, or financial crimes — can trigger federal jurisdiction alongside or instead of state charges. Having one firm that handles both means nothing gets lost in the handoff.
