Ellis County Criminal Defense Lawyers

Ellis County Criminal Defense Lawyers

Serving Ellis County, Johnson County, Tarrant County, and Dallas County

If you or someone you love has been arrested in Ellis County, you are probably scared, confused, and unsure about what comes next. That is completely normal. A criminal charge can change your life in ways you never expected. It can affect your job, your family, your freedom, and your future.

At McCarty-Larson, PLLC, we have spent over 50 years combined defending people just like you. Our team includes a former law enforcement officer and a former prosecutor who now use that experience to fight for the accused. We know how the other side thinks, and we use that knowledge to build stronger defenses for our clients.

We have earned more than 348 five-star Google reviews from clients across Ellis County, Johnson County, Tarrant County, and Dallas County. Our office in Midlothian is just minutes from the Ellis County courthouse in Waxahachie. We offer free consultations, payment plans, and we speak Spanish.

When you choose McCarty-Larson, you’re choosing a legal team that will stand by you every step of the way.

Learn More About Our Legal Team

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What Happens After an Arrest in Ellis County

Understanding the criminal justice process in Ellis County can help reduce some of the fear and uncertainty you may be feeling. Here is what typically happens after an arrest.

Booking and Processing. After you are arrested by local law enforcement in Ellis County, you will be taken to the Ellis County Jail at 300 South Jackson Street in Waxahachie. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take your photograph, and document the charges against you. You will also be fingerprinted.

Setting Bail. In most cases, you or your family can post bail to secure your release while your case is pending. The bail amount depends on the severity of the charges and your criminal history. For some misdemeanor offenses, a preset bail schedule allows you to be released quickly. For felony charges, a magistrate judge will set bail at your first court appearance. If you cannot afford bail, a bail bondsman can post it on your behalf for a fee, usually 10% of the total bail amount.

First Court Appearance. After your release, you will receive a court date. Misdemeanor cases in Ellis County are heard in the County Courts at Law, which are located on the third floor of the Ellis County Courts Building at 109 South Jackson Street in Waxahachie. Felony cases are handled by the District Courts in the same building.

Pretrial Process. Your attorney will review the evidence against you, file any necessary motions, and negotiate with the Ellis County District Attorney’s Office. This stage is critical. A strong defense attorney can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case early, which may lead to reduced charges or a dismissal.

Trial or Resolution. Most criminal cases in Ellis County are resolved through plea negotiations before trial. However, if the prosecution’s offer is not fair, your attorney should be prepared to take your case to trial. At McCarty-Larson, we prepare every case as if it is going to trial, because that is how you get the best results.

Ellis County Criminal Courts and Key Officials

If your case is in Ellis County, it will be heard at the Ellis County Courts Building at 109 South Jackson Street in Waxahachie, TX 75165. The building has a free parking garage adjacent to the courthouse with elevator access.

Felony Courts

Felony criminal cases in Ellis County are handled by two district courts:

443rd Judicial District Court presided over by Judge Grace Pandithurai. By agreement among the local judges, the 443rd District Court hears all felony criminal cases in Ellis County. This includes felony pleas, jury trials, pre-indictment motions, and felony writs. The 443rd also handles all expunctions and orders of nondisclosure. If you are facing a felony charge in Ellis County, your case will almost certainly be assigned to Judge Pandithurai’s court.

40th Judicial District Court presided over by Judge Bob Carroll. The 40th District Court hears civil and criminal matters, including criminal cases involving felonies and official misconduct.

Misdemeanor Courts

Misdemeanor criminal cases are heard in the County Courts at Law:

• County Court at Law 1 presided over by Judge Jim Chapman
• County Court at Law 2 presided over by Judge Gene Calvert
• County Court at Law 3 presided over by Judge Joseph A. Gallo

If you have been charged with a Class A or Class B misdemeanor in Ellis County, your case will be assigned to one of these three courts.

Ellis County District Attorney

The Ellis County District Attorney’s Office is led by District Attorney Lindy Beaty. The DA’s office is located on the fourth floor of the Ellis County Courts Building. Prosecutors from this office handle all criminal cases in Ellis County, from misdemeanor charges to serious felonies. Having an attorney who is familiar with the Ellis County DA’s office and local court procedures can be a significant advantage in your case.

Ellis County District Clerk

The District Clerk’s Office is managed by Melanie Reed and is located on the second floor of the Ellis County Courts Building. The District Clerk’s office handles case filings, court records, and jury duty administration. You can reach the District Clerk at (972) 825-5091.

Ellis County Jail

The Ellis County Jail is located at 300 South Jackson Street in Waxahachie, TX 75165. You can contact the jail at (972) 825-4931 or (972) 937-6060. Visitation hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, on a first-come, first-served basis. Two adult visitors are allowed per visit.

Criminal Charges We Defend in Ellis County

Our Texas criminal defense lawyers handle a wide range of charges in Ellis County courts. Every case is different, and we build a defense strategy tailored to the specific facts of your situation.

DWI Defense

A DWI arrest in Ellis County can lead to license suspension, heavy fines, and jail time. Texas law treats DWI seriously, with penalties increasing based on your blood alcohol level and prior history. Our attorneys have defended hundreds of DWI cases across Ellis County and know how to challenge breath tests, field sobriety tests, and traffic stop procedures.

Drug Crime Defense

Ellis County prosecutors aggressively pursue drug charges, from marijuana possession to felony drug trafficking. The penalties depend on the type and amount of the controlled substance. Our drug crime defense attorneys examine every detail of how evidence was obtained and whether your constitutional rights were violated during the search or arrest.

Assault and Family Violence

Assault charges in Texas range from Class C misdemeanors to first-degree felonies, depending on the circumstances. Family violence allegations carry additional consequences, including the loss of gun rights and potential impact on child custody. Our assault defense attorneys and family violence defense team take these charges seriously and fight to protect your rights and your future.

Theft Crimes

Texas theft charges are based on the value of the property involved. A theft under $100 is a Class C misdemeanor, while a theft over $300,000 is a first-degree felony. Our theft crime lawyers defend clients against shoplifting, burglary, robbery, and all other theft-related charges in Ellis County.

Juvenile Crimes

When a minor is accused of a crime in Ellis County, the case is handled through the juvenile justice system. The stakes are high because a juvenile record can affect college admissions, scholarships, and future employment. Our juvenile defense attorneys work to protect your child’s record and future.

Misdemeanor Defense

Even a Class A or Class B misdemeanor can stay on your record and show up on background checks for years. Common misdemeanors in Ellis County include DWI, simple assault, drug possession, and petty theft. Our misdemeanor defense lawyers handle these cases with the same level of attention and dedication as felony cases.

Federal Crimes

If your case involves federal charges, it will be prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas rather than in Ellis County courts. Federal cases carry harsher penalties and are prosecuted by experienced federal attorneys. Our federal crime defense lawyers have the knowledge and experience to defend you in federal court.

Additional Practice Areas

We also handle fraud, forgery, violent crimes, and white-collar crimes in Ellis County.

Penalties for Criminal Convictions in Ellis County

Texas classifies criminal offenses by severity. Understanding the potential penalties for your charge can help you appreciate why having a strong defense matters.

Class C Misdemeanor. Maximum fine of $500. No jail time. Examples include minor traffic violations, theft under $100, and disorderly conduct.

Class B Misdemeanor. Up to 180 days in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Examples include first-offense DWI, criminal trespass, and theft between $100 and $750.

Class A Misdemeanor. Up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $4,000. Examples include second-offense DWI, assault causing bodily injury, and theft between $750 and $2,500.

State Jail Felony. 180 days to two years in a state jail facility and a fine of up to $10,000. Examples include theft between $2,500 and $30,000, certain drug possession charges, and forgery.

Third-Degree Felony. Two to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Examples include third-offense DWI, assault of a family member with a prior conviction, and certain drug offenses.

Second-Degree Felony. Two to twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Examples include aggravated assault, robbery, and possession of large quantities of controlled substances.

First-Degree Felony. Five to ninety-nine years or life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Examples include murder, aggravated sexual assault, and drug trafficking.

Clearing Your Record in Ellis County

A criminal record does not have to follow you forever. Texas law provides two main ways to clear or seal your record.

Expunction. If your case was dismissed, you were acquitted, or certain other conditions are met, you may be eligible to have your arrest record completely erased through an expunction. In Ellis County, expunction cases are handled by the 443rd District Court under Judge Grace Pandithurai.

Order of Nondisclosure. If you successfully completed deferred adjudication probation, you may qualify to seal your criminal record with a nondisclosure order. A sealed record will not appear on most background checks, which can help you with employment, housing, and other opportunities.

Our attorneys have helped hundreds of clients in Ellis County clear their records and move forward with their lives. Contact us for a free consultation to find out if you qualify.

Cities We Serve in Ellis County

Our Midlothian office is centrally located to serve clients throughout Ellis County, including:

• Midlothian (our office location)
• Waxahachie (Ellis County seat, location of all county courts)
• Ennis
• Red Oak
• Ferris
• Palmer
• Italy
• Milford
• Maypearl
• Ovilla

No matter where in Ellis County you were arrested, our team is ready to help.

How McCarty-Larson Can Help

If you are facing criminal charges in Ellis County, the team at McCarty-Larson, PLLC can:

• Review your case during a free, confidential consultation
• Explain the charges against you and the potential penalties in plain language
• Investigate the evidence and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
• Represent you in the Ellis County Courts Building in Waxahachie
• Negotiate with the Ellis County District Attorney’s Office for reduced charges or dismissal
• Take your case to trial if a fair resolution cannot be reached
• Help you clear your record through expunction or nondisclosure after your case is resolved

We serve clients in Ellis County, Johnson County, Tarrant County, and Dallas County.

Don’t wait to get the legal support you need. Contact McCarty-Larson, PLLC today at (972) 775-2100 for a free, confidential consultation. Our Ellis County criminal defense lawyers are ready to stand by you every step of the way.

Ellis County Criminal Practice Areas