TEXAS CRIMINAL
DEFENSE LAWYERS

Focused. Selective. Proven.

TEXAS CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS

Trey Porter Law is a Texas criminal defense firm providing focused representation in DWI and Public Intoxication cases, along with select criminal charges that arise alongside intoxication arrests. The firm also represents individuals seeking to expunge criminal records, restoring clean backgrounds and future opportunities.

Led by Trey Porter, an award-winning trial lawyer recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Association among the Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in the Nation, the firm delivers strategic, dismissal-driven advocacy that protects rights, records, and futures.

This selective approach ensures every case receives the preparation, precision, and courtroom experience that define the firm’s statewide reputation for excellence in DWI, Public Intoxication, and Expungement law.

Backed by 40+ years of combined courtroom experience and 700+ five-star reviews across Google and Avvo, Trey Porter Law stands as a trusted Texas criminal defense firm committed to uncompromising results and representation.

Table of Contents:

WHAT DOES A TEXAS CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER DO?

A Texas criminal defense lawyer protects people charged with crimes by challenging the State’s evidence, safeguarding constitutional rights, and guiding clients through every stage of the Texas legal process, providing skilled representation and support from start to finish. This includes fighting for dismissals, while also exploring options for dismissal through deferred disposition or deferred adjudication

The criminal lawyers at Trey Porter Law are recognized statewide for excellence in Texas criminal defense. 

  • The firm represents individuals facing intoxication-related charges and select criminal cases that demand strategic advocacy and courtroom skill.
  • With hundreds of verified reviews from clients and colleagues highlighting great communication, personal service, and outstanding case results.
  • Texas lawyers from other fields of practice frequently refer their clients to the firm for criminal defense matters, noting its expertise and professionalism — and receiving only positive feedback in return.

The firm’s trial attorneys have decades of experience in the Texas criminal justice system as criminal defense lawyers, working directly with prosecutors to resolve complex legal matters while protecting clients from the full range of criminal punishment under the Texas Penal Code.

From arraignment and first court appearances to evidentiary motions to suppress and jury trial, Trey Porter Law applies proven strategies in justice of the peace, municipal, county, and district courts statewide to get results when everything’s on the line.

WHAT TYPES OF CRIMINAL CASES DOES TREY PORTER LAW HANDLE?

Trey Porter Law focuses on DWI and Public Intoxication defense across Texas. The firm also helps clients clear criminal records through expunctions and nondisclosures, restoring opportunities and protecting futures.

While primarily dedicated to intoxication-related offenses and record-clearing cases, Trey Porter Law handles select criminal defense matters connected to these charges — including underage drinking crimes and companion cases that arise from traffic stops, investigations, or arrests. These situations demand the firm’s deep procedural knowledge, strategic advocacy, and courtroom skill.

The firm’s goal in every case is the same — protecting rights, preserving records, and securing dismissals whenever possible.

WHO IS TREY PORTER?

Trey Porter is a leading Texas criminal defense lawyer recognized for his results in DWI, Public Intoxication, and Expungement law. Known for strategic advocacy and an unrelenting focus on dismissals, he has earned a statewide reputation for precision, professionalism, and results.

With extensive courtroom experience and a background working alongside prosecutors and judges across the Texas criminal justice system, Trey Porter brings insight that few attorneys possess — understanding how to win cases from every angle.

As founder of Trey Porter Law, he leads a team of skilled criminal defense attorneys and dedicated professionals committed to winning cases, protecting records, and delivering the highest level of client service in Texas.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER AN INTOXICATION ARREST IN TEXAS?

After an intoxication-related arrest in Texas, you’ll see a judge for magistration, where bond is set, conditions are explained, and you’re processed for release. Once you’re out, the Texas criminal process officially begins with a first court appearance, sometimes called an arraignment hearing. It’s advisable to enter a plea of not guilty to preserve all legal options. You can always change it later. 

  • It’s completely normal to be worried about what happens at the first court date, but it’s almost always brief — a check-in appearance that typically lasts a few hours or less.
  • The first court date marks the start of your criminal case timeline, which can involve several pretrial hearings and negotiation stages before there’s any final resolution.
  • An intoxication arrest also triggers a separate Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The State’s burden of proof is low, and DPS wins these license suspension hearings nine times out of ten.
  • If your driver’s license is suspended, don’t panic. You may still qualify for an Occupational Driver’s License. An ODL allows you to drive legally while your suspension is in effect.

Prepare for the long timeline. For most misdemeanor intoxication offenses, the statute of limitations in Texas is two years. That means the State has up to 24 months to formally file your case in a Texas criminal court.

Support matters. Trey Porter Law delivers unmatched client service during these long, stressful months. The firm’s problem solvers handle travel requests, employment and school complications, and provide real-time answers so clients can stay focused on what matters most.

HOW DO YOU BEAT A CRIMINAL CHARGE IN TEXAS?

Challenging the evidence is the best way to beat a criminal charge in Texas. That means attacking police officers’ probable cause for arrest and search, and exposing failures to follow proper investigation procedures and department protocols.

Anybody can take the first plea deal the prosecutor offers — but you can’t win if you don’t fight. Trey Porter Law has built a proven record of winning dismissals and charge reductions by leveraging powerful constitutional rights, the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, and delivering these arguments through dynamic courtroom advocacy.

Trey Porter’s courtroom-tested legal strategies include:

  • Procedural errors during arrest, detention, or charging that violate due process.
  • Unreliable evidence, such as questionable chemical tests, witness statements, or police reports.
  • Constitutional violations, including unlawful searches or lack of probable cause.
  • Insufficient proof, holding prosecutors to their burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Trey Porter Law is an aggressive, experienced Texas criminal defense firm that comes out swinging against the State in every case. The firm has secured dismissals and reductions in serious criminal cases — including DWI, Public Intoxication, and intoxication-related offenses — where clients faced jail or prison time.

Results matter. Recognized statewide for excellence in criminal defense, Trey Porter has built a reputation for results, earning hundreds of verified five-star reviews from clients across Texas who trusted him to protect their rights and win.

Common Questions Texans Ask:

1. Can I get deferred adjudication in Texas?

Yes, many first-time offenders qualify. Deferred adjudication can avoid a conviction and protect long-term goals like employment, education, and licensing.

➡️ Learn who qualifies for Deferred Adjudication in Texas.

2. How do I win a criminal case in Texas?

Winning starts with strategy. A strong defense challenges the evidence, exposes legal errors, and pushes for dismissal or reduction at every stage.

➡️ Explore Trey Porter Law’s proven strategies for winning criminal cases.

3. What happens on the first court date?

Your first appearance—called an arraignment or initial setting—can involve entering a plea, receiving discovery, or resetting for further negotiation.

➡️ Read what to expect at your first court date in Texas.

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR RECORD AFTER A CRIMINAL CASE IN TEXAS?

Nothing happens to your record after your case is closed. Under Texas law, the outcome of a criminal case determines whether a record can be cleared, sealed, or permanently deleted. Many dismissed charges and completed cases qualify for Expungement or Nondisclosure — the legal processes that remove or restrict public access to criminal history records.

But nothing happens automatically, no matter the case result or how much time has passed. To truly clear your record, you must take proactive steps to petition for expunction or file for an order of nondisclosure.

Trey Porter Law represents clients statewide in clearing criminal records through petitions for expunction and orders of nondisclosure. The firm successfully deletes and seals eligible records for both felony and misdemeanor charges, helping clients protect their privacy, careers, and futures.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF A CRIMINAL CONVICTION IN TEXAS?

The consequences of a criminal conviction in Texas are severe and long-lasting. Under the Texas Penal Code, a conviction can result in incarceration, fines, or community supervision — commonly called probation.

Probation is preferable to jail or prison, but it comes with strict rules. If those rules are violated, probation can be revoked, and the court can order the remaining sentence to be served in custody. On the other hand, if you are totally compliant, Texas law allows for early termination of probation

Beyond the immediate sentence, there are numerous collateral consequences of a criminal conviction in Texas, including:

  • Loss of firearm rights and restrictions on voting eligibility.
  • Driver’s license suspension.
  • Travel limitations, including denial of entry to certain countries.
  • Employment barriers, particularly for government jobs or licensed professions.
  • Professional licensing issues for careers in healthcare, education, finance, and law enforcement.
  • Housing challenges due to background checks by landlords and property managers.
  • Student hardships, including loss of loans, scholarships, and school admissions.

A criminal conviction in Texas can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life. Having an experienced Texas criminal defense lawyer is critical to minimizing these impacts and protecting your record and future.

The Texas criminal attorneys at Trey Porter Law focus on preventing these outcomes through strategic, dismissal-driven defense. The firm works to protect clients from incarceration, probation, and the permanent criminal record that can follow a conviction. Every case is different, but the goal is always the same — securing the best possible result for every client.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR TEXAS CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

Facing criminal charges in Texas is stressful, and understanding the Texas criminal justice process can make all the difference. Trey Porter Law guides clients through every stage — from arrest to resolution — with clarity, preparation, and consistent communication.

The firm’s experienced criminal defense attorneys explain each step, from court appearances and evidence review to negotiation and trial preparation, ensuring every client knows what’s ahead and how to protect their record. This hands-on approach reflects the firm’s core mission: helping clients make informed decisions while staying focused on dismissal and defense.

From the first consultation to the final outcome, Trey Porter Law provides the diligence and support that define its statewide reputation — protecting rights, restoring peace of mind, and delivering results when it matters most.

WHO ARE THE BEST CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS IN TEXAS?

There’s no official ranking for the best criminal defense lawyers in Texas. “Best” depends on experience, case results, and trust — not advertising or paid lists. Choosing an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney with a proven record in criminal law is essential to successfully navigating the Texas legal system and defending against serious charges.

Trey Porter Law is recognized statewide for precision, integrity, and results. The firm maintains a selective caseload to deliver elite, dismissal-driven defense in intoxication-related cases, underage drinking defense, and open container violations. Clients benefit from decades of courtroom experience and strategic representation throughout Texas.

For individuals seeking a top-rated Texas criminal defense lawyer, Trey Porter Law combines proven trial skill, respected credentials, and a consistent record of success. The firm and its attorneys have been recognized by Texas Super Lawyers, Forbes, Avvo, and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100. Read verified client reviews to see how Trey Porter Law delivers life-changing outcomes across Texas.

TREY PORTER LAW SERVES ALL OF TEXAS

Trey Porter Law provides statewide criminal defense across Texas — including San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Midland, and surrounding communities. The firm’s Texas criminal defense lawyers represent clients in every level of the Texas criminal court system, including:

  • Justice of the Peace Courts — Class C misdemeanors, Expunctions, and Nondisclosures
  • Municipal Courts — Class C misdemeanors, Expunctions, and Nondisclosures
  • County Courts — Class A and B misdemeanors, Expunctions, and Nondisclosures
  • District Courts — State Jail through First Degree felonies, Expunctions, and Nondisclosures

Trey Porter Law’s experienced advocacy is strengthened by regional knowledge, local insight, and trusted relationships throughout Texas courts — delivering proven results and consistent representation statewide.

REVIEWED BY TREY PORTER

Trey Porter is a Texas criminal defense attorney with more than a decade of courtroom experience defending DWI, Public Intoxication, and select criminal charges across Texas. His practice is dedicated to protecting lives, careers, and futures — securing dismissals, preserving driver’s licenses, and clearing criminal records through expungement.

Mr. Porter holds a perfect 10.0 Avvo and 5.0 Google rating, earned over 700+ five-star reviews, and is ranked among the Top 100 DWI Trial Lawyers in the nation by the National Trial Lawyers Association. 

A member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the National College for DUI Defense, he is recognized for his courtroom advocacy and record of results. His legal insights have been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and USA Today, reflecting his standing as a trusted voice in Texas criminal defense.

Client Reviews

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J. Gelsone

I cannot recommend this law firm highly enough. The attorneys were truly exceptional—kind, empathetic, and incredibly knowledgeable. They handled my family’s case with fairness, professionalism, and genuine care. No matter how many questions I had (and it was a lot), they were always patient, responsive, and ready with clear answers.

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L. Enloe

They were effective in the dismissal of our case. Communication with the legal team was exceptional, and I would highly recommend Mr. Porter’s legal services!

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M. Sepulveda

Excellent Legal Representation. I recently worked with Trey Porter Law and was very impressed with their services. They were extremely helpful in guiding me through the legal process, explaining everything clearly. They took the time to answer all of my questions and concerns, which helped alleviate a lot of stress.

 
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