Lewis & Ashworth, PLLC
Resources for Professionals & Clients
Practical checklists, verified links, and DFW-specific guidance for attorneys, counselors, bail bondsmen, probation officers, and mental health providers who work alongside our clients—and for individuals navigating the Texas criminal justice system.
For Referring Attorneys
Family, Civil & Other Practice-Area Attorneys
Criminal charges surface inside family law, probate, and civil matters every day. Here’s how to recognize when a shared client needs criminal defense counsel—and what to expect when you refer to Lewis & Ashworth.
When to Refer a Family Law Client
- Client was arrested or charged while a family law case is pending
- A protective order (EPO, MOEP, or final PO) was issued against your client
- Opposing counsel is leveraging a criminal allegation in custody or divorce proceedings
- Client has a prior record eligible for expunction or non-disclosure
- Client received a grand jury subpoena or is under criminal investigation
- Client made statements to police without counsel and needs immediate representation
Texas Statutes & Court Resources
- Texas Penal Code — Full TextOfficial statutes for all criminal offenses in Texas
- Texas Code of Criminal Procedure
Procedural rules governing all Texas criminal cases - Texas Family Code — Protective Orders (Ch. 85)
Governs the issuance of POs and their intersection with criminal charges - Texas State Bar — Ethics & Referral Rules
Guidance on attorney referral fees and co-counsel disclosures
When to Refer a Civil / Business Litigation Client
- Client faces a parallel criminal investigation alongside the civil suit
- Client received a target letter from a DA or federal prosecutor
- Employees were arrested in connection with a white-collar investigation
- Corporate records were seized by law enforcement
- Client needs a Fifth Amendment assertion strategy during a civil deposition
- Business partner or co-defendant faces embezzlement, fraud, or theft charges
DFW County Court Links
- Dallas County — Criminal Courts
Case status and court information for Dallas County - Collin County District Clerk — Case Records
Criminal case search for Collin County matters - Denton County District Clerk Case records and schedules for Denton County
- Tarrant County Criminal District CourtsCriminal court information for Fort Worth / Tarrant County
Referral Coordination
Lewis & Ashworth welcome co-counsel conversations and will communicate status updates with referring attorneys who have a signed authorization from the shared client. Same-day consultations available. Call 214-239-8007 or contact us online.
For Substance Abuse Counselors & Treatment Providers
Supporting Clients Through the Criminal Process
Treatment providers are often the first professionals a client contacts. Your documentation and testimony can materially affect bond hearings, plea negotiations, and sentencing outcomes.
How Treatment Providers Support a Criminal Defense
- Document treatment engagement promptly. A letter on clinical letterhead confirming enrollment, attendance, and progress is powerful mitigation evidence at bond hearings and plea negotiations.
- Understand court-mandated standards. Texas deferred adjudication for drug offenses often requires a CSATP-compliant assessment. Courts accept documentation meeting this standard.
- Support DWI program referrals. Courts frequently mandate a DWI Education Program or DWI Intervention Program. Knowing approved providers ensures client compliance.
- Protect confidentiality correctly. 42 CFR Part 2 governs substance abuse record confidentiality. Releases must be specifically worded. Lewis & Ashworth can provide a compliant release form.
- Coordinate with probation requirements. Clients on community supervision must meet treatment conditions. Communicate proactively with CSCD officers.
Referral Checklist: Client Facing Criminal Charges
- Confirm client has retained or been appointed criminal defense counsel
- Obtain a properly worded 42 CFR Part 2 release before sharing any records
- Document the date treatment began—pre-charge enrollment is viewed more favorably
- Prepare a progress letter (attendance, compliance, prognosis) if requested by defense counsel
- Assess whether client meets criteria for drug court diversion referral
- Flag any court-mandated treatment conditions to avoid probation violations
- Be available to testify as a mitigation witness at sentencing if requested
Note: Texas offers Drug Court programs in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Denton counties that may allow clients to complete intensive treatment in lieu of incarceration. Lewis & Ashworth can assess eligibility.
Key Resources for Texas Treatment Providers
- Texas HHS — Substance Use Disorder Services
State-funded treatment directory and provider certification information - SAMHSA Treatment Locator (Texas)
Find certified treatment programs in the DFW area - Dallas County Drug Court ProgramEligibility and enrollment for Dallas County adult drug courts
- Tarrant County Drug Court
Drug court program for Fort Worth area clients
- Texas DSHS — Chemical Dependency Counselor LicensingLCDC licensing requirements and renewal resources
- 42 CFR Part 2 — Substance Use Record ConfidentialityFederal rules governing disclosure of substance abuse treatment records
- Texas DWI Education & Intervention ProgramsState-approved DWI education program directory
- NAADAC — Ethics & Professional StandardsProfessional standards and ethics guidance for addiction counselors
For Bail Bondsmen
Protect Your Investment With Coordinated Representation
Clients with competent legal representation appear in court. Referring clients to experienced criminal defense counsel is one of the most effective risk-management tools a bondsman has.
Texas Bond Conditions: What Bondsmen Need to Know
- Magistrate warnings: After arrest, a magistrate sets bond and attaches conditions—no-contact orders, GPS monitoring, substance testing. Know them before writing the bond.
- PR bonds: Dallas and Tarrant county judges increasingly issue personal recognizance bonds. Monitor your pipeline for impact on premium revenue.
- Forfeiture timelines: Texas CCP Art. 22.02 requires bond forfeiture the day of an FTA. You then have 180 days (the “scire facias” period) to locate and surrender the defendant before final judgment.
- New arrest = bond revocation: A client arrested on new charges while on bond almost always has the original bond revoked. Notify defense counsel immediately.
Bail Bondsman Quick-Reference Checklist
- Confirm defendant has retained criminal defense counsel before writing bond
- Review magistrate’s bond order for all attached conditions
- Verify next court date and confirm with defendant’s attorney
- Obtain signed indemnitor agreement with current contact information
- Set up automated court-date reminders (text/email) for defendant
- Know the scire facias deadline — 180 days from FTA under TX CCP Art. 22.06
- If client misses court, contact Lewis & Ashworth — attorneys can sometimes resolve FTAs before forfeiture is final
- Know your licensing obligations under TX Occ. Code Ch. 1704
Texas Bail Bond Resources
- Texas Department of Insurance — Bail Bond Licensing Licensing requirements, forms, and renewal for Texas bail bondsmen
- Texas CCP Ch. 22 — Bond Forfeiture Complete statutory rules on bond forfeiture and scire facias proceedings
- Texas Occupations Code Ch. 1704 — Bail Bond Sureties Licensing and regulatory requirements for professional bondsmen
- Dallas County Magistration Center
Bond setting and initial appearance procedures for Dallas County - Collin County Pretrial Services
Bond conditions monitoring and pretrial services - Professional Bondsmen o f Texas, Industry advocacy, education, and licensing resources
Quick Referral Line
When a client needs criminal defense counsel immediately after release, call Lewis & Ashworth at 214-239-8007. Same-day consultations are available and attorneys can often appear at the initial hearing within 24 hours.
For Probation & Community Supervision Officers
Defense Counsel as a Partner in Supervision
When communication is clear and coordinated, outcomes improve for clients, officers, and the community. Lewis & Ashworth routinely work with CSCD offices throughout DFW to resolve compliance issues before they escalate to revocation.
How Defense Attorneys Support Supervision Caseloads
- Defense counsel can reinforce conditions and legal obligations, reducing officer time on basic compliance calls.
- Attorneys facilitate access to treatment, employment, and counseling resources that keep clients compliant and reduce recidivism.
- When a violation is being considered, defense counsel can negotiate graduated sanctions (TX CCP Art. 42A.751) that avoid a full revocation hearing.
- Lewis & Ashworth appear at CSCD hearings throughout DFW and can expedite scheduling when requested.
Graduated Sanctions: Texas CCP Art. 42A.751 allows courts to impose sanctions short of revocation for technical violations—increased reporting, curfew, electronic monitoring. Lewis & Ashworth pursue these options first in every violation case.
Community Supervision Violation: Defense Checklist
- Client received notice of alleged violation — retain counsel immediately
- Review original conditions of supervision order in full
- Gather documentation of compliance in other conditions (payments, classes, service)
- Contact treatment providers for progress letters on substance-related violations
- Request a pre-hearing conference with supervising officer and CSCD supervisor
- Assess graduated sanctions as an alternative to revocation
- If client tested positive, confirm chain-of-custody and request lab confirmation
- Prepare mitigation evidence for revocation hearing if warranted
Texas CSCD & Probation Resources
- TDCJ — Community Justice Assistance Division
Oversight agency for all Texas community supervision departments - Dallas County CSCD Conditions, reporting, and compliance for Dallas County probation
- Tarrant County CSCD Community supervision and corrections for Tarrant County
- Texas CCP Ch. 42A — Community Supervision Full statutory framework for Texas community supervision
- Collin County CSCD Probation and community supervision services for Collin County
- Denton County CSCD Community supervision services for Denton County defendants
- CJAD — Evidence-Based Supervision Programs Approved intervention and treatment programs for Texas probationers
For Mental Health Providers
Mental Health & Criminal Defense in the DFW Courtroom
Mental health professionals are increasingly vital partners in criminal defense. Lewis & Ashworth work with LPCs, LCSWs, psychologists, and psychiatrists at every stage of the criminal process.
How Providers Contribute to Criminal Cases
- Mitigation letters & reports: Clinical summaries documenting diagnosis, treatment history, and prognosis are powerful at sentencing and plea negotiations, especially for domestic violence, assault, and DWI cases.
- Competency evaluations: If you have concerns about a client’s ability to understand proceedings or assist in their defense, notify defense counsel immediately. Texas CCP Art. 46B governs incompetency proceedings.
- Insanity defense support: Expert testimony regarding a defendant’s mental state at the time of the offense can be the cornerstone of an affirmative insanity defense (TX Penal Code § 8.01).
- Diversion program advocacy: Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Denton counties all have mental health court or co-occurring disorder court programs. Providers can facilitate referrals and provide required clinical documentation.
- Probation compliance support: Progress letters and condition-compliance documentation directly affect violation outcomes.
Checklist: When a Patient is Involved in a Criminal Matter
- Verify client has criminal defense counsel — if not, refer to Lewis & Ashworth immediately
- Obtain a HIPAA-compliant release before communicating with any attorney
- Document diagnosis and treatment timeline — pre-charge treatment is viewed more favorably
- Assess for competency concerns and flag to defense counsel if present
- Prepare a clinical mitigation report if requested (diagnosis, treatment, prognosis)
- Assess eligibility for mental health court diversion program
- Coordinate with probation officer if client is on community supervision
- Be available to testify as expert or fact witness at sentencing or revocation hearings
Forensic Collaboration: Lewis & Ashworth regularly retain mental health experts for mitigation, competency, and insanity matters. Contact us to discuss our collaboration process.
Mental Health Resources for DFW Providers
- Texas HHS — Mental Health Services
State mental health services directory and licensing resources - Dallas County Mental Health Court
Specialty court for defendants with serious mental illness - Tarrant County Behavioral Health Court
Mental health diversion court for Tarrant County
- Texas CCP Art. 46B — Incompetency
Complete statutory framework for competency evaluations and proceedings - Texas Penal Code § 8.01 — Insanity Defense
The legal standard for the affirmative defense of insanity - NAMI Texas — Crisis & Advocacy
Local mental health advocacy and crisis support resources
- Metrocare Services — Dallas County
Primary LMHA for Dallas County — crisis, outpatient, and forensic services - MHMR of Tarrant County
Mental health and substance abuse services for Fort Worth area clients - Texas Counseling Association
Professional resources and ethics guidance for Texas LPCs
For Everyone
Texas Criminal Process — Quick Reference
A plain-language overview of what happens after an arrest in Texas, designed for referring professionals and clients alike.
| # | Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrest | Police make an arrest. Defendant is booked, fingerprinted, and magistrated within 24–48 hours (CCP Art. 14.06). |
| 2 | Magistration | A magistrate sets bond, delivers rights warnings, and may attach conditions (no-contact orders, GPS monitoring, substance testing). |
| 3 | Arraignment | Defendant formally enters a plea. In misdemeanor cases, this may happen at the first setting; in felonies, after indictment. |
| 4 | Indictment / Information | A grand jury (felonies) or the DA’s office (misdemeanors) files the formal charging instrument. Typically 30–180 days from arrest. |
| 5 | Discovery | Defense receives the State’s evidence under CCP Art. 39.14 (the Michael Morton Act). An ongoing process through trial. |
| 6 | Pre-Trial Motions | Suppression motions, requests for exculpatory evidence, and other pre-trial hearings. This is where experience as former prosecutors provides a decisive advantage. |
| 7 | Plea / Diversion | The majority of cases resolve here. Options include deferred adjudication, community supervision, drug court, or outright dismissal. |
| 8 | Trial | Bench or jury trial. Lewis & Ashworth have tried 250+ cases in DFW. Possible outcomes: acquittal, hung jury, or conviction. |
| 9 | Sentencing | If convicted, the court or jury assesses punishment. Mitigation evidence from treatment providers, mental health professionals, and character witnesses is crucial here. |
| 10 | Post-Conviction | Includes direct appeals, writs of habeas corpus, expunctions, and non-disclosure petitions to seal the record. |
Key Timelines
- Class A/B Misdemeanors
2-year statute of limitations. Cases often resolve in 3–12 months. - State Jail & 3rd Degree Felonies
3-year SOL. Cases average 6–18 months to resolution. - 1st & 2nd Degree Felonies
5-year SOL (10 years for sexual offenses). Cases can take 1–3 years. - Capital Murder
No statute of limitations.
Counties We Serve
Lewis & Ashworth handle cases throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, including Dallas, Collin, Denton, Tarrant, Rockwall, Kaufman, and Hunt counties. Both attorneys are licensed in all Texas state courts.
As former Assistant District Attorneys, they have deep relationships with prosecutors and judges in every county—a meaningful advantage at every stage of the process above.
For Clients & Referring Attorneys
Record Clearing: Expunctions & Non-Disclosures
A criminal record follows clients long after their case ends—affecting housing, employment, licensing, custody, and immigration. Learn which path is available and how to pursue it.
Expunction Eligibility Checklist (Texas CCP Ch. 55)
- Arrest resulted in a dismissal, no-bill by grand jury, or acquittal at trial
- Waiting period has elapsed: Class C misdemeanor — 180 days; Class A/B misdemeanor — 1 year; Felony — 3 years
- No other charges from the same criminal episode are pending or resulted in a final conviction
- Charge was under a law later found unconstitutional, or was a “mistake of fact”
- Client completed a pre-trial diversion (PTD) program and charges were dismissed per agreement
Effect: Expunction destroys records. Agencies that received the record must return or destroy them. It is as if the arrest never occurred.
Non-Disclosure Eligibility Checklist (TX Gov’t Code Ch. 411)
- Client received deferred adjudication community supervision and successfully completed it
- Offense is not in the ineligible category (sex offenses with child victims, trafficking, murder, etc.)
- Waiting period has elapsed: Misdemeanors — immediately upon discharge; State jail / 3rd degree felonies — 3 years; Higher felonies — 5 years
- No subsequent criminal convictions or deferred adjudications after completion
- SB 1995 (2017): some misdemeanor deferred adjudications are now eligible immediately upon discharge
Effect: Non-disclosure seals records from the public, but not from law enforcement and certain licensing agencies. Lewis & Ashworth can advise on which remedy is available and more beneficial.
Record-Clearing Resources
- Texas CCP Ch. 55 — ExpunctionsComplete expunction statute including eligibility, procedures, and full effect on all agencies
- Texas Government Code Ch. 411, Subch. F — Non-Disclosures
Sealing of criminal records under Texas law, including SB 1995 (2017) expansions - Texas DPS — Criminal History Record Requests
How to obtain an official Texas criminal history for a client - FBI Identity History Summary (Federal Rap Sheet)
Federal criminal history requests for clients with out-of-state arrests - Lewis & Ashworth — Expunctions & Non-Disclosures Practice Page
Firm-specific overview of the record-clearing process in DFW
Ready to Make a Referral or Start a Case?
Both attorneys are available for direct conversations with referring professionals. Same-day consultations available. Virtual meetings offered.
214-239-8007