Q: WHAT TYPES OF CASES DO YOU HANDLE?

A: Though we (i.e., Darrin Berlof and Everett Newton) are licensed by the Texas Supreme Court to practice all areas of law in all Texas state courts, we handle criminal defense matters, traffic ticket cases, and uncontested divorce cases.  We may also be able to assist you with any of the following matters:

1. Expungements
2. Occupational drivers licenses
3. Orders of nondisclosure
4. Early release from probation

However, if you need a lawyer for something else, we will be happy to refer you to someone, free of charge. Please feel free to email us.

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Q: CAN I REPRESENT MYSELF IN COURT?

A: There is an old saying: "a person who represents himself in court has a fool for a client." Yes, you can represent yourself in court. However, you will be expected to know and adhere to the same rules of law, evidence, and procedure that attorneys spend years learning in law school, and perfecting in the courtroom. If you are being prosecuted for a criminal offense or a traffic ticket, the prosecuting attorney will, due to his or her training and experience, have a tremendous advantage over you. Acting as your own attorney can have disasterous consequences (jail time, probation, hefty fines, court costs, permanent loss of civil liberties, permanent criminal record, etc.) that might otherwise have been avoided or minimized had you simply hired a lawyer.

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Q: WHAT DO YOU DO IF I PAY YOU $75 TO HANDLE MY TRAFFIC TICKET?

A: The procedure for this varies from city to city. Our goal is to keep your ticket from appearing on your driving record, if possible, and to do so in an economical fashion. Oftentimes, we are able to obtain an outright dismissal, in which case you will owe the court nothing. Failing an outright dismissal, we can usually obtain a disposition on your case that will nevertheless keep your ticket from affecting your driving record or insurance premiums, though you may be required to make a payment to the court. Should you desire a trial on your traffic ticket, additional legal fees will apply.

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Q: CAN YOU HELP ME IF AN ARREST WARRANT HAS BEEN ISSUED ON MY TRAFFIC TICKET?

A: It depends. If the warrant has been issued because you never requested a court date, or missed a scheduled court date, we can assist you. If you retain us, we will post an "attorney bond", which will immediately cause the warrant for your arrest to be recalled, and allow us to set a court date for your case. On the other hand, if the warrant was issued because you previously plead "guilty" or "no contest" (or were found guilty at trial), you have given up your right to appear in court on the ticket, and must pay the fine amount that has been imposed. The legal fee for a citation requiring an attorney bond begins at $100.

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Q: IN WHICH CITIES DO YOU HANDLE TRAFFIC TICKET CASES?

A: We handle traffic tickets throughout Dallas County. Among others, these include: Addison, Coppell, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Cockrell Hill, Dallas, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Garland, Grand Prairie, Highland Park, Hutchins, Irving, Lancaster, Mesquite, Richardson, Seagoville, Sunnyvale, Wilmer, and University Park.  We also represent clients on traffic tickets issued in Plano, as well as tickets issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (provided that the trooper issued the ticket in Dallas County).

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Q: DO YOU HANDLE CRIMINAL CASES ARISING OUTSIDE OF DALLAS COUNTY?

A: We handle criminal cases in Dallas, Collin, Denton, Kaufman, Ellis, Rockwall, and Tarrant Counties.

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Q: DO YOU ACCEPT PAYMENT PLANS?

A: Yes, we accept payment plans. We realize that, oftentimes, a person may not have the necessary funds available to pay the full amount of his or her legal fee, even though they may be in dire need of representation. We strive to be flexible with regard to establishing payment plans for our clients.

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Q: DO YOU HANDLE BOTH FELONIES AND MISDEMEANORS?

A: Yes. We represent clients on all types of criminal offenses. Among the most common cases we handle are: DWI's, assaults, burglary, robbery, theft, drug possession cases, bad check cases, unlawfully carrying a weapon, public intoxication, possession of drug paraphernalia, disorderly conduct, prostitution, and public lewdness.

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Q: DO YOU HANDLE JAIL RELEASE?

A: Yes. The process involved in jail releases varies, depending upon your particular circumstance . To maximize your chances of reaching us as quickly as possible, please call our office at 214.823.5297 AND email us.

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