Criminal Law

The W. David Friesenhahn Law Firm, PLLC, in New Braunfels, Texas, believes that everyone deserves a competent defense. Our mission is to safeguard your rights. We understand that you may have never dealt with a lawyer or the justice system, and we strive to lessen your concerns and answer your questions. We practice law in the following areas:

  • Criminal Defense
  • Occupational License
  • Expunctions and Orders of Nondisclosure

Criminal Defense- If you have been charged with a criminal offense, we will defend your rights at every stage of the case, starting with pre- arrest cases. We will put our extensive investigative and trial experience to use in your defense and spend the time necessary to thoroughly investigate your case to make sure that we have developed the best possible defense prior to discussing settlement or going to trial. We handle all aspects of criminal law, including:

  • Assault
  • Criminal Fraud
  • Drug Violations
  • DUI / DWI
  • Felonies
  • Grand Jury Proceedings
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Misdemeanors
  • Parole & Probation
  • Sex Offenses
  • Traffic Violations
  • Weapons Cases

Occupational License- An occupational license is a temporary driver's license granted by a judge. If a person's regular license is suspended due to an arrest for DWI or for some other reason, a judge may allow the person to drive for up to 12 hours a day for any essential need such as work, school, or medical treatment. We have the experience and knowledge to guide you through the legal and bureaucratic maze. We have helped many people facing license suspensions stay on the road in order to protect their livelihood. Let us help you, too.

If you have been charged with a criminal offense or are in need of an occupational license, you need an attorney who will safeguard your rights.

Contact The W. David Friesenhahn Law Firm, PLLC, for experienced and affordable representation.

Expunctions and Orders of Nondisclosure- Many people mistakenly believe that if they are acquitted, their case is dismissed, or if they complete what is called a "deferred adjudication probation" that they have no criminal record. This is NOT the case.

As soon as a person is arrested, the State creates a criminal history for the person. Even if the person's case is later dismissed, or the person is found "not guilty," a record of the arrest, or any deferred adjudication probation still remains. This record is public and can be discovered by anyone, including employers. Unfortunately, more and more employers are conducting complete criminal background checks on potential employees and using a record of arrest or deferred adjudication probation as a reason to deny employment.

Our office uses two procedures to help people either erase their criminal records or seal them from private parties: expunctions and orders of nondisclosure.

An expunction is an order from a court to law enforcement agencies to erase any records of a person's arrest and case. A person may be eligible for an expunction if the person's case was dismissed, never filed, or the person was found "not guilty." An order of nondisclosure is an order for people who have successfully completed a deferred adjudication probation. The order tells law enforcement to seal any record of the person's case from private parties, such as employers performing background checks.

The W. David Friesenhahn Law Firm, PLLC, works to make sure that people without criminal convictions don't have to spend the rest of their lives being treated like they do.