Plano Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing criminal charges in Plano or anywhere in Collin County, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands the local courts and prosecutors. The Goolsby Law Firm represents clients charged with DWI, drug offenses, assault, theft, and all other criminal matters in Plano, and we bring the same focused defense strategy to every case.

Criminal Defense in Plano and Collin County

Plano is one of the largest cities in Collin County and home to a busy court system that handles thousands of criminal cases each year. The Collin County courts are known for their efficiency and for taking criminal charges seriously — which means you need an attorney who is prepared and who understands the standards and expectations of that jurisdiction.

Attorney Mike Goolsby is a former prosecutor with over 27 years of experience defending clients across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including in Plano and Collin County. His background on the prosecution side gives him a distinct advantage in understanding how cases are built and where opportunities exist to challenge charges, negotiate outcomes, or take a case to trial.

Criminal Charges We Defend in Plano

The Goolsby Law Firm defends clients in Plano facing a wide range of criminal charges, including:

  • DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) — One of the most common charges in Plano. A DWI can result in license suspension, fines, mandatory classes, and jail time. Our firm works to challenge the stop, the field sobriety test, and the chemical testing procedures.
  • Drug Possession and Drug Crimes — Charges ranging from simple possession to more serious controlled substance offenses. We evaluate the legality of the search and seizure and identify all available defenses.
  • Assault and Family Violence — Assault charges are aggressively prosecuted in Collin County. We represent clients in both misdemeanor and felony assault cases, including family violence allegations.
  • Theft and Burglary — From shoplifting to felony theft, we defend clients against property crime charges and work to minimize the long-term consequences of a conviction.
  • Probation Violations — If you are on probation and have been accused of a violation, fast action is critical. We handle revocation hearings throughout Collin County.
  • Expungement and Record Sealing — If you have an arrest or charge eligible for expungement or nondisclosure in Texas, we can help clear your record.

The Plano Municipal Court and Collin County Courts

Criminal cases in Plano may be heard in Plano Municipal Court, the Collin County Courts at Law, or the 199th, 296th, or 366th Judicial District Courts in McKinney, depending on the severity of the charge. Misdemeanors are generally handled at the county court level, while felony charges go to the district courts.

Understanding the difference between these courts — and the prosecutors and judges who work in each — matters when building a defense. Our firm has handled cases throughout Collin County and understands the landscape of the local criminal justice system.

How We Approach Criminal Defense in Plano

Every case starts with a free in-person consultation where we take the time to understand what happened, review the charges, and identify the most promising defense strategies. From there, we move quickly — gathering evidence, reviewing police reports, filing pretrial motions where appropriate, and communicating with prosecutors to explore every opportunity.

Our goal is always to get the best possible result: dismissal, reduction of charges, or an acquittal at trial if the case goes that far. As a former prosecutor, Mike Goolsby has seen both sides of criminal cases and knows what it takes to effectively challenge the state’s evidence.

Serving Clients Throughout Plano and North Texas

From our Dallas office, The Goolsby Law Firm serves clients throughout Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Richardson, Garland, and the surrounding communities in Collin County and North Texas. If you are facing criminal charges in Plano, contact us today at (972) 394-2141 for a free consultation.

Plano Neighborhoods and Areas We Serve

The Goolsby Law Firm represents clients across Plano, including the Legacy Business District, Old Town Plano, West Plano communities, the neighborhoods along the Dallas North Tollway, and the Frisco border corridor. Plano is one of the most affluent and populous cities in Collin County, with a large corporate presence and active law enforcement across its major corridors. DWI arrests on the tollway and drug charges are among the most frequent matters we handle for Plano clients, along with assault, probation violations, and professional license defense issues.

The Collin County Courts for Plano Cases

Criminal cases from Plano are prosecuted in Collin County, with proceedings held at the Collin County Criminal Justice Center in McKinney at 2100 Bloomdale Road. Misdemeanor cases go to the Courts at Law. Felony matters are prosecuted in the district courts. Plano Municipal Court at 800 East 14th Street handles Class C offenses. The Collin County DA’s Office approaches prosecution thoroughly, and plea arrangements are not easily obtained without legal justification. Mike Goolsby’s former prosecutor experience provides a direct advantage in understanding how the DA’s office evaluates cases and what arguments move the needle.

Protecting Professionals and Corporate Employees in Plano

Plano’s Legacy corridor and broader corporate infrastructure mean that a significant portion of our Plano clients are professionals whose livelihoods could be affected by a criminal conviction. A drug charge, DWI, or assault conviction can affect employment, professional licensing, security clearances, and background check results in ways that outlast any fine or probation period. The Goolsby Law Firm takes the long view when defending clients who have careers at stake.

Frequently Asked Questions — Plano Criminal Defense

DWI arrests on the tollway are common and are prosecuted by the Collin County DA’s Office like any other DWI. Act quickly to preserve your right to contest your license suspension (you have 15 days to request an ALR hearing) and contact an attorney to begin reviewing the stop and the evidence against you.
Yes. Many Legacy employers conduct background checks, and a drug conviction can affect employment eligibility and professional license standing. An attorney may be able to pursue dismissal, deferred adjudication, or another resolution that protects your record.
Yes. The firm handles Class C matters in Plano Municipal Court as well as more serious charges in the Collin County courts.

Facing criminal charges in Plano? Call The Goolsby Law Firm at (972) 394-2141 for a free consultation with a former prosecutor who knows how to defend your case in Collin County.

Frequently Asked Questions — Plano Criminal Defense

How do I select a criminal defense attorney in Plano?

When selecting a criminal defense attorney in Plano, you always want an attorney who has been a former prosecutor. They know the Collin County courts inside and out. Focus on someone with experience in cases like yours, familiarity with the local courts, communication style, and whether the attorney gives clear, practical answers. You should come away from a consultation feeling informed, respected, and confident that the firm understands what is at stake.

How do I get a criminal defense attorney in Plano?

If you need a criminal defense attorney in Plano, the quicker you hire the better. It can help in getting your case dismissed or keeping it from being filed. Your first step is to schedule a consultation as soon as possible after an arrest, investigation, or accusation. Always go into the attorney office for an in person interview and never do it over the phone. Early legal guidance can help you avoid mistakes and make better decisions from the beginning of the case.