Tarrant County Trial Board
The Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office publishes a weekly list of active trials taking place throughout the county, providing the public with insight into the types of cases being prosecuted and the outcomes reached in court. This initiative is designed to promote transparency, accountability, and community awareness, allowing residents to better understand how the criminal justice system functions and what types of offenses are being tried in local courts.
Each week, we will review these publicly posted trial dockets and offer a plain-language explanation of the charges involved to help educate the community. We do not represent the individuals on trial, have no knowledge of the specific facts or evidence in any case, and do not comment on guilt, innocence, or case strategy. Our purpose is purely educational—to increase public understanding of the types of cases being tried in Tarrant County, the courts handling them, and the ultimate outcomes reported by the District Attorney’s Office.
297th District Court – Indecency with a Child by Exposure
In Texas, Indecency with a Child is a serious felony offense defined under Texas Penal Code §21.11, which prohibits engaging in sexual contact with a child under 17 years old or exposing oneself to a child with the intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire. The offense can be charged in two primary forms: Indecency with a Child by Contact, a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine; and Indecency with a Child by Exposure, a third-degree felony punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Both charges also carry mandatory lifetime sex offender registration, making them among the most severe and life-altering accusations in Texas.
In a recent case tried in the 297th District Court of Tarrant County, the defendant proceeded to a full jury trial and was ultimately found guilty of the charged offense. Because the State secured a true finding on a habitual offender enhancement—based on the defendant’s prior felony convictions—the applicable punishment range increased dramatically to 25 years to 99 years or life in prison under Texas law. After hearing all evidence in the punishment phase, the defendant’s sentence was assessed at 30 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, reflecting the serious impact habitual enhancements can have on sentencing outcomes in repeat-offender cases.
Sloane Law Firm provides comprehensive, aggressive representation for individuals accused of Indecency with a Child by Exposure, a charge that carries severe penalties and lifelong consequences. Our team meticulously investigates the allegations, challenges the State’s evidence, and builds strategic defenses tailored to the unique facts of each case. Because a conviction can result in years of imprisonment and mandatory sex offender registration, choosing a skilled and experienced defense attorney is essential to protect your future and fight for the best possible outcome.
County Criminal Court Number 9 – Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
In Texas, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon is defined under Texas Penal Code §46.04, which makes it a crime for a person previously convicted of a felony to possess a firearm before their rights have been restored. Generally, a felon is prohibited from possessing a firearm within five years of release from incarceration, parole, or community supervision, and even after that period, the law still restricts possession to the felon’s own residence. A violation of this statute is typically a third-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. However, if the defendant has prior felony convictions or qualifies as a habitual offender, the punishment range can increase dramatically, exposing them to a minimum 25 years to life in prison.
In a recent Unlawful Possession of Firearm by a Felon case tried in County Criminal Court Number 9 of Tarrant County, the defendant proceeded to trial and was ultimately found guilty. Because the State obtained a true finding on a habitual offender enhancement, the punishment range increased significantly, elevating the defendant’s exposure to 25 years to 99 years or life in prison under Texas law. After considering the evidence and the defendant’s criminal history, the jury sentenced him to 30 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, illustrating the high stakes involved when habitual enhancements apply.
Sloane Law Firm offers comprehensive and aggressive representation for those accused of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, a charge that can result in extremely harsh penalties—especially when habitual offender enhancements are involved. We analyze every aspect of the State’s case, from the legality of the stop or search to the evidence of possession, ensuring no constitutional violation goes unchallenged. Because a conviction under these circumstances can lead to decades in prison, selecting a skilled, experienced defense attorney is crucial to protecting your rights and your future.
Local, Experienced, and Trusted – Choose Sloane Law Firm for Fort Worth and Tarrant County Criminal Defense
When your freedom and reputation are on the line, choosing the right criminal defense firm matters—and in Fort Worth and Tarrant County, you won’t find a team more local, experienced, or trusted than The Sloane Law Firm.
Our office is just minutes from the courthouse, where we have successfully defended thousands of clients in the very courts where your case will be heard. We combine aggressive advocacy with deep local insight to deliver the strongest defense possible.
If you’re facing criminal charges in Fort Worth or Tarrant County, choose the hometown team that knows how to fight for you.