Fuller Criminal Defense

08/30/2026

Police must follow clear rules before extending a routine traffic stop for extra questioning.

See what extends a simple stop.

06/30/2026

Trial work isn't always neat and clean. Sometimes the first trial doesn't end the way you hoped. But when the Court declares a mistrial, you have to be ready to - literally - try again.

We tried the same case twice this week. The first trial ended in a mistrial. The second, in an acquittal.

Preparation matters. So does perseverance. Our client trusted us twice and was vindicated today.

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

📞 972.905.0572
🌐 www.afullerlaw.com

Every case is unique and must be evaluated on its own facts and law. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

06/30/2026

The Lone Star State will now increase penalties for certain drunk driving offenses.

Know the risks.

06/25/2026

The State accused him. The evidence didn’t hold up.

I recently defended a client accused of indecent exposure in a jury trial.

After the State finished presenting its evidence, the judge ruled they had failed to prove an essential part of the case.

The jury was instructed to return a verdict of:

✅ NOT GUILTY

In criminal court, the State must prove every single element of a charge beyond a reasonable doubt. If they can’t, the law requires an acquittal.

Serious accusations can turn your life upside down—but accusations are not convictions.

Dire charge. Directed verdict.

If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges in Collin County or North Texas, don’t wait to get experienced representation.

📞 972-905-0572
🌐 www.afullerlaw.com

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique and must be evaluated on its own facts and law.

06/02/2026

CASE DISMISSED ✅

Another case taken all the way—and another successful outcome for our client.

A solicitation of prostitution charge was dismissed after we demonstrated a violation of our client's right to a speedy trial.

Every person accused of a crime has important constitutional rights, and those rights matter. When those protections are violated, we fight to make sure our clients receive the justice they deserve.

If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges, experienced legal representation can make a difference.

📞 972-905-0572
🌐 www.afullerLaw.com

05/23/2026

The Insanity Defense vs. Competency to Stand Trial: A Primer

This seems to be in the news a lot right now, so here is a quick guide to the difference between insanity and competency under Texas law.

Very simply put, a defendant is “incompetent” when he is not capable of understanding the legal system or assisting in his own defense *right now*. He is legally “insane” when, due to a severe mental disease or defect, he was incapable of understanding what he was doing was wrong *at the time of the offense.*

Insanity is a strict standard; competency less so. Both require a mental health professional to evaluate the defendant and give an opinion about their mental status. Both the State and Defense have a right to object to the findings and request re-evaluations or even jury trials on the issue of competency.

I have had clients found incompetent for the expected reasons, like untreated schizophrenia, but also for unusual ones. One client was found incompetent because their anxiety was so severe they could not discuss their case or listen to my advice without having panic attacks. Another was found incompetent because they were developing memory issues and could not retain or remember my advice.

Most defendants regain competency, but some never do. If they do not, the State can seek to civially commit them in some cases, but others must dismiss the case depending on how long they’ve been held in custody. The court has the option to order them into outpatient competency restoration if it would be safe to do so, or may require them to go through restoration in custody.

Many defendants are incompetent without being insane. As a practical matter, insanity litigation usually cannot proceed until the defendant has been restored to competency. Once a defendant is restored to competency and experts conclude they meet the insanity standard, the real work begins.

Over the years I have litigated dozens of competency hearings and secured several verdicts of Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity, including for serious cases such as aggravated assault. Typically, my first step in securing this verdict is convincing the prosecutor it is the right thing to do. Often I begin the process by disclosing medical records to and discussing the defendant’s mental state with the State’s attorneys during the competency process. If the State accepts my expert’s finding of insanity, then we will have a quick bench trial where the defense stipulates the State can prove its case and the State stipulates the defense can prove insanity. Otherwise, the State can get its own expert and we will litigate the issue at trial. Once the defendant is found NGRI, depending on the type of case the judge can order the defendant into custody to be held and evaluated in a mental hospital.

Handling mental health cases is, in my eyes, a public service. If you know anyone who needs to discuss a mental health case in Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Denton, Dallas, or anywhere in North Texas, have them reach out to me at www.afullerlaw.com or 972-905-0572.

If you face criminal charges in McKinney, the lawyer you hire is crucial. The Law Office Of H. Alex Fuller, PLLC. Free consultations. 972-422-9171.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms who keep the world turning!

05/08/2026

Another strong result for a client facing serious felony allegations.

Our client was charged with:
• Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
• Continuous Violence Against the Family

After extensive work on the case, the Continuous case was dismissed and the Aggravated Assault case reduced to a misdemeanor with one day in jail and credit for time served - meaning no additional jail time.

Every case matters. Every client deserves a strong defense.

If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges, contact Fuller Criminal Defense.

📞 972.905.0572
🌐 www.afullerlaw.com

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

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05/07/2026

Two DWI trials. Two weeks. Two "not-guilty" verdicts.

One jury trial. One bench trial.

In the jury trial, the court excluded the State’s bloodwork evidence — a critical ruling that changed the trajectory of the case and reinforced the importance of aggressively litigating evidentiary issues.

Every DWI case is different. Knowing which cases should be resolved and which should be tried comes from experience, preparation, and a willingness to put the work in when it matters most.

We’re proud of our team for stepping into two trials in two weeks and delivering strong results for our clients.

Fuller Criminal Defense is book smart and trial tough. Contact us today to discuss your case.

05/05/2026

How should parents respond to a campus arrest?

The phone call every parent dreads often starts the same way: “Something happened, and I got arrested.” In that moment, it is natural to focus on the criminal charge —what it means, what happens next and how to protect your child. But for college students, an arrest can trigger a second, paral...