Call us if you have a warrant out or a Motion to Revoke Probation or Motion to Adjudicate Guilt has been filed in your probation case.

We are familiar with and handle MRP’s and MAG’s in Houston,  Harris, Fort Bend, Galveston,  Brazoria and surrounding Texas counties.

Call us now.  We will —

• Take your case information
• Go over our rates for representation
• Set you up with an office or telephone  appointment

We have offices in Downtown Houston and on the West Side near Sugar Land.  We have over 3 decades of experience and former District Chief Prosecutor standing. We have documented, verifiable results [using case numbers] in these categories.

Call our Houston Criminal Defense Attorneys if you’re on Probation and you have:

• Failed a UA
• Failed to complete classes
• Failed to complete service
• Missed a report date
• Been late on fees or fines
• Been charged with a new case

— a warrant for your arrest may be issued.

If there’s already a warrant or if you’ve been arrested for

• Motion to Revoke Probation
• Motion to Adjudicate Guilt

—call us to discuss your violations and how we can best solve the problem. 

MRP/MAG FAQ:

My case was originally a felony, reduced to a misdemeanor.  I violated my probation.  Will I go back to my original felony court or to a misdemeanor court for the MRP/MAG?

You will go back to the original felony court.

What is the difference between an MRP and an MAG?

MRP stands for Motion to Revoke Probation.  An MRP is filed when you have been placed on regular probation [results in a final conviction after completion] and have violated the terms in some way.   MAG stands for Motion to Adjudicate Guilt.  An MAG is filed when you have been placed on deferred adjudication probation [results in no final conviction after completion] and have violated.  [For more information on the difference between regular probation and deferred adjudication probation, click here.]

What is the aim of the DA’s in filing an MRP or an MAG?

The goal of the State in an MRP is to revoke your probation and have you serve the time your probation was to have allowed you to avoid.  The goal of the State in an MAG is to find you guilty – to adjudicate – or judge – you as guilty and then either place you on regular probation or have you serve time.

I’m behind on my fees and fines and can’t pay.  I don’t have transportation and can’t report or do my community service.  What should I do?

The most important thing is to  COMMUNICATE with your CSO.  And DOCUMENT it.  Call him/her and follow up in writing (and keep a copy) every time you have a problem.  DO NOT JUST IGNORE IT.  IT WON’T GO AWAY.   Let your CSO know of your problems and also of your efforts to resolve them (to get a job, to find transportation).  This communication still may not prevent an MRP from being filed – so still do everything you can to comply – but if an MRP is ultimately filed, we will use your documented efforts to keep your CSO informed as mitigation.

I know I will fail a drug test.  I’m also behind on my fees and classes.  Will it do any good for me to try to catch up on them at this point? 

Yes.  Your file will be scrutinized more closely once you fail a drug test.   Try to catch up on all outstanding fees and classes now.  The bad points will all add up so any efforts you make to rectify the situation will help.

What kind of substances will my probation officer test for and how?

Be prepared to be tested at least initially for any illegal drugs and alcohol – even if you are not on probation for a drug or alcohol offense.   At the start of your probation you will be assessed to determine your vulnerability to drug and alcohol abuse.   If your offense is not drug or alcohol related, and if you test out at a low risk level, your drug and alcohol testing will likely end after the first 2 or 3  visits.   If your offense is drug/alcohol related, and esp. if you are a repeat offender, expect to be tested at every visit.    The most common types of tests used by Texas community supervision offices, including HarrisCounty, are hair follicle screening and UA’s.

How far back does hair follicle testing go and what is it used to test for?

Hair follicle testing goes back 90 days.  The most common drugs screened using hair follicle testing are  cocaine, marijuana, phencyclidine, opiates, and methamphetamines, as well as alcohol.

I’m on probation for DWI.  How and when will I be tested for alcohol?  

In Texas, esp. in HarrisCounty, if you’re on probation for an alcohol-related offense, expect to be asked to submit to a UA  at least each time you see your CSO.   Random UA’s [not scheduled in advance] may also be required or you may be given a portable breath monitor to blow into several times daily.   Violations will cause a Motion to Revoke Probation to be filed.  Be careful not to use mouthwash while on probation.

I’ve heard about alcohol EtG testing – what do I need to know about that?
EtG [Ethyl Glucuronide] is a metabolite, a by-product, of alcohol.  While alcohol does not remain in the system long, EtGs are detectable up to 5 days after drinking. EtG’s are screened for by a UA.   Many Texas probation departments, including Houston, use EtG testing.  It is a very accurate test.   However, it is also very sensitive – use of mouthwash can make an EtG test show positive.  It is safest to avoid mouthwash entirely while on probation.

Can a polygraph test be used to help exonerate me [clear my name] in a Motion to Revoke hearing? 

No.  A newly published case from the Court of Criminal Appeals [2013],  applying Rule 703, ruled that polygraphs are inadmissible in revocation proceedings.  [PD-0551-10, W.T. Leonard, Appellant]  We may,  however, be able to use to advantage a successful polygraph test in the pre-trial stage.  We work with Houston’s most well-known & accepted polygraphers.

~JUSTICE DOESN’T JUST HAPPEN~

Carl Haggard’s reputation for integrity makes him one of Houston’s most-respected criminal defense attorneys.

Clients rely on Carl Haggard’s expertise:

• Former Houston District Court Chief Prosecutor
• Former Houston Misdemeanor Court Chief Prosecutor
• Nationally Certified Mediator-Arbitrator – Triple Certification
• Nationally-Known Author and Speaker on Civil Rights
• Washington, DC Speech-Maker on Constitutional Issues
• Licensed to Practice in the United States Supreme Court
• Honors Graduate from Law School – Cum Laude
• Former UH Adjunct Professor of Law
• Thousands of Cases and Trials Handled

RESULTS ARE WHAT COUNT

Houston MRP / MAG Defense Attorney Carl Haggard is at the forefront of Houston Criminal Defense Attorneys with a proven track record of winning results for clients charged with Aggravated Assault with Motion to Revoke Probation, Motion to Adjudicate Guilt, and related offenses.