Why Stefanie Collins? 

headshot 2019.jpg
 
 

I am here to help.  I strive to provide every single client with quality representation every single time.  If you have been charged with a crime, can't seem to get your driver's license in order, or are struggling with divorce or custody issues or a car accident, I will go the extra mile for you. 

I provide personalized, tailored solutions to your problems.  If we hit a road block when getting you a result, we will go another route - period.  I will do everything I can do get you a result that works with your situation and your circumstances. 

I know each of my clients and the details of their cases.  I am not the kind of lawyer you have to call fifty times and talk to five different assistants in order to get news about your case.  You will talk to me, every single time.  If you need something, I will do everything I can to make it happen. 

Don't wait until your problems get worse.  Call me today and lets start work on solving your problems. 

 

 
 

Are you driving on a suspended license? 

It has been estimated that over one million Texans are driving on a suspended or expired license or do not have a license at all.  The Texas legislature has created many obstacles to driving legally in this state.  Offenses like Driving While Intoxicated, Driving While License Invalid, and Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility can cause suspensions.  Surcharges and failure to appear on Class C offenses can also prevent you from getting a regular drivers license.  

If you have any of these issues, it may feel like a inescapable vortex.  You may feel like the minute you have one issue taken care of, three more appear.  You are not alone, and I'd love to help you formulate a plan to get your license back.  

Don't wait until you have been arrested for Driving While License Invalid to try to tackle this problem.  Call me today.  


What I can do

I can fix your license issues.  

Together we can find solutions to issues like: 

  • surcharges
  • mandatory suspensions
  • failures to appear 
  • judgments on past car accidents

All of these problems have solutions.  We may need to do an occupational license.  We may have to track down all Class C failure to appears and resolve those.  Whatever we have to do, we will do it.  

I will bring all my experience and knowledge to bear on your case to get these issues resolved and get you driving, without fear of arrest, once more.


My work with the LGBTQIA community

Stefanie at Austin PRIDE 2016

Stefanie at Austin PRIDE 2016

 
 

I am proud to support the LGBTQIA community.  I specialize in representing LGBTQIA clients and their families. I serve on the board of the Austin LGBT Bar, am a member of the State Bar of Texas, and a supporter and vendor at Austin PRIDE.  I am also a member of the Austin Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. 

LGBTQIA people are over represented in the criminal justice system.  Trans people are at least 6% more likely to be incarcerated than cisgender people.  We as a community have higher rates of substance abuse and homelessness, predisposing us to higher arrest rates.  If you are LGBTQIA and are charged with an offense, you need a lawyer who is culturally competent and understands your issues.  I promise you:  I will never judge you, condemn you, or try to change you.  To my trans clients:  I will never make jokes about you or misgender you.  We will work together to educate the prosecutor and the entire system about the special issues you face as a queer person and how those unjustly predispose you to involvement in the criminal system.  I will also help you get the appropriate, affirming resources you may need to get the help you need to have a productive, happy life.

Don’t hire a lawyer who has a fundamental disagreement with who you are or thinks you are the butt of jokes.  Hire someone who knows you and respects you and can defend you in a competent, affirming manner.  Let’s work together to mount a defense that fully tells your story and does not diminish you.

 

I am a proud member of the board of the Austin LGBT Bar.  I'd like to invite everyone to our 2016 Scholarship Gala: Sculpting the Future! It is October 13 at Umlauf Sculpture Garden at 7:00.  Tickets can be purchased through our website at http://www.austinlgbtbar.org/.  

 

 

 
 
 
The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test 

The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test 

 

If you are charged with DWI, I can help.  I provide skilled defense of intoxication charges, including misdemeanor DWI, felony DWI, and intoxication assault charges.  

If you are charged with DWI, you need a lawyer who is familiar with breath and blood testing and its possible inaccuracies and irregularities.  You need someone who can challenge the usefulness of the field sobriety tests (the "eye" test, which is called the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, the "walking" test, called the Walk and Turn, and the One Leg Stand Test) and their ability to predict intoxication.  

It is very possible to get a good result on your DWI with a skilled lawyer who can analyze your case and challenge the state's theories of intoxication.