Make Sure the Prosecution Has Turned Over Everything It Owes You

West Texas Trial Lawyers, PLLC conducts discovery audits and enforces Michael Morton Act compliance for clients in El Paso, Texas, to ensure the prosecution discloses all required evidence before trial.

West Texas Trial Lawyers, PLLC provides discovery audits and Michael Morton Act compliance review for individuals charged with criminal offenses in Texas state court. You have a legal right under Texas law to receive all evidence that the prosecution intends to use, all evidence that is favorable to your defense, and all witness statements and expert reports before trial. The Michael Morton Act sets specific deadlines and disclosure requirements, but violations are common. This firm reviews what the prosecution has provided, identifies what is missing or incomplete, and files motions to compel production when the state fails to meet its obligations.

The audit begins with a detailed review of the state's file, comparing it against standard discovery categories such as offense reports, lab analyses, audio and video recordings, witness statements, chain of custody logs, and exculpatory materials. Missing items are documented, and formal requests are submitted. If the prosecution does not respond or claims certain materials do not exist, the firm files motions to compel and, when necessary, motions to dismiss or exclude evidence. In cases involving forensic evidence, digital data, or confidential informants, gaps in disclosure often indicate broader problems with the state's case.

If you have been charged and want to confirm that you have received all discoverable materials, contact West Texas Trial Lawyers, PLLC to request a discovery audit.

How Discovery Enforcement Protects Your Defense

You receive a folder or digital file from the prosecution containing police reports, lab results, and maybe some video. The firm reviews that material against the offense report to identify what should have been included but was not, such as body camera footage from additional officers, text messages referenced in witness statements, or forensic worksheets that explain how a lab reached its conclusion. Each missing item is cataloged, and a motion is filed requesting production or sanctions.

Once the motion is filed, you will see whether the prosecution produces additional materials, whether the court orders compliance, or whether certain evidence is excluded due to late or improper disclosure. West Texas Trial Lawyers, PLLC uses discovery enforcement as both a defensive and offensive tool, ensuring you are not surprised at trial and exposing weaknesses in how the state has handled evidence. In some cases, late disclosure of exculpatory evidence leads to motions for new trial settings or outright dismissal.

This process applies to any case where the state relies on physical evidence, witness testimony, or expert analysis. It includes drug cases with lab reports, assault cases with medical records, theft cases with surveillance video, and white collar cases with financial documents. Discovery audits are especially important in cases with multiple defendants, confidential informants, or digital evidence, where the risk of incomplete disclosure is higher.