Jury Finds Client Not Guilty in Evading Arrest Case in Bryan, Texas

When M.G. was accused of evading arrest using a vehicle, her future suddenly felt uncertain. What began as a misunderstanding during a traffic stop quickly escalated into criminal charges that could have permanently impacted her record, reputation, and peace of mind.
With the help of criminal defense attorney Stephen Gustitis, M.G. stood her ground, rejected a plea deal she believed was unfair, and ultimately received the outcome she hoped for: a not guilty verdict from the jury.
A round red and gold emblem displays the words NOT GUILTY with a scale of justice and laurel branches.

Location: Bryan, Texas

Case type: Evading Arrest

A judges gavel and a brass balance scale rest on a desk in a sunlit office with shelves in the background.
Two people sit at a desk with legal documents, books, a gavel, and a laptop; one person is writing on a contract with a pen.
Two people sit at a desk with legal documents, books, a gavel, and a laptop; one person is writing on a contract with a pen.

The Situation

M.G. became a suspect in an alleged petty theft investigation after her vehicle was identified by a loss prevention officer. A Bryan Police officer later attempted to pull her over using lights and sirens while she was driving on Briarcrest Drive in Bryan, Texas.
According to testimony presented during trial, M.G. did not immediately stop because of traffic conditions and because she wanted to reach a safe location before pulling over. Since she was only moments away from home, she chose to continue driving a short distance to her residence before stopping.
After arriving home, she explained to the officer that she had not intended to flee and was simply trying to stop in a safe place. Despite her explanation, she was arrested and charged with intentionally evading law enforcement.

The Challenge

An evading arrest charge involving a vehicle is serious and can carry significant legal consequences in Texas. M.G. faced the possibility of a criminal conviction that could affect her future opportunities and personal life.
Although prosecutors offered a plea bargain, M.G. believed she had been mistreated and that the officer had overreacted to the situation. She courageously rejected the plea deal and chose to fight the charge in court.
Because she did not have the financial means to hire private counsel, attorney Stephen Gustitis was appointed to represent her.

Person in jeans and a maroon shirt is shown from behind, handcuffed with hands behind their back, standing next to a car with headlights on.

The Defense Strategy

Stephen Gustitis focused on demonstrating one critical fact to the jury: M.G. never intended to flee from law enforcement.
During trial, the defense carefully examined the circumstances surrounding the stop, including:

  • Traffic conditions at the time

  • The short distance between the attempted stop and M.G.’s home
  • Her explanation to the officer
  • Dashcam footage from the incident
  • Testimony from the arresting officer
  • The defense emphasized that choosing to stop in a safe location is not the same as intentionally fleeing from police.

The defense emphasized that choosing to stop in a safe location is not the same as intentionally fleeing from police.

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The Outcome

On March 18, 2026, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty. After hearing testimony and reviewing the evidence, jurors concluded that prosecutors failed to prove M.G. intentionally fled from law enforcement.
For M.G., the verdict meant relief, vindication, and the ability to move forward without a criminal conviction hanging over her future.

According to attorney Stephen Gustitis, the client was “very relieved and happy the jury found in her favor and the case was finally behind her.”

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A bronze Lady Justice statue holding scales and a sword is on a desk, with a person in a suit writing in the background and a judge’s gavel nearby.

Why This Case Matters

This case highlights an important truth: not every delayed stop is an attempt to evade police. Context matters. Intent matters. And having an experienced criminal defense attorney who is willing to challenge assumptions can make all the difference.
As Stephen Gustitis explained, this case centered on “the client not satisfying the police officer’s expectation of when and where she should stop her vehicle.”

Facing Criminal Charges in Texas?

If you have been charged with evading arrest or another criminal offense, you deserve a defense attorney who will carefully examine the facts and fight for your side of the story.
Stephen Gustitis has experience defending clients against serious criminal allegations and helping them pursue the best possible outcome in court.

A round red and gold emblem displays the words NOT GUILTY with a scale of justice and laurel branches.