Yes — through the grand jury process.

In Texas, felony charges must be presented to a grand jury before a case can proceed in court, unless the defendant waives indictment. The grand jury decides whether there is sufficient evidence to return an indictment.

Early involvement by defense counsel can matter at this stage. In appropriate cases, counsel may be able to influence how evidence is evaluated or present information that affects whether an indictment is returned.

If a grand jury no-bills a case, the prosecution does not proceed to court. The case will not be re-presented to a grand jury unless new or additional evidence emerges.

Once an indictment is returned, the case proceeds in the court system. Even then, several outcomes remain possible — the charge may be dismissed or reduced by the prosecution, resolved through a negotiated plea agreement, or tried to a jury, or in limited circumstances, to a judge if the State agrees to waive its right to a jury trial. Acting early helps preserve options and leverage that may narrow once a case advances in the court system.