Recent Blog Posts
When Can a Juvenile Be Tried as an Adult in Texas?
Most parents’ worst nightmare is to hear their child has been arrested. Many parents work tirelessly to ensure their child is raised correctly and follows the law. Unfortunately, in life, few things ever go according to plan. When a child is arrested, they are typically tried as a juvenile. However, a child may be tried as an adult in certain situations.
Being tried in adult court means the child will be held to the same legal standard as an adult. The child could face severe criminal penalties. Generally, if a child is being tried as an adult, they allegedly committed an act so heinous that a juvenile court no longer protects the child. If your child has been arrested and charged as an adult, understand that they are in extreme legal jeopardy. Contact an experienced juvenile defense attorney who will ensure that your child’s rights remain protected and that they are afforded the best legal counsel possible to pursue the most favorable outcome possible in your child’s favor.
What To Do if You Have Been Charged with Sexual Assault in Texas
Being charged with a crime can fill you with a cascade of emotions, including fear, anger, and frustration. This is especially true if you have been charged with a violent crime like sexual assault. A sexual assault charge is enormously serious, carrying stiff penalties including significant fines and prolonged prison sentences. Therefore, while it may be true that being charged with such a crime can cause you to feel strong emotions, you must operate with the utmost caution.
As with many crimes, there is a certain protocol you should follow if facing severe criminal charges. You do not want to put yourself in a worse situation than you are already in. If you have been charged with a violent crime like sexual assault, do not hesitate to contact an attorney who will passionately protect your rights and work to pursue a positive outcome in your case.
What to Know About the Legality of Texting While Driving in Texas
Regardless of if you have been driving for 10 years or 20 years, driving takes a lot of concentration. Unfortunately, as our society becomes more digitized and our cell phone rarely leaves our grasp, traffic violations involving cell phone use have become common.
If you live in Texas and have been charged with distracted driving, consult with an experienced attorney skillful in working in cases that involve distracted driving.
Distracted Driving Laws in Texas
Across the United States, 48 states, including Texas, have explicitly banned texting while driving. In Texas, texting and driving is a misdemeanor, which means a conviction will create a criminal record. You may also be subject to a fine of $25 to $99 if it is your first offense. A repeat offender can be fined up to $200. If you text while driving and cause an injury or death, that fine is increased to $4,000, including the possibility of jail time.
Navigating Firearm Charges in Texas
Texans tend to be very proud of their right to keep and bear arms, as is defined under the Constitution’s Second Amendment and Texas state law. Texas has some of the more forgiving laws in the United States regarding weapons possession and the practice of open-carry firearms, which is why it can be shocking when someone finds themselves charged with a weapons violation. Contrary to popular belief, you can still find yourself in legal hot water for possessing or using a firearm, even in Texas.
Anyone charged with a weapons violation in Texas must take the charge seriously. Weapon violations are serious offenses, and failing to take the situation seriously can subject an individual to unfavorable consequences. Therefore, if you have been charged with a weapons violation in Texas, it is a good idea to pursue legal guidance as soon as possible to pursue a favorable outcome.
What To Do If You Have Been Charged with Domestic Violence in Texas
The Texas Family Law Code categorizes family violence as an act committed by a family or household member that inflicts harm, assault, physical injury, or causes the person to fear impending harm. Criminal charges for domestic violence-related offenses can lead to jail time, steep fines, and permanent damage to your personal and professional reputation.
If you were charged with committing acts of family violence, it is imperative to consider reaching out to a knowledgeable family violence attorney with experience in such cases.
Family Violence in Texas
Regardless of whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, accusations of family violence must be taken very seriously. Not only can a family violence conviction bring prison time and enormous fines, but it can also have a lasting impact on your ability to be employed, as well as negative consequences in child custody or divorce hearings.
When Halloween Mischief Leads to Criminal Charges
Halloween can be a fun time for children, teenagers, and adults alike. Unfortunately, sometimes. the "trick" portion of trick or treating gets out of hand. If you or your child is facing criminal charges stemming from Halloween mischief, it is important to understand the possible consequences and defenses that may be available.
Most Halloween-related crimes are relatively minor, such as vandalism or trespassing. However, more serious offenses, such as burglary or assault, can also occur. In some cases, people are charged with crimes that they did not commit. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the criminal justice system and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Juvenile Offenses During Halloween
Children, teenagers, and young adults may be shocked to end up in handcuffs after a seemingly harmless prank. For example, "egging" a house by throwing eggs at it can lead to broken windows and other property damage. This may be considered vandalism.
Defending Against Murder Charges in Texas
Murder is considered one of the most serious crimes in Texas, and it is punishable by up to life in prison. If you have been charged with murder, it is important to understand the severity of the charge and the possible defenses that may be available to you.
Criminal defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty. Unfortunately, however, individuals accused of murder are often treated as if they committed the crime. If you have been accused of murder, manslaughter, or criminally negligent homicide, you need a lawyer who will fight for you.
Know What You Are Up Against
There are four main categories of criminal homicide in Texas. Murder refers to intentionally causing the death of another person. In Texas, capital murder is a first-degree felony. Killing someone during the commission of another crime such as kidnapping or sexual assault, killing a peace officer, or killing a child under ten years of age are examples of capital murder. Murder is a second-degree offense. If a murder took place in the "heat of passion" and was not planned in advance, murder is considered a second-degree felony.
Will I Be on the Texas Sex Offender Registry If I am Charged With a Sex Crime?
The sex offender registry is a website that lists people convicted of certain sex crimes. The registry is accessible to the public, which means that neighbors, friends, employers, co-workers, and virtually anyone else can look up sex offenders.
If you are convicted of a sex crime, you will likely be required to register as a sex offender. This means that your personal information, including your name and address, will be available to the public. In some cases, you may also be required to provide a photograph and other identifying information.
Understandably, individuals accused of sexual assault, prostitution, statutory rape, indecent exposure, and other sex crimes are often deeply concerned about being on the sex offender registry. Once someone is on the registry, it can be nearly impossible for them to live a normal life.
Fighting Felony Embezzlement Charges in Texas
Fortunately, in the United States, people accused of crimes are considered to be innocent until they are proven guilty. In a criminal case, the prosecution must prove that the defendant committed the elements of the offense "beyond a reasonable doubt." This is the highest standard of proof in our legal system. The role of a criminal defense lawyer is to find inconsistencies and problems with the prosecution's case and to cast doubt on the defendant's guilt.
Embezzlement is a theft charge punishable by lengthy prison sentences, especially if the defendant is facing felony charges. If you have been accused of felony embezzlement or another white collar offense in Texas, it is important to understand the elements of the offense and how they can be proven or disproven.
Embezzlement Defined in the Texas Penal Code
Navigating a DUI or DWI Charge as a Minor in Wilson County
With September nearly halfway over and school in full swing, minors must stay keenly aware of the seriousness of a DUI or DWI charge in Texas. If you operate a motor vehicle and are charged with a DUI or DWI, you must first understand the penalties for such an act. Additionally, Texas enforces a stringent zero-tolerance policy toward underage drinking and driving. If you are a minor charged with an alcohol-related crime, you may want to work with an experienced attorney who can advise you of your rights and help you defend yourself.
Zero Tolerance for Driving Under the Influence
It's critical to keep in mind that Texas has a strict zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking. This zero-tolerance policy means that most alcohol citations in Texas can affect your driving privileges, even if you are not driving a car. Acts that warrant an alcohol citation include trying to buy alcohol as a minor, lying about your age to try and buy alcohol, using a fake ID, consuming or possessing alcohol, and public intoxication. If you are charged with an alcohol-related criminal offense, your driver’s license may be suspended which makes it illegal for you to drive any vehicle.