Few people have a spotless record in the eyes of the law. Maybe you received a traffic ticket when you were first learning to drive, or you were caught with alcohol before turning 21. Teenagers often make decisions before considering the legal consequences that may follow. Not only can these “bad choices” lead to large fines or jail time, but they can also remain on your record as you try to move on from your past mistakes. In Texas, those with a criminal record can sometimes have the charges removed or expunged. Although many people may not seek out this option until they are an adult looking for a job, minors should consider expunction to give themselves a better chance of clearing their record at an earlier age. 

What Is Expunction?

Being able to hide your previous encounters with the law can help you move on personally and professionally. Most convictions cannot be removed from an individual’s record, especially those considered more serious. However, expunction may allow Texans to remove information about arrests that were never formally charged, criminal charges that were dismissed, or cases in which a pre-trial diversion program was completed. Expunction may also be available for certain types of convictions, such as some first-time DWI charges. Once expunction is approved, all information will be erased from criminal records, allowing the person to deny the incident and any consequences that came from it. 

College is an exciting and new time for young adults who are just getting started with their higher education. Since many students attend college right after they graduate high school, some students are still minors. For many, this is the first time that they have lived without a parent, making it easy for them to get into trouble with their newfound freedom. Whether a minor or not, making a legal mistake in college can affect a person's future at the school itself as well as the professional opportunities available to them in the future. Many students do not recognize the severity of their actions until after they have been caught, making an experienced criminal defense attorney crucial for avoiding a conviction and allowing them to continue on with their academic career.

Types of Offenses That Occur on Campuses

In 2017, The National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) released a report that highlights the crimes occurring on American college campuses. On a positive note, violent victimization on school grounds has decreased by 75 percent since 1995. However, 5 percent of students reported carrying a weapon on school grounds in the last 30 days alone. Criminal tendencies shift as times change, yet the existence of crime remains consistent. The following are the most common crimes that have occurred on higher-ed campuses:

It is not uncommon for drivers to get behind the wheel after having a few drinks, especially around the holidays. Rather than paying for a rideshare and leaving their car behind to be safe, individuals will often assume that their senses are not altered to the extent that restricts their ability to drive. The truth is that even when you think you are capable of driving, you may be over the legal limit. With the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit being 0.08 percent for Texans, even a couple of drinks can cause you to be legally intoxicated. If you see red and blue flashing lights in the rearview mirror after drinking any amount of alcohol, you could face DWI charges.

Do I have to Take a Breathalyzer Test?

Being pulled over by a police officer can be an anxiety-provoking experience. After stopping on the side of the road and waiting for the officer to come to your window, you will likely wonder how you should handle the situation. One thing to note is that in Texas, all drivers are required to submit to a BAC test if they are arrested on suspicion of DWI. This is known as the implied consent law. Every driver who has a valid Texas driver’s license agrees to give a blood or breath sample upon arrest.

Shoplifting is a common crime that occurs in many retail businesses. For both large corporations like Walmart and mom-and-pop shops, stores want to make sure the patrons coming through their doors are abiding by the law. In an attempt to reduce the number of items taken from shelves without paying, some stores have their employees check receipts before customers exit the premises. This may be helpful to catch the few individuals attempting to shoplift, but what about the majority of other loyal customers who waited in line at the register? Should they be subject to this routine interruption?

Shopkeeper’s Privilege in Texas

Many large corporations have receipt-checkers placed at all of their exits to act as an additional level of protection against shoplifters. Walmart, Costco, and Sam’s Club have some of the largest stores in the country and also make the most use of these “security checks.” However, their presence can sometimes be frustrating and insulting to customers. After standing in a long line for the past 30 minutes, it can feel unfair to have to take the time for another employee to scan your cart. It may seem as if these employees have no power, but according to Texas’ Shopkeeper’s Privilege law, refusing to show your receipt could be your first step toward detention.

Texas is often known as one of the most “open” states in terms of gun laws. This includes a person’s ability to purchase a weapon, the right to carry a concealed weapon, and the use of a weapon for self-defense. Most states have some form of legal protection for those who use a firearm to defend themselves, including Texas. Each state that provides its citizens with this right has different regulations tied to the law. Texas has two separate laws regarding self-defense to ensure that people have a right to protect themselves. It is important to understand what is and is not allowed in Texas to avoid being convicted of serious criminal charges related to murder or manslaughter.

Standing Your Ground in Texas

The “Stand Your Ground” law originated in Florida in 2005. Since then, the majority of the U.S. states have followed suit, passing their own versions of this law meant to protect those who defend themselves. As is evident in the phrasing, this law allows individuals to stand up against an attacker in the face of danger. In Texas, those who plan to use this law as their criminal defense tactic must be able to prove that they were in fear of imminent danger of serious injury or death at the hands of another person. The Stand Your Ground law applies to those protecting themselves or another person in danger.

Holiday parties are in full swing serving your favorite spiked eggnog or toasting the night away with friends and family over many glasses of champagne. Blurred senses and decreased rational thinking usually follow, which unfortunately bring the possibility of an increased number of drunk drivers on the road.

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI) are serious offenses that can damage your reputation and criminal record. Although there is never an excuse to drink and drive, here are five myths you need to debunk if you’re ever pulled over while inebriated.

Myth #1: If I don’t blow hard enough in the breathalyzer, it won’t fully read my BAC.

Failing to breathe into a breathalyzer test will only result in an officer asking you to redo the test until an accurate result is recorded. Drivers who unlawfully refuse to take the test face serious consequences. In Texas, the first offense is 180-day license suspension with up to 2 years for a third offense. It’s also important to note that breathalyzers measure the amount of chemical alcohol content in the breath not the amount in your blood. Taking a blood test is an alternate option you could make if you feel you were cheated by a breathalyzer test.

So you just got pulled over and immediately start to panic as police sirens are blaring and lights are vigorously flashing from the rearview mirror. Were you speeding? Broken tail light? Swerving? As the officer approaches your car, you realize a potential high-price traffic ticket will soon follow. Traffic tickets are overwhelmingly frustrating because many people are unsure of the law when it comes to these incidents. We want you to know exactly how they work and what you need to know if you ever have the displeasure of being in this situation in the state of Texas.

What is Reasonable Suspicion?

Reasonable suspicion is what an officer needs to lawfully institute a traffic stop. While this term may lack a definite explanation, small incidents such as failing to use your blinker or incorrectly changing lanes is enough for an officer of the law to pull you over.

Officers need probable cause.

If you’re ordered to step out of your car by an officer, you must comply. However, the officer needs probable cause to enter your vehicle. You have the right to say no to an officer asking to search your vehicle without a search warrant. If an officer proceeds to search your vehicle without a warrant, this act is an illegal search. Call BCP at (830) 769-1010 immediately to handle this case for you.

The year is 2019 and you most likely noticed the letters "CBD" boldly labeled across the front of new shops while driving down the street or your local grocery store handing out free samples of hemp-infused treats branded with Cannabis plants. What is this new wave sweeping across the nation? Cannabis is finally legal in Texas, but it’s not what you think. Times are changing for Texas residents, which is why it’s important to understand the regulations surrounding this new bill and how it can affect your use of the substance.

No, don’t start lighting up anywhere you want.

The new bill that was passed by President Trump, known as the Farm Bill, left Hemp sale and production regulation up to state lawmakers, which encouraged several states to take steps to address the legalization of Cannabis and related products – and it’s the same for Texas. To be clear, it is legal to purchase, distribute, and consume Hemp products, but it is still very much illegal to consume Marijuana.

Yes, there is a difference between Marijuana and hemp.

Hemp and Marijuana are two terms used to classify strains of the Cannabis plant. The main difference is that an oil, hemp, is derived from the plant containing less than .3% of THC, while Marijuana contains up to 30%. THC is what is known to give off psychoactive effects or that “high” feeling that is not given when consuming hemp but present in Marijuana. Unlike breathalyzers where you’ll get accurate results on the spot, there is no way to test between marijuana and hemp that is readily available seeing as tests are too costly and time consuming to conduct at the moment.

Being convicted of family violence charges is a serious crime, especially if children are involved. Domestic violence can come in many forms, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Many victims will file an order of protection to distance themselves from their abuser before seeking domestic violence charges. Some people who file for orders of protection feel the need to take legal measures to feel safe, whether abuse occurred or not. Orders of protection are not difficult to obtain, and if one is filed against you, it is crucial to know the rules and regulations behind the court order to avoid facing serious criminal consequences.

Who Can File For an Order of Protection?

Orders of protection, commonly known as restraining orders, are set in place by the court to protect the petitioner from someone who has been violent toward him or her or has threatened violence. This is a common security measure taken by those who have been victims of sexual abuse. All of the following must be true to file for an order of protection:

A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is any vehicle used to transport goods or passengers for profit. CMVs can include pickup trucks, box trucks, semi-trucks, vans, buses, taxis, and trailers. Like any other workplace, drivers of CMVs have certain safety standards to uphold. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is in charge of these inspections to ensure that all drivers are safe, whether they are the ones in the truck or another vehicle on the road. Commercial motor vehicles over 10,000 pounds are strictly regulated by DOT due to their massive size and the potential danger they can pose to other drivers. In some cases, trucking companies are responsible for performing these inspections, while in others, the DOT can inspect the vehicles themselves. A commercial motor vehicle accident can result in serious or fatal injuries. 

Periodic Vehicle Inspections By the Company

DOT has 13 areas that must be checked on a regular basis to ensure safety and compliance with their regulations. These inspections can and should be scheduled by the commercial motor vehicle company. The following areas must be inspected to adhere to these regulations:

In the midst of tragedies involving gun violence, many states have taken measures to restrict gun rights in an attempt to reduce this ongoing issue. One primary concern that has been addressed by legislators is the right to carry arms in a concealed manner. Some states may have restricted their residents’ weapons rights; however, Texas remains pro-concealed carry. Many gun owners see taking away this legal right as a direct violation of the Second Amendment and a means of disabling people from being able to defend themselves. Regardless of your stance on the matter, it is important to note that Texas residents who wish to carry a concealed weapon have strict laws by which they must abide -- and those who fail to do so can face serious legal consequences, including criminal charges.

The Application Process

Many individuals have the incorrect assumption that anyone can get a license to carry a weapon without realizing the various qualifications that must be met. Concealed carry is legal with a Texas License to Carry (LTC) or a concealed carry license/permit from a state that Texas honors. Texas is considered a “shall-issue” state with concealed weapons permits, which means that the Department of Public Safety cannot deny a permit to an applicant if they meet all of the legal requirements.

Throughout the United States, the laws regarding marijuana have changed significantly in recent years. After President Trump’s December 2018 Farm Bill left hemp sale and production regulation up to state lawmakers, several states have taken steps to address the legality of marijuana and related products, and Texas is no exception. With all of these recent changes, it can be difficult to keep track of what is and is not legal. That is why it is crucial to stay up to date on all legal changes and contact a drug charge defense attorney if you are facing possible criminal charges.

Texas House Bill 1325

This past June, Governor Abbott signed House Bill 1325 into law, legalizing the commercial production of hemp in the state of Texas. However, before this law can go into effect, the Texas Department of Agriculture needs to submit a “state hemp plan” to the USDA. Farmers hoping to get approval to grow hemp will need to submit growing permits with the Texas Department of Agriculture, which expects to begin accepting applications at the start of 2020. While it seems like the government has a solid plan for implementing this new legislation, lines may become blurred regarding what is considered legal in Texas.

One of the major obstacles that former offenders face is a stain on their permanent record. Whether they went to prison or not, a criminal history can add complications to their personal and professional lives. Individuals with a criminal record can lose custody of their children and have a difficult time finding employment. To help ease the transition, Texas law allows some criminals to expunge their records, but there are specific eligibility requirements that must be met in order to do so.

What Is Expunction?

The term “expunction” refers to the removal of information about an arrest, charge, or conviction from a personal record. In other words, if a person’s record is expunged, the information is removed from his or her record, and he or she is legally allowed to deny that the incident ever occurred. However, this option is not available to most offenders and has certain eligibility requirements that must be met.

In many states, assault and battery are treated as separate crimes. Assault and battery have different criminal definitions and thus result in distinctive penalties in the states that prosecute them separately. But what about the states that do not separate the two offenses? If they have different legal definitions, what are the consequences for committing them in the states that do not separate the two? For example, Texas does not distinguish between assault and battery. Therefore, it is important to know the distinction between the crimes in the event you or someone you know faces these allegations.   

What Is the Difference Between Assault and Battery?

An action is considered an “assault” if someone threatens another person with “imminent” bodily injury. In other words, no physical harm has to be done in order for someone to be charged with assault in the states that separate the two. For instance, if an individual threw a punch and missed the intended party, the offender could be charged with assault since imminent danger was assumed by the potentially injured party. Battery charges require physical contact, which can be deemed “offensive” or “injurious.” These two offenses are so closely intertwined that Texas penal code 2201 does not distinguish between the two. Assault and battery are classified as one offense, labeled under the term “assault.” 

Everyone has heard of the dangerous consequences that can result from drinking and driving, and sometimes, the warnings about its dangers may start to seem dramatized. However, the potential physical and legal consequences of driving intoxicated should be warning enough. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, someone is hurt or killed in a crash involving alcohol approximately every 20 minutes in Texas. Not only do drunk drivers put themselves at risk, but they also place other drivers and pedestrians in danger. There are different charges that Texans can face when mixing driving and alcohol, and it is important to understand the laws to avoid criminal consequences.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

The most well known and common charge related to alcohol use is driving while intoxicated, or DWI. In Texas, the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08. In other words, once that level of alcohol consumption is reached, the individual is considered legally intoxicated. While this charge may seem fairly straightforward, there are additional details that some may not know about. Texas law defines this offense as “operating a motor vehicle in a public place.” The term “operating” includes more than just driving. If you are sitting in the driver’s seat while intoxicated, and the car is running, you can still be charged with a DWI. Because you were technically operating the vehicle, the charge remains the same, even if the vehicle was not moving.

It is common knowledge that children make mistakes frequently and often fail to recognize how certain decisions can affect their future. Juvenile delinquency is a significant issue that can become a vicious cycle for those found guilty. Children's mistakes can remain on their records and affect possible job opportunities in the future. According to the most recent data from the Texas Department of Public Safety, there were 3,572 juvenile arrests in 2014. In other words, thousands of children each year are facing possible fines, confinement, and a negative impact on their permanent records.

What Is the First Offender Program?

The First Offender Program is Texas law enforcement’s response to juvenile delinquency. Texas legislators and law enforcement officers recognize that a child’s lack of maturity and mental development can cause them to make a mistake that they do not fully comprehend as “wrong” at the time. The First Offender Program is a minor’s way to start over, even if he or she has committed a crime. Different geographic areas can have their own version of such a program. The program has certain requirements that must be completed, which will allow the child’s first offense to be removed from his or her record. These may include mandatory attendance at group meetings and/or appointments with a caseworker.

Not all children with convictions are eligible for the program. The minor must be between the age of 10 and 16 and be a first offender. Those who have committed Class A & B misdemeanors and state jail felonies may be eligible for the program. However, those who have charges that involved assaults, weapons, or sexual crimes resulting in the requirement to register as a sex offender do not qualify for the program.

 It is no secret that mass shootings have plagued Texas, along with the rest of the country, over the last decade. According to a recent NBC News report, the shooting in El Paso left at least 22 people dead and 26 injured and falls within the top 10 deadliest shootings in modern American history. These shootings involving firearms have prompted two distinct sides: Those who want stricter gun laws and those who believe access to firearms will keep more individuals safe. The state of Texas recently passed new gun laws, which go into effect soon and will potentially impact many gun owners. 

What Are the New Texas Gun Laws?

In the last session, Texas lawmakers passed nine gun-related bills, a few of which will become laws and go into effect on September 1. There are two gun law changes that affect who can carry guns and where they can carry them. One of the laws allows handgun owners to carry their concealed firearms without a permit for up to one week if a disaster has been declared. Some may say that this new law violates the original law, found in section 46.02 of the Texas Penal Code, regarding concealed carry requirements. However, the new law specifies three instances in which section 46.02 does not apply to handgun owners:

1. The person carries the handgun while evacuating from an area after a state of disaster or a local state of disaster has been officially declared or while reentering the area that he or she just evacuated.

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Cyberbullying is the modern version of bullying that, unfortunately, many kids experience while growing up. This term cyberbullying includes any threats, humiliation, or harassment through the use of technology. The constant connection with smartphones and tablet or laptop computers makes this form of bullying much more serious and intense than that which existed before modern technology. Rather than just facing such harassment at school, students now have this form of bullying following them everywhere they go. The perpetrator can also remain anonymous, making it somewhat difficult to pinpoint the source of the student’s bullying. 

What Does Cyberbullying Look Like?

Cyberbullying is constantly evolving and changing as updates are made to technology and social media websites. That being said, there are some common tactics that are used to target individuals:

Seeing the red and blue flashing lights behind you is a situation that every driver hopes to avoid. You slow down, pull over to the side of the road, and hope that you do not receive a high-priced ticket. What many people fail to realize is that paying a large fee is not the only legal consequence of a traffic violation, and in many cases, even those who do not receive a ticket may still face penalties or consequences to their driving records.

What Is the “Point System?”

Every Texas traffic violation is put on record and has “points” attached to it. The more serious the violation, the higher the points. Unlike many states, Texas only has two categories of violations that determine the number of points. Any Texas or out-of-state traffic conviction will warrant two points added to the driver’s record and any Texas or out-of-state conviction resulting in a collision will result in three points. These numbers may sound low; however, even having two points on your record can translate to financial consequences such as higher insurance premium rates. 

Whether it’s your first day in court or your last day in trial before the verdict is read, there’s just some things you don’t do. Here’s a list of the 10 fashion don’ts that you should remember before you ever set your first foot in a courthouse. The list goes from the most modest to the most outrageous ideas for courtroom apparel. Some of you may think, “No, there’s no way anyone would ever do that.” But these are actual examples, derived from actual people who woke up on the day of their court appearance and thought to themselves, “Hey, you know what might go well with these shoes? A tie that with lights on it under a handcuff necklace. Stay away from these hints for starters. Hope this helps.

1. First Fashion Don’t: No shorts. This is an absolute bar from most courts. You wear shorts, you win a trip into the hallway and a stern lecture from the judge. Just avoid them.