Posted on September 19, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Facing a charge of sexual offense in Texas can change your life drastically. It can shatter your family bonds, disrupt your career, and tarnish your reputation. It is estimated that about ten percent of reported sexual assault allegations end up being false claims. That is why it is important that you take quick action. In Texas, a conviction can result in lengthy prison sentences and mandatory registration as a sex offender. If you are accused of a sexual offense, you need the assistance of a skilled criminal defense attorney who can help you fight these allegations.

Do Sexual Assault and  Aggravated Sexual Assault Differ?

Under Texas law, sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault are classified as felonies. Here is the difference between both:

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 Posted on August 04, 2023 in DWI

Many people who have been arrested for DWI in Texas erroneously believe that if they failed a breathalyzer test, the police have nearly perfect evidence against them. It may seem like a breathalyzer test showing that a person had a blood alcohol content over 0.08 percent establishes conclusively that they were driving drunk. However, this is not the case at all. Breathalyzer tests are not the perfect scientific tools many people believe they are. There are a number of reasons why a breath test may not produce accurate results. Proving that a condition that may have skewed the results existed may mean that the breathalyzer test is no longer reliable. In some cases, this may mean that it cannot be used in court at all. In other cases, it significantly weakens the evidence and allows the defendant a chance to show that he may not be guilty of a DWI. If you have recently been charged with DWI, it is important to speak to a criminal defense attorney promptly. An attorney can evaluate your case to determine whether you may have a strong defense available. 

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 Posted on July 10, 2023 in Criminal Defense

In the state of Texas, the issue of family violence is a serious matter that requires immediate attention. Individuals accused of engaging in a pattern of abusive behavior may face criminal charges under the offense known as “continuous family violence.” Today, we are going to delve into the legal aspects surrounding this offense, including its definition, potential consequences, and the role of criminal defense in Texas for those accused of committing continuous family violence. Retaining legal representation is essential for those charged with such offenses, as the law practices harsh and swift punishment for those convicted.

Defining Continuous Family Violence 

Continuous family violence refers to a pattern of two or more acts of violence committed against a family or household member within one year of each other. These acts of violence may be committed twice against the same person or may be directed at two different people. These acts can include physical harm, threats, intimidation, or any form of abusive behavior that creates a state of fear. The recurrence of these acts is a crucial factor distinguishing continuous family violence from isolated incidents. 

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 Posted on June 08, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Money laundering and embezzlement are both forms of financial crimes, but their underlying principles and methods differ. While both can result in significant financial losses and criminal penalties, the distinction between the two is essential to understand, especially for someone who is facing charges of money laundering, embezzlement, or both. If this sounds like you, contact a criminal defense attorney to understand the charges against you and begin building your defense strategy.

Here is What to Know About Embezzlement

Embezzlement involves the illegal transfer of funds or property from an individual or organization by someone entrusted with that property or funds. Often, this happens when an employee has access to money and instead diverts the funds for personal use. In an embezzlement scheme, the person is taking funds belonging to someone else and using them for personal purposes. The action involved is essentially stealing, and the intent usually consists of some personal gain. Embezzlement does not generally involve any manipulation of the original transaction.

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 Posted on May 08, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Representing yourself in a criminal case, also known as proceeding pro se, is generally an awful idea. While it may seem like a great way to save money, this sentiment is misguided. Representing yourself has a higher likelihood of conviction and more severe penalties than if a seasoned criminal defense attorney represented you. Today, we are going to review the risks associated with representing yourself in a criminal case.

Here is Why Representing Yourself is a Recklessly Bad Decision

The following are four reasons why representing yourself is a bad idea, including:

1. Lack of Legal Knowledge – Representing oneself in a criminal case ultimately means you are entering a realm in which you have no experience or knowledge. Real-life criminal law is not like what you see on television shows like Law & Order. Criminal law contains a plethora of principles that must be followed. Attempting to handle criminal legal proceedings without sufficient legal knowledge completely disrupts your chance of credibly advocating for yourself in criminal court. 

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 Posted on April 13, 2023 in DWI

If you have been issued a traffic violation, you may wonder whether you need to hire an attorney. While it is possible to represent yourself in traffic court, there are several reasons why hiring an attorney may be in your best interest. For anyone who has been issued a traffic violation, there are various considerations you should take into account when weighing whether to hire a traffic violations attorney. 

Here is Why You Should Hire an Attorney

Here are some of the key reasons why you should consider hiring an attorney for a traffic violation, including:

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 Posted on March 03, 2023 in Criminal Defense

False confessions are a significant problem in the criminal justice system. Despite the widespread belief that people only confess to crimes they have committed, research shows that false confessions occur more often than we might think. Today, we will discuss factors contributing to this troubling phenomenon. Please be advised that if you are ever charged with a criminal offense, it is in your best interest to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to ensure you know your rights and understand the best way to handle the situation.

Four Reasons Why False Confessions Occur 

A false confession occurs when an innocent person admits to committing a crime they did not commit. False confessions can happen for various reasons, but research shows that some factors make people vulnerable to making false statements. Some of the reasons that can lead to a false confession include the following:

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 Posted on February 10, 2023 in Criminal Defense

It is well known that in Texas, the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms is a right that is passionately believed in and defended by many Texans, which is why many individuals own firearms. However, many citizens remain unclear regarding whether a citizen can lawfully discharge a firearm to protect their property from an outside threat. In Texas, the right to use force to defend property is limited and governed by the “castle doctrine.” The castle doctrine is a legal concept that says a person has the right to use deadly force to protect their home or property from an intruder. This means that if someone is illegally on your property and you believe they are there to cause harm, you may use force to protect yourself and your family.

However, there are essential considerations to bear in mind before you open fire on someone who is on your property illegally. Today, we are going to take a look at what some of those considerations are. If you have been charged with a crime for using deadly force on someone on your property illegally, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can ensure your rights remain protected and respected as you move through the legal process.

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 Posted on January 23, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Murder is, arguably, the most severe offense someone can be charged with within the entire United States. If convicted, offenders may spend the rest of their lives in prison or even be put to death. In addition, defendants in murder cases are often at somewhat of a disadvantage against the legal system, as those charged with murder are often considered guilty in the public opinion before they even stand trial. As a result, defending against a murder charge is no small task. 

If you have been charged with murder, understand the legal jeopardy you are currently in. To successfully beat murder charges, you must obtain masterful legal counsel to help create reasonable doubt in the jurors' minds. Without such legal representation, you may permanently lose your freedoms and possibly even your life. While defending against murder charges is not easy, it is not impossible either. This blog will address different defenses that, if applied appropriately, may be enough to acquit you, thereby giving you back your freedom. 

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 Posted on January 16, 2023 in Juvenile Law

We have heard it said many times: never post anything online that you would not be comfortable with your mom or dad reading. Unfortunately, many people, particularly young adults and teenagers forget that once you post something online, it is there to stay. Even if you delete a post, there is still a high chance that whatever you wrote was seen by at least a few people. It is important to remember that online interactions with others can carry severe consequences, both in your personal life and legally. 

Juveniles who engage in forms of online harassment or cyberbullying may quickly find themselves facing charges for things they have said online to others. Therefore, it is vital that if you or your underage child has been charged with online harassment or cyberbullying, strongly consider contacting a criminal defense attorney who will work to ensure your rights remain protected and that an outcome in your or your child’s favor can be pursued diligently. 

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