If a warrant has been issued, it is important to take immediate action. The sooner you are proactive, the better your chances of avoiding arrest.
Shoplifting is the theft of merchandise from a business premise. It is one of the “offenses against property” detailed in Title 7 of the Texas Penal Code and, more specifically, a theft offense consolidated under Section 31.03 of the Code. Theft offenses are classified according…
You may have heard of the Texas “Castle Doctrine” or “Stand Your Ground” laws, which allow a person to defend their person or their property. This is often used successfully as a defense to criminal charges in the state. But when does self-defense overstep the…
In Texas, the offense of criminal trespass, as outlined in Texas Penal Code 30.05, can lead to jail time and long-term consequences that can seriously impact your future. As such, if you are charged with this crime, you need to start thinking about how you…
Being arrested or approached by police can be intimidating. You may not know your rights, or you may feel pressured into consenting to police requests you’re not sure about. The Constitution protects us from “unreasonable search and seizures”, but what does that mean when you’re…
Although the terms theft, robbery, and burglary are often used interchangeably, they are distinct crimes with separate penalties under the Texas Penal Code.
Domestic violence is a serious problem both here at home in Texas, and across the country. In fact, in the United States it is estimated that one in three women, and one in four men will experience violence perpetrated by an intimate partner or family…
Mistakes are a part of life, and, unfortunately, some of those mistakes can follow us for years. In Texas, and the U.S. generally, a criminal record can affect the opportunities available to you throughout your life even if you are not convicted of a crime.
If you are stopped for riding a bicycle, push scooter, or skateboard after consuming beer, wine, or any other alcoholic beverage, your best bet is to contact a knowledgeable defense attorney.
In Texas, if a person is found guilty of DWI, the conviction remains on the driver’s permanent record. It is not removed even years after the offense is committed.
If you intentionally enter a property with a posted “no trespassing” sign, or one that is designated as private property, or is fenced in or in some way clearly meant to exclude intruders, chances are you have committed the crime of criminal trespass.
Everybody who owns or operates a motor vehicle knows that driving while intoxicated (DWI, or sometimes referred to as driving under the influence, or DUI) is against the law.
People who are charged with a crime may be angry, upset, or confused—often to the point where they want to take it out on whomever arrested them, testified against them, or informed on them.
If you failed to show up for a court appearance for a traffic violation, failed to pay a fine or have violated probation, chances are you will find out the hard way just what a capias warrant is.
Arrests for driving under the influence (DUI), including drunk driving or operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, have dropped overall in Texas—and that’s good news.
In Texas, there are three “degrees” of crime: Felonies, misdemeanors and infractions. Felonies are the most serious types of criminal charges, including murder, sexual assault and assault with a deadly weapon. Infractions are minor offenses, such as creating a public nuisance or jaywalking.
If you do not and are charged with evading the police, the prosecution needs to prove intent: that whoever attempted to elude or evade knew what they were doing and did it on purpose.
If you are issued a summons, it’s crucial that you attend court at the date and time specified. Failing to do so means you will lose your case by default, and if it is a criminal case, the court will likely issue a warrant for…
Not only can you face heavy fines for driving without a license or a suspended or revoked license, if you are pulled over and nobody in the car has a valid driver’s license, your car will be impounded and you will be taken to jail.
When a person holds another person captive against their will without proper authority, it is called false imprisonment. Kidnapping is the best-known type of false imprisonment and it is a serious criminal offense that carries heavy charges for people who are convicted.